High Protein Cottage Cheese Gnocchi (4 Ingredients)

This is one of those recipes that feels almost too simple to be true. Soft, pillowy gnocchi made with cottage cheese come together quickly, then get tossed in a vibrant green sauce that makes the whole bowl feel fresh and comforting at the same time. It is cozy, satisfying, and surprisingly light. Trust me, you are going to love this.

Why This Gnocchi Is Everywhere Right Now

This dish checks so many boxes at once. It is high in protein, quick to make, and feels like comfort food without the heaviness. The texture is soft and tender, and the flavor is clean and herby, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade.

The Simple Idea Behind This Recipe

Gnocchi has always been about simplicity. This version leans into that idea by using cottage cheese as the base, which adds protein and keeps the dough tender. It is a modern twist on a classic comfort dish, designed for ease and everyday cooking.

What Makes This Recipe So Reliable

Versatile: Toss it with pesto, tomato sauce, or a little butter and herbs.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and fast cooking time.
Customizable: Works with different sauces and toppings.
Crowd-Pleasing: Soft texture and mild flavor appeal to everyone.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepared in advance.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats gently without drying out.

Pro Tips Before You Start

This dough comes together fast, so have everything ready. Blending the cottage cheese smooth makes a big difference in texture, and lightly floured hands help keep shaping easy. Let me tell you, it is worth every bite.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

Food Processor or Blender: Creates a smooth cottage cheese base.
Mixing Bowl: For bringing the dough together.
Knife or Bench Scraper: Helps cut the gnocchi evenly.
Large Pot: For boiling the gnocchi gently.

Ingredients You Will Need For This Recipe

These few ingredients work together to create soft, high protein gnocchi.

1. Cottage Cheese: 1 cup, blended smooth, forms the protein-rich base.
2. All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup, gives structure while staying tender.
3. Egg: 1 large, binds the dough and adds richness.
4. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, enhances the flavor.
5. Prepared Green Pesto: 3/4 cup, for tossing and serving.
6. Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, optional for topping.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten free flour blend if needed.
Prepared Green Pesto: Swap with spinach pesto or basil pesto.
Parmesan Cheese: Use any hard grated cheese you like.

Key Ingredients That Matter Most

Cottage Cheese: This keeps the gnocchi soft while boosting protein.
Flour: Just enough to hold everything together without heaviness.

Let Us Make This Together

Now let us dive into the process and bring this bowl to life.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
2. Combine Ingredients: Blend cottage cheese until smooth, then mix with egg, flour, and salt.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly flour a clean surface.
4. Assemble the Dish: Form the dough into ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces.
5. Cook to Perfection: Boil gnocchi until they float, about 2 minutes.
6. Finishing Touches: Toss hot gnocchi with prepared pesto.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Finish with grated cheese if desired and serve warm.

Texture and Flavor Notes

The gnocchi are tender and slightly chewy, with a creamy interior. The green pesto adds freshness and richness, coating each piece without overwhelming it.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Do not overwork the dough.
• Use lightly floured hands when shaping.
• Cook in batches to avoid crowding.

What to Avoid

• Adding too much flour, which makes gnocchi dense.
• Boiling aggressively instead of gently.
• Letting cooked gnocchi sit in water too long.

Nutrition Snapshot

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 420
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

The dough can be made a few hours ahead and kept covered in the fridge. Cooked gnocchi store well for up to 2 days and reheat gently with extra sauce.

How to Serve This Dish

Serve warm in shallow bowls with extra pesto on the side or a simple green salad.

Creative Leftover Ideas

Leftovers can be lightly pan-seared for crispy edges or added to a veggie bowl.

Extra Tips for Best Results

Taste the dough before shaping and adjust salt if needed.

Make It Look Extra Good

Finish with a sprinkle of cheese and a drizzle of pesto for color.

Variations to Try

• Toss with tomato sauce for a classic feel.
• Add sautéed spinach to the pesto.
• Finish with cracked black pepper.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I freeze the gnocchi?

Yes, freeze uncooked gnocchi on a tray, then store.

Q2: Does it taste like cottage cheese?

No, it tastes mild and creamy.

Q3: Can I skip the blender?

Blending is best for smooth texture.

Q4: Is this filling?

Yes, the protein makes it satisfying.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely.

Q6: Will this work with low fat cottage cheese?

Yes, texture may be slightly firmer.

Q7: Can I pan fry the gnocchi?

Yes, after boiling.

Q8: Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, very mild and soft.

Q9: What sauce works best?

Pesto, butter, or tomato sauce all work.

Q10: Can I add vegetables?

Yes, stir them in after cooking.

Conclusion

This high protein cottage cheese gnocchi proves that simple ingredients can create something truly comforting and satisfying. It is quick, cozy, and feels like a little win every time you make it.

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