For Easy Weeknight Gnocchi, Skip the Potatoes

These Parmesan dumplings come together in just 30 minutes

Photo: A_Lein/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Despite a short ingredient list, gnocchi — these ornery Italian dumplings — are easy to mess up.

The key to pillowy gnocchi is adding just enough flour to bring the dough together. They typically contain potato, but if pulling out a Y-peeler seems like a lot for a weeknight, try this potatoless version. It’s a fuss-free biscuitlike concoction spiked with Parmesan cheese. All you do is drop spoonfuls into a quick, bright tomato sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Parmesan Dumplings in Tomato Sauce

Makes: 4 servings
Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper
• 1½ cups flour
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces), plus more for serving
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks
• 1 cup milk, or more as needed
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest