Gnocchi vs. Pasta (2024)

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When it comes to Italian food, there’s no denying that pasta is one of the most popular staples of it! From the different shapes and sizes it comes in to the sauces and meats that you can vary your recipe with, there’s a lot of flexibility with pasta. Did you know that gnocchi is considered a type of pasta too? Despite the fact that they fall in a similar category, gnocchi and regular pasta couldn’t be more different from each other. We dive into the biggest differences below!

Ingredients

While they might look like they’re part of the same family, gnocchi and pasta are made using two completely different sets of ingredients. The only similar ingredient the two foods share is flour; while pasta adds only wheat to the mix, gnocchi can be made with potatoes and eggs. Other variations of the gnocchi dish swap out potatoes for cauliflower and sometimes even add cheese! They share the same family, but there’s no denying that regular pasta is easier to make.

Nutritional Value

While both gnocchi and pasta are both considered “simple carb” foods, the amount of carbs that they include differ drastically! Believe it or not, regular pasta is actually more carb-heavy than gnocchi, coming in at around 2 times the amount of carbs per serving. Gnocchi is also notorious for having a lot more sodium, with over 200 grams of it per serving. Regular pasta doesn’t have nearly as high of a sodium content.

Usability

When it comes to the food’s usability, pasta is easily the superior option. There aren’t a ton of recipes out there that take a varied approach to gnocchi; besides the cauliflower and cheese variations you can make, there isn’t much else! If you’ve ever made pasta before, you likely have an idea of just how crazy you can get with the recipes. There’s almost no end to what you can do with it! So, if you’re looking for a simpler meal, you should definitely go with gnocchi. Those who are looking for a bit of an experiment should stick with regular pasta.

Gnocchi and Pasta at AquaPazza

If you can’t decide for yourself which option is better for you, you’ll be delighted with the selection that we have at AquaPazza! We’re an oyster bar and Italian kitchen that blends the best of the seafood and Italian worlds for a fantastic menu selection. It’s even further complemented by our extensive wine and co*cktail selection, so no part of your meal will be a dull experience! To experience this fun establishment for yourself, make a reservation with us today.

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