Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi

Learn how to make traditional Italian Gnudi—pillowy ricotta and spinach dumplings lightly dusted in Caputo Semola flour. This step-by-step recipe covers everything from preparing the dough to crafting a brown butter sage sauce or serving with Ciao’s traditional marinara. Includes tips for make-ahead storage, photo prompts, and serving suggestions for a truly authentic homemade experience.

  • Yield: 4 Servings
  • Prep Time: 2 hr
  • Cook Time: 3 min

Ingredients

Gnudi
300 g Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
1 Large Egg
6 oz Spinach, blanched and drained
½ Cup (12g) Fresh Grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for garnish
½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
¼ Teaspoon Fresh Grated Nutmeg
Sauces
Simple Brown Butter Sage Sauce with Balsamic Drizzle

Instructions

  1. Unpackage whole milk ricotta cheese and add to a cheese cloth or a clean dish towel. Strain all the liquid from the cheese and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes while you blanch spinach and gather ingredients.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and drop spinach to boil for 1 minute. Strain spinach and wring out all liquid in a cheese cloth or clean dish towel.
  3. Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until combined.
    Food in a blenderGreen mixture in blender
  4. Fill a small sheet pan or plate with ½ Cup – 1 Cup Caputo Semola Flour. Use a ½ inch cookie scoop or tablespoon measuring cup to drop a ball of the mixture into the flour. Coat the dough in Semola Flour and place it on a separate sheet pan or plate.
  5. Repeat with the remaining dough, then allow to rest in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 1 hour, up to 6 hours.
    Tray of dough
  6. While your Gnudi rests in the refrigerator, prepare the sauce of your choice.

Ciao Traditional Marinara Sauce Or Simple Brown Butter Sage with Balsamic Drizzle

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 stick of butter until it starts to foam. Stir constantly until the color is golden brown, then drop in sage leaves and keep stirring.
  2. Take the pan off the heat to avoid burning and let rest until ready to serve.
  3. Keep balsamic close by for a finishing touch on the dish!
    Butter with sage Finished sauce
Cooking the Gnudi
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, drop in gnudi one at a time and cook for 3 minutes.
  2. Strain your gnudi and add them to the sauce of your choice. Plate with Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh basil, and a balsamic drizzle if desired.
  3. Serve and enjoy!
Notes:

Gnudi can be made in advance. Store in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours.

Products Used In The Recipe

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About the Chef



Meet Tori Messinger

Tori Messinger

Tori Messinger is not only our Sales and Marketing Coordinator, but also a Master Pasta Maker. Before joining the Orlando Foods team, she studied the business behind food at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, where she graduated with a secondary degree in Culinary and Restaurant Management. 

Afterward, she traveled to Parma, Italy, to perfect the art of pasta making at the Alma Culinary Institute. There, she immersed herself in all forms of Italian pasta, studying under some of Italy's most award-winning chefs. Tori learned the intricate techniques behind both dry and fresh pasta, as well as traditional Italian gastronomy. 

With her extensive experience, Tori brings a wealth of knowledge about pasta dough to our team. She continues to collaborate with fellow Orlando Foods chefs, developing innovate recipes and learning from the best in the industry.