What Meat to Serve with Gnocchi : 8 Sides You’ll Love

I bet $100 that you aren’t alone in wondering what meat dishes go well with gnocchi. The truth is, there are many options to choose from! This article will explore what meat dishes pair well with gnocchi and why.

 

Here’s the deal…

 

My siblings and I always enjoy a good cookout. We love testing out new recipes and grilling up all sorts of different meats. This year, we decided to try something different and add gnocchi to the menu. We weren’t sure what kind of meat dishes would go well with gnocchi, but we were willing to give it a try.

 

After doing some research, we found that there are a few different types of meat that go well with the gnocchi. In this article, we’ll explain why each meat is suitable and by the end of this article, you should be able to easily choose meat that tastes great and complements the other ingredients used.

 

So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll be able to create a delicious dish that will impress your guests.

Let’s jump right in!

What Meat Goes Well With Gnocchi

1. Crispy Beef Kebabs
2. Shrimp Fritters
3. Baked Beef Fajitas
4. Shrimp Pasta Salad
5. Easy Garlic-Herb Pork Loin
6. Shrimp Fried Rice
7. Pork Scaloppini and Peas
8. Chicken Parmesan Grits

Crispy Beef Kebabs

Firstly, let’s get one thing out of the way, Beef Kebabs are delicious. Cooked properly, they’re crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. But why does this make them a good side dish for Gnocchi?

 

Well, Gnocchi is a little bit samey, especially if you have it with the same tomato sauce every time. But Beef Kebabs provide a perfect contrast.

 

The crispy exterior and juicy interior are the perfect complements to the soft, pillowy Gnocchi.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try different dipping sauces with your Kebabs.

Quick Recipe: Crispy Beef Kebabs with Yogurt Dip

• Ingredients: Beef cubes, breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, Greek yogurt, lemon juice
• Average Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Toss beef cubes in olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roll in breadcrumbs.
  4. Thread onto skewers and grill until crispy and cooked through.
  5. Serve with a dip made from Greek yogurt and lemon juice.

Shrimp Fritters

Secondly, let me just say that I absolutely adore shrimp fritters. They are light and fluffy and have the perfect amount of seasoning. Plus, they go so well with gnocchi.

 

Frankly speaking, the reason they make such a great pairing is that they provide a nice contrast to the heaviness of the gnocchi. The shrimp fritters are also relatively easy to prepare. All you need to do is combine the shrimp, flour, egg, and bread crumbs in a bowl and then fry them in hot oil.

 

In addition to being a great side dish for gnocchi, shrimp fritters can also be served as an appetizer or main course. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Quick Recipe: Shrimp Fritters with Spicy Aioli

• Ingredients: Shrimp, flour, egg, green onions, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, Sriracha
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Chop shrimp and mix with flour, beaten egg, chopped green onions, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Form into small patties and fry until golden.
  3. Serve with a spicy aioli made from mayonnaise and Sriracha.

Baked Beef Fajitas

Now y’all, I’m not one to play favorites when it comes to food. But if I had to choose between fajitas and gnocchi, I’m gonna have to go with the fajitas. And I’m not just saying that because they’re delicious (which they are). I’m saying it because they actually pair wonderfully for gnocchi.

 

You see, the beef in the fajitas provides a heartiness that contrasts well with the light and fluffy gnocchi. And the peppers and onions add a touch of sweetness that ties the whole dish together.

 

Plus, the fajitas can be prepared in advance, so they’re perfect for busy weeknights.

 

And leftovers make a great lunch the next day. To make the fajitas, start by browning the beef in a skillet. Then add the peppers and onions and cook until tender. After, stir in the spices and season to taste. Finally, just toss everything in a baking dish and let the oven do its work.

 

For an extra touch of flavor, try serving the fajitas with sour cream or guacamole.

Quick Recipe: Baked Beef Fajitas with Avocado Salsa

• Ingredients: Beef strips, bell peppers, onions, tortillas, avocado, lime juice, cilantro, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss beef strips, sliced bell peppers, and onions in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
  4. Serve in tortillas with an avocado salsa made from diced avocado, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

 

Shrimp Pasta Salad

Following up is a shrimp pasta salad that is an amazing meat accompaniment for gnocchi! The light, lemony dressing pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy sauce of the gnocchi, and the plump, juicy shrimp add just the right amount of protein.

 

Let’s be honest, we all know that the real star of any pasta dish is the sauce. But what about those times when you want to change things up and showcase the pasta itself? That’s where this shrimp pasta salad comes in.

 

Now, the key to this dish is to cook the pasta just shy of al dente. You want it to have a bit of bite so that it can stand up to the other ingredients. The shrimp are then quickly sautéed with some garlic and lemon, before being tossed with the pasta and a simple olive oil dressing.

 

Then Boom! The result is a light and refreshing salad that is perfect for summertime entertaining. And best of all, it can easily be made ahead of time so that you can enjoy your own party!

Quick Recipe: Shrimp Pasta Salad with Lemon-Dill Dressing

• Ingredients: Cooked pasta, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Toss cooked pasta, cooked shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumber in a large bowl.
  2. Prepare a dressing from olive oil, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix the dressing into the pasta salad and serve

Easy Garlic-Herb Pork Loin

Few things in life are as simple and delicious as a pork loin roasted with garlic and herbs. And when paired with gnocchi, you have a meal that is fit for a king or queen.

 

Moreover, the pork’s succulent flavor pairs perfectly with the pillowy potato dumplings, and the herbs add a touch of elegance to the dish.

 

Plus, it’s easy to prepare, simply roast the pork loin in garlic-herb butter, then slice and serve. Delicious! And if you’ve got any leftovers, they make a great addition to a salad or pasta dish.

Quick Recipe: Easy Garlic-Herb Pork Loin with Apple Chutney

• Ingredients: Pork loin, garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, pepper, apples, sugar, vinegar
• Average Cook Time: 1 hour
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rub pork loin with a mixture of minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
  4. Serve with an apple chutney made from cooked apples, sugar, and vinegar.

Shrimp Fried Rice

Next on the list is shrimp fried rice, a dish that is near and dear to my heart. You see, growing up, my mom used to make this for me all the time. And I have to say, it’s the perfect comfort food.

 

And what pairs better with shrimp fried rice than gnocchi? I’ll tell you what, nothing! (Well maybe a few other dishes) But seriously, the two dishes complement each other perfectly. The gnocchi adds a touch of richness to the dish, while the shrimp provide a nice contrast in texture.

 

Beyond that, the rice is infused with the aromatics of garlic and ginger, and the shrimp are cooked to perfection. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover rice you might have, making it a cinch to prepare. Simply stir-fry some cooked rice then stir in some cooked shrimp and your favorite vegetables. In no time at all, you’ll have a delectable meat dish that is sure to please.

 

Of course, you don’t have to wait for someone to make gnocchi for you in order to enjoy this dish. Shrimp-fried rice makes a great standalone meal, and it’s also perfect for leftovers. Just reheat it in the microwave or stovetop, and you’re good to go. Trust me, once you’ve tried this dish, you’ll be hooked for life.

Quick Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice with Pineapple and Cashews

• Ingredients: Cooked rice, shrimp, pineapple chunks, cashews, soy sauce, green onions, garlic, olive oil
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic.
  2. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
  3. Stir in cooked rice, pineapple chunks, and cashews.
  4. Drizzle with soy sauce and garnish with chopped green onions.

Pork Scaloppini and Peas

Oh my stars and garters, y’all, this next dish is just out of this world! Now, I know what you’re thinking, ‘how can pork scaloppini possibly be a good pairing with gnocchi? But I promise you, it is.

 

From experience, the key is in preparation. Basically, the pork scaloppini are first cooked in a deliciously herby sauce and then paired with perfectly cooked peas. The result is a dish that is both earthy and sophisticated, and it pairs flawlessly with the gnocchi.

 

And, not only does this dish go well with gnocchi, but it can also be served with pasta, rice, or potatoes.

 

Either way, this simple dish is sure to please everyone at the table. And who knows? It might even become your new go-to side dish.

Quick Recipe: Pork Scaloppini and Peas with Lemon-Caper Sauce

• Ingredients: Pork cutlets, peas, flour, butter, lemon juice, capers, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Dredge pork cutlets in flour.
  2. Sauté in butter until cooked through.
  3. Add peas and cook until tender.
  4. Prepare a sauce from lemon juice, capers, salt, and pepper.
  5. Drizzle the sauce over the pork and peas before serving.

Chicken Parmesan Grits

Lastly, any southerner worth their salt knows that grits are a food group all on their own. They are delicious, versatile, and can be enjoyed for any meal of the day. However, many people don’t know what to do with them beyond the basics of butter and salt. That’s where I come in.

 

Naturally, I like to take things up a notch by adding some cheesy goodness in the form of chicken parmesan.

 

Not only does this give the grits a boost of flavor, but it also makes for a fantastic dish when paired with gnocchi. The best part is that this dish can easily be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to eat.

Quick Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Grits with Basil

• Ingredients: Chicken breast, grits, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Cook grits according to package instructions, stirring in grated Parmesan at the end.
  2. Sauté chicken breast in olive oil and minced garlic until cooked through.
  3. Top with tomato sauce and a sprinkle of chopped basil.
  4. Serve over the Parmesan grits.

Some Other Meat Dishes that pair with Gnocchi include:

• Easy Shrimp Scampi
• Shrimp Jambalaya
• Shrimp and Grits
• Easy Shrimp Tacos
• Pork Chops
• Easy Shrimp Cakes
• Pork Schnitzel
• Easy Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Red Wine Sauce
• Easy Shrimp and Grits Casserole
• Easy Shrimp and Rice Stir-Fry
• Grilled Pork Chops
• Easy Pulled Pork
• Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Herb Dressing
• Easy Chicken Salad
• Crispy Chicken
• Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
• Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken and Vegetables
• Easy Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta

FAQ

How is gnocchi typically served?

Gnocchi is typically served as a main course or first course. It can be served with a variety of sauces, such as tomato sauce, pesto, or cream sauce. It can also be served with vegetables or meat.

What is the difference between gnocchi and pasta?

Gnocchi is made from potatoes, while pasta is made from flour and water. Gnocchi is also typically smaller and denser than pasta.

Is gnocchi more fattening than pasta?

No, gnocchi and pasta have similar calorie counts. However, gnocchi is typically lower in carbs than pasta.

Can I freeze cooked gnocchi?

Yes, you can freeze cooked gnocchi. Just place the cooked gnocchi on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to three months.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, there are a variety of meat dishes that go well with gnocchi. From pork to chicken to shrimp, there’s something for everyone. And, with a little bit of creativity, you can easily turn gnocchi into a meal that is both delicious and satisfying.

In addition, while we hope this guide has given you some direction, feel free to get creative in the kitchen. After all, the best way to find out what goes well with gnocchi is to experiment. Who knows? You might just come up with the next great gnocchi dish.