How Many Calories are in 120g of Gnocchi? Your Ultimate Nutritional Breakdown

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 120g serving of plain, uncooked potato gnocchi typically contains between 170 and 190 calories, though the exact amount can vary by brand and ingredients. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the nutritional content, preparation impact, and factors influencing how many calories are in 120g of gnocchi.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 120g portion of gnocchi depends on its ingredients and how it's prepared. Plain potato gnocchi is a moderate calorie foundation, but sauces, frying, and toppings substantially increase the total meal calories.

Key Points

Plain Gnocchi Calories: A 120g serving of plain, uncooked potato gnocchi contains approximately 170-190 calories, depending on the brand.
Preparation is Key: The cooking method and sauce selection drastically alter the total calorie count of a gnocchi meal.
Sauce Matters: Light, tomato-based sauces add fewer calories than heavy, cream-based or oil-heavy options.
Gnocchi Variations: Different types of gnocchi, like ricotta or cauliflower versions, have different calorie profiles due to their base ingredients.
Fat Content: Plain gnocchi is naturally low in fat, with most of its calories coming from carbohydrates.

Understanding Gnocchi's Core Nutritional Value

Plain, uncooked gnocchi is a surprisingly simple pasta. The traditional recipe calls for potatoes, flour, and sometimes egg. This combination makes it naturally low in fat, with the majority of its calories coming from carbohydrates. However, it is a common misconception that gnocchi is a 'light' dish, as the cooking method and accompanying sauce play a critical role in the final calorie count. For example, a 120g serving of San Remo potato gnocchi contains 180 calories, with 89% of its energy derived from carbs. A different brand, Gia Russa, lists 190 calories for a 120g serving. These variations highlight the importance of checking a product's specific nutrition label.

Macronutrient Breakdown for 120g

To better understand the nutritional profile of plain gnocchi, let's look at the typical macronutrient content for a 120g portion:

Calories: Approximately 170-190 kcal
Carbohydrates: Roughly 35-40g
Protein: Around 3-5g
Fat: Typically less than 1g

Factors That Influence Calorie Count

While the base gnocchi may be consistent, your preparation choices can transform it into a high-calorie meal. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake.

Sauce Selections

Cream-Based Sauces: Sauces made with heavy cream, butter, and cheese, like Alfredo or rich carbonara, will significantly increase the calorie and fat content. A small portion can add several hundred calories to your meal. For instance, adding a creamy Parmesan sauce can quickly double or triple the final calorie count.
Oil-Based Sauces: Using butter or a generous amount of olive oil for a simple sage and butter sauce adds significant fat and calories. While a classic, this preparation can be surprisingly dense in calories.
Tomato-Based Sauces: A light, fresh tomato sauce or pesto is generally a much lower-calorie option. Look for recipes that use minimal oil and are packed with vegetables to keep the meal healthier.

Cooking Methods and Additions

Boiling vs. Frying: Boiling gnocchi in water does not add extra calories. However, many recipes call for frying or sautéing the boiled gnocchi in butter or oil afterward to achieve a golden, crispy texture. This step increases the fat and calorie intake considerably.
Cheese and Toppings: Grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or other cheeses and toppings like bacon, sausage, or nuts will all add extra calories. A simple sprinkle is fine, but a heavy hand can easily push the meal over your calorie goal.

Comparing Gnocchi Types

Not all gnocchi are created equal. The ingredients used can lead to different calorie counts, even for the same 120g serving. Here's a quick comparison:


Gnocchi Type	Base Ingredients	Estimated Calories per 120g (Plain, Uncooked)	Source
Potato Gnocchi	Potato, flour, egg	~180 kcal
Ricotta Gnocchi	Ricotta cheese, flour, egg	~160 kcal
Sweet Potato Gnocchi	Sweet potato, flour, spices	~200 kcal
Cauliflower Gnocchi	Cauliflower, cassava flour	~150 kcal

Note: Calorie estimates are approximate and based on uncooked ingredients. Actual values will vary by brand and preparation. For instance, ricotta gnocchi often has a lower carbohydrate content and fewer calories than potato gnocchi due to the high moisture content of the ricotta cheese. Sweet potato gnocchi often has a slightly higher sugar and calorie count than traditional potato versions. The increasingly popular cauliflower gnocchi offers a lower-calorie alternative, which is great for those watching their intake.

Calculating Your Meal's Total Calories

To accurately track your gnocchi meal's calories, you need to account for more than just the gnocchi itself. Here is a simple example:

Start with the base: A 120g serving of plain potato gnocchi is 180 calories.
Add your sauce: A tablespoon of olive oil for a simple sauce is about 120 calories. A quarter-cup of a rich, creamy sauce could be 200 calories or more.
Incorporate toppings: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (10g) is about 40 calories. Some sautéed pancetta (15g) is another 70 calories.
Consider extra vegetables: Adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms will add minimal calories, usually less than 50, and boost nutrients.

By tallying each component, you can get a clearer picture of your total meal. For a simple gnocchi with a light sauce, the total might be around 350-400 calories, whereas with a heavier cream sauce and toppings, it could easily exceed 600-700 calories per plate.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in 120g of gnocchi? The plain, uncooked product sits in a moderate range of 170-190 calories. However, this is just one piece of the nutritional puzzle. The type of gnocchi, your chosen sauce, and preparation method are all significant factors that will determine the final calorie count of your meal. By being mindful of these variables, you can enjoy this classic Italian dish while keeping your dietary goals in mind. Opt for lighter sauces, boil rather than fry, and control your portion sizes to create a healthier, balanced plate of gnocchi.

Frequently Asked Questions

120g is considered a moderate, standard serving size for gnocchi, but portion recommendations can vary by product and individual dietary needs. Always check the packaging for specific portion guidance.

Not necessarily. Plain gnocchi can sometimes have a slightly lower calorie count per 100g than some types of dry pasta, but pasta and gnocchi are both carb-rich foods where preparation and sauces play the biggest role in calorie totals.

Homemade gnocchi often allows for more control over ingredients, potentially leading to a healthier version by reducing preservatives and excess flour. However, the healthiness ultimately depends on the specific recipe and preparation method used.

Use a light, vegetable-based sauce instead of a cream or oil-based one. Pair your gnocchi with plenty of non-starchy vegetables and lean protein, and practice portion control.

Ricotta gnocchi typically contains fewer calories than traditional potato gnocchi. The ricotta cheese has a higher water content and lower starch compared to potatoes, resulting in a lighter dumpling.

Boiling adds no extra calories. Frying gnocchi in oil or butter adds a significant amount of fat and calories, often increasing the final count by 100 or more depending on the amount used.

While adding vegetables does increase the total meal's calories, most non-starchy vegetables are low in calories and high in nutrients. They can make the meal more filling without adding a lot of calories, especially when compared to fatty sauces or cheeses.