Ricotta Gnudi in a Parmesan Broth is hearty, ricotta dumplings in a flavorful Parmesan infused chicken broth. A cross between pasta and soup!

Although it's nearing the end of April, we've had another cold front come through Chicago, so I thought I would post this comforting soup-like meal. I made it sometime this winter, and I really liked these tasty ricotta dumplings bathing in a warm Parmesan broth. This was definitely not one of Bob's favorite meals, mainly because he doesn't really like ricotta cheese. I naively thought I could change his mind.
Giada has this meal filed under "hearty pastas" in her cookbook, Everyday Pasta, but I think a small portion could be served as a soup course at a dinner party. If you like ricotta cheese, you should give these a try!
Gluten Free Option
Use a gluten free flour blend, such as Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour, in place of all purpose flour.
Looking for More Ricotta Recipes?
Baked Ricotta Cavatelli in a Mascarpone Cheese Sauce
Easy Blueberry Cheese Danish
Turkey Lasagna St. Louis Style
Skillet Lasagna
Ricotta Pancakes
Five Veggie Four Cheese Lasagna
📖 Recipe

Ricotta Gnudi in a Parmesan Broth
Ingredients
For the Parmesan Broth:
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Ricotta Gnudi:
- 2 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (or ½ tablespoon dried)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (plus 1 cup for dredging)
Instructions
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the broth has reduced to 4 cups, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, make the gnudi.
Make the Gnudi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer over high heat. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, egg, egg white, parsley, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; mix thoroughly.
- When the water is simmering and ready, stir the flour into the ricotta mixture. It is important not to add the flour too soon; otherwise they will become dense and gummy rather than light.
- Shape the gnudi using 2 large soup spoons: scoop up a large spoonful of ricotta mixture into one spoon, then scoop the mixture onto the other spoon and back again, forming a three-sided oval. I have also seen these shaped into little round balls, like meatballs.
- Drop the gnudi into the dredging flour. Form another 8 or 9 gnudi at a time, dredge in flour on all sides, and tap off the excess.
- Slide the formed gnudi into the simmering water, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the gnudi using a slotted spoon after they have floated to the top and have cooked for about 4 minutes total.
- While the gnudi cook, create another batch of gnudi and dredge them in flour. Continue cooking and forming gnudi, transferring cooked gnudi to a platter in a single layer, until you have used all the ricotta mixture.
To Serve:
- Divide the gnudi among the serving bowls.
- Pour the reduced broth over the gnudi. Sprinkle with a pinch of the pepper and a spoonful of grated Parmesan and serve.
CaSaundraLeigh says
This dish looks so unique! I've never heard of gnudi--there's always so many things to learn in the wonderful world of cooking.
Kerstin says
I haven't heard of gnudi either - is the texture similar to gnocchi? I'm the same way sometimes thinking I can change A's mind about something. This looks like a very tasty way to warm up!
Melissa says
Let me tell you about Giada. Yes, she is gorgeous, her recipes are awesome and my 20 month old has a MAJOR CRUSH on her. He flirts w/ her on TV and kisses her pictures in books. Thank goodness she has a new line at Target-b/c when he is cranky while we shop...I pass through the Giada aisle and he perks up!
I do like gnudi!
Reeni says
I would love this! Ricotta is one of my favorites. It looks really delicious! I'll take Bob's share...
Meghan says
Hey Kerstin - according to Giada, "gnudi" literally translates to "nude" because these are essentially naked ravioli, so the texture is similar to a ricotta ravioli filling. I probably should have said that in the post! 🙂