
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
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Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until combined.
- 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.
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Repeat with the remaining dough, then allow to rest in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 1 hour, up to 6 hours.
- 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
- 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.
- Take the pan off the heat to avoid burning and let rest until ready to serve.
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Keep balsamic close by for a finishing touch on the dish!
Cooking the Gnudi
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, drop in gnudi one at a time and cook for 3 minutes.
- Strain your gnudi and add them to the sauce of your choice. Plate with Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh basil, and a balsamic drizzle if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes:
Gnudi can be made in advance. Store in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours.