What Goes With Gnocchi: 20 Tasty Pairings

Gnocchi is an amazing main course because it's super simple and quick to make. Also, there are so many different sauces and flavors to make with it! But what delicious side dishes go with gnocchi? Read on to find out!

Gnocchi in a while bowl with tomato and basil on top.

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What is Gnocchi?

Traditionally, gnocchi is made from mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs. But it can also be made gluten-free with other types of flour. It's also made with other bases besides basic potatoes, for example there is sweet potato gnocchi and cauliflower gnocchi!

What goes with Gnocchi?

Gnocchi is a dense and starchy dish, so side dishes that complement that make for great pairings with gnocchi. We'll go over three categories of the best side dishes for gnocchi, including vegetables, meat, and Italian. This includes light vegetables such as a salad or green beans. Protein sides such as meatballs and chicken breast also go great with gnocchi!

What vegetables to serve with gnocchi

If you're looking for some healthy vegetable sides to go with your gnocchi main dish then look no further! Check out these five delicious vegetable recipes.

1. Green Beans with Bacon

Bacon and green beans inside a shallow white bowl.

This easy recipe makes a perfect side dish for gnocchi!

It features fresh green beans, crispy bacon, and sweet honey for a delicious combination of flavors. Having both a vegetable and protein in one dish complements the filling carbs of gnocchi perfectly!

2. Warm Harvest Salad

Overhead view of an arugula salad with apple and yam slices on top.

If you're looking for a simple dish to serve with your gnocchi then this harvest salad is calling your name!

This simple salad features crispy apples, healthy spinach, and tasty butternut squash.

3. Lemon Garlic Brussels Sprouts

Sauteed brussels sprouts with lemon and bacon inside a black skillet.

Filled with lemon juice and minced garlic, these brussels sprouts come together quick and easy in just one skillet.

These brussels sprouts are a nice side for gnocchi because they're crispy when fried, which complements the soft gnocchi.

4. Roasted Garlic Parm Broccoli

This fresh broccoli is oven roasted with garlic and parmesan cheese.

It uses simple ingredients and is both healthy and tasty! It makes eating broccoli a delight!

5. Sauteed Asparagus and Mushrooms

For all the mushroom lover out there - this easy side dish is for you!

This recipe is super easy to whip together and will liven up your taste buds and plate!

6. Italian Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are Italian style and will take your taste buds to a restaurant overlooking the Amalfi coast.

They're loaded with Italian flavors such as parsley, garlic, anchovies, and provolone cheese. Their flavor an texture make them a great dish to enjoy with gnocchi!

What meat goes well with gnocchi?

Gnocchi is heavy in carbohydrates. Therefore, if you want to add some protein to your meal you should look for a meat side dish to do so.

7. Instant Pot Pork Chops

A pork chop set on green beans with mushrooms and soup on top.

Pork chops are a budget friendly meat. Although they're cheap, they certainly don't skimp on the flavor!

These delightful pork chops are made in the instant pot a creamy mushroom sauce and come out so tender and full of flavor!

8. Stuffed chicken breast

A chicken breast cut in half with mustard filling on the inside.

This tasty and juicy chicken breast is a great recipe to make alongside your gnocchi!

As a bonus, it comes together in the oven, so you won't be crowding the stove when you cook your gnocchi.

9. Homemade meatballs

If you're looking for a traditional Italian dish, then pairing meatballs with your gnocchi is a great choice.

The advantage to homemade meatballs is that they will likely pair with whatever sauce you make for your gnocchi, which will simplify your meal prep!

10. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Nothing screams Italian like this creamy Tuscan chicken recipe.

This scrumptious chicken is drenched in a garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and capers! Plus, it comes together in just one pot for an easy dinner!

11. Italian Pot Roast

I'm a big fan of beef and potatoes. And with this Italian Pot Roast alongside your gnocchi you'll have just that!

This recipe is pure comfort food - it features slowly braised beef in a wine infused sauce. So good!

12. Porchetta Pork Tenderloin

Can you go wrong with bacon wrapped anything? The answer is a definite no.

This Porchetta pork tenderloin is stuffed with tasty Italian flavors and wrapped in bacon for a protein packed dish that won't dissapoint!

What Italian side dishes go with gnocchi?

These other tasty side dishes don't have a home in the vegetable or meat category. They're a mix of classic Italian cuisine that make a perfect meal when paired with tender gnocchi!

13. Authentic Italian Bruschetta

This authentic Italian Bruschetta is the perfect way to add a crunchy side dish to your homemade gnocchi.

Bruschetta features bright and fresh tomatoes drizzled in olive oil and balsamic on top of crispy bread!

14. Minute Garlic Bread

Is there anything more delicious than garlic butter on top of bread? The answer is no!

This garlic bread is so easy to throw together, plus it only takes 10 minutes to make! It's a perfect gnocchi side for a busy weeknight.

15. Caprese Salad

Yet another simple side dish to serve up with gnocchi is the classic caprese salad.

This salad is loaded with balls of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and juicy tomatoes!

16. Creamy Gnocchi Soup

Okay this may not exactly be a side dish. But did you know gnocchi is great in soup?

This soup is so comforting and hearty because it's filled with rosemary, bacon and gnocchi. It'll have you feeling warm and fuzzy inside!

17. Italian Sausage and Peppers

If you're looking for some Italian meat and vegetables to go with your gnocchi then this recipe is perfect for you.

It's bursting with flavor and full of fun colors. It's going to liven up your plate and your taste buds!

18. Garlic and Herb Focaccia

You're going to love this golden-brown focaccia bread!

It's a perfect pair with a saucy gnocchi because you can easily dip it in the extra sauce and soak it all up to the last drop.

We love this focaccia and are sure you will too.

19. Antipasto Farro Salad

This delightful antipasto salad is a colorful dish that's sure to be a hit at your house.

It has all the best Italian flavor that are brought out in every crunchy and tasty bite.

Have it on the side of your favorite gnocchi for a complete and balanced meal!

20. Lemon Pistachio Biscotti

If you're looking for something a little different to serve with your gnocchi then try these Lemon Pistachio Biscotti!

They're perfect for dipping in your hot beverage of choice - whether it's a cappuccino, hot chocolate, or anything else you enjoy.

Looking for an easy gnocchi recipe to make? Check out some of our favorites below!

Baked Feta Gnocchi in Tomato Sauce

Creamy Vegan Gnocchi

Pesto Gnocchi