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Easy Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe for Beginners

A simple, 3-ingredient sweet potato gnocchi recipe that’s perfect for beginners! Light, pillowy, and delicious, these gnocchi can be boiled, baked, or frozen for later. Serve with butter-sage sauce, pesto, or your favorite topping!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Gnocchi:
  • 20 oz sweet potatoes about 2 medium or 1 large
  • 1 large egg
  • 200 g all-purpose flour approx. 1½ cups
  • 60 g extra flour for kneading approx. ⅓ cup
  • ½ tbsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 1 tsp Morton’s
For the Sauce (Optional):
5 cups chopped broccoli rabe
8 tbsp unsalted butter
⅓ cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic (minced)
5–6 sage leaves
1 tsp sea salt
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
  1. Bake or microwave the sweet potatoes until soft.
  2. Allow to cool, peel, and mash until smooth.
Step 2: Make the Dough
  1. Mix mashed sweet potatoes with egg and salt.
  2. Gradually add flour until dough forms (it should be soft, not sticky).
  3. Lightly flour a surface and knead gently, using extra flour as needed.
Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi
  1. Divide dough into 4 portions. Roll each into a long rope.
  2. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Optionally, shape using a fork or gnocchi board.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
  1. Bring salted water to a boil.
  2. Add gnocchi in batches. Cook until they float (about 2–3 minutes).
  3. Remove and drain.
Step 5: Make Optional Butter Sage Sauce
  1. In a pan, melt butter and add garlic and sage.
  2. Sauté until fragrant. Add cream, broccoli rabe, and Parmesan.
  3. Toss gnocchi in sauce and serve hot.

Notes

Notes:

  • Measure ingredients by weight for best results.
  • Use kale or spinach if broccoli rabe isn't available.
  • Gnocchi dough can be made 1 day in advance.

Storage:

  • Cooked Gnocchi: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
  • Uncooked Gnocchi: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months.