Gnocchi are pillowy soft, slightly chewy dumplings made with potatoes, flour, (occasionally) egg and salt. They’re often boiled, then tossed in various sauces, ranging from browned butter, parmesan and herbs to classic tomato. Although not required, boiling is the most popular way to cook gnocchi, since it is the only way to ensure soft, fluffy results. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of boiling gnocchi to perfection, ensuring they retain their shape and texture. So, let’s dive in and learn how to boil gnocchi like a pro!
How Long to Boil Gnocchi (Homemade)
Before you embark on your gnocchi-boiling adventure, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You’ll need the following:
- Gnocchi – Use any kind you like.
- Water – You’ll need enough to boil the gnocchi.
- Pot – Aim for a large, wide pot that accommodates the gnocchi without overcrowding.
- Salt – To season the boiling water and enhance the flavor of the gnocchi.
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer – To lift the gnocchi from the boiling water.
- Plate lined with paper towels – For draining the cooked gnocchi.
Once you have the equipment ready, it’s time to boil the gnocchi. To start, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, generously salt the water (add a tablespoon of salt per 1 liter of water); the salt will season the gnocchi. Once the pot of boiling water is salted, it is time to cook the gnocchi:
- Carefully add the gnocchi to the boiling water.
- Leave the gnocchi to boil until they float to the water’s surface. This will take 2-3 minutes for most types.
- Leave the gnocchi to boil for another minute to ensure they are cooked.
- Use a slotted spoon or a spider strainer to scoop the gnocchi out of the boiling water.
- Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess water.
Immediately serve the boiled gnocchi with your favorite sauce or toppings. Enjoy with tomato sauce, pesto, butter, herbs and more.
Also, let’s not forget that there are different types of gnocchi: five main types, to be specific, and boiling time varies, due to factors like size and ingredients. The five types of gnocchi are:
- Classic potato gnocchi
- Canederli (bread gnocchi)
- Ricotta gnocchi
- Pumpkin gnocchi
- Semolina gnocchi
Although the procedure for gnocchi is generally the same, cook times are not, so refer to the chart below.
| Type | Boiling Time | Inactive Cook Time |
| Classic potato gnocchi | 3-4 minutes | N/A |
| Canederli (bread gnocchi) | 15 minutes | N/A |
| Ricotta gnocchi | 2-4 minutes | N/A |
| Pumpkin gnocchi | 3-4 minutes | N/A |
| Semolina gnocchi | 5-7 minutes | 15 minutes |
How Long to Boil Packaged Gnocchi
We’ve covered how long to boil gnocchi made from scratch, but does the same goes for packaged gnocchi? Let’s be honest – most go out and purchase gnocchi instead of making it from scratch. How long to boil packaged gnocchi doesn’t differ much. The average range is 2-5 minutes unless canederli or semolina gnocchi are on the menu. Then, narrow that down to whether you have fresh, frozen or dried. Fresh gnocchi boil the fastest, while frozen and dried require a few more minutes. Wait until they float to the surface, then cook for another minute. Also, don’t forget the packaging instructions. That’s what they are there for.
Now you know how long to boil gnocchi of all kinds. No matter what you choose, remember gnocchi are delicate, so handle them gently to avoid breaking. Happy eating!
