Let’s talk about a little Italian magic called Malfatti aka the ultimate cozy comfort food that looks rustic but tastes like it came from a charming trattoria in Tuscany. Malfatti literally means “badly made” in Italian, and that’s the charm of it! These soft, pillowy dumplings are made from spinach and ricotta and are gloriously imperfect because good food doesn’t have to be fussy to be fabulous.

This dish is like a warm hug from nonna. It’s rich, savory, and so satisfying, yet somehow light and elegant at the same time. If you love gnocchi, lasagna, or basically anything involving cheese and pasta, trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s a game-changer for weeknights, date nights, or whenever you want to impress without the stress.

Why You’ll Love Malfatti

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Works great as a main or a side, served with marinara, butter and sage, or even a creamy sauce.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, accessible ingredients like spinach, ricotta, and eggs.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and a forgiving recipe that welcomes a little messiness.

Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or even swap spinach for other greens like kale or chard.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Malfatti

These humble dumplings come together with just a few fresh, wholesome ingredients:

Ricotta Cheese: The creamy base of the dumplings. It gives that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Spinach: Fresh or frozen, cooked down and chopped finely. Adds a vibrant green color and earthy flavor.

Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the dough richness.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and that signature Italian flavor.

Flour: Just enough to hold it all togetherth is isn’t a heavy dough.

Nutmeg: A tiny pinch adds warmth and depth. Classic in Italian ricotta dishes.

Salt & Pepper: Essential to enhance and balance the flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to roll (or drop) these fluffy, cheesy beauties into your life? Let’s go:

Preheat Your Equipment

If you’re baking your malfatti after boiling (optional), preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Otherwise, have a pot of salted water ready to boil.

Prepare the Spinach

Cook the spinach until wilted (if using fresh), then squeeze out every last drop of moisture. Chop finely you want it well-distributed in the dough.

Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, chopped spinach, eggs, parmesan, flour, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be soft and slightly sticky, but able to hold shape.

Shape the Malfatti

Dust your hands and a surface with flour. Gently form small, oval or rough dumpling shapes—like little torpedoes. They don’t need to be perfect; rustic is beautiful!

Cook the Dumplings

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop in a few malfatti at a time, being careful not to overcrowd. They’ll sink, then float to the top when done usually in about 3–4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain.

Optional: Bake with Sauce

For extra flavor, place cooked malfatti in a baking dish, cover with warm marinara or butter-sage sauce, sprinkle with extra parmesan, and bake for 10–15 minutes until bubbling.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your malfatti with extra sauce, a sprinkle of cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Heavenly.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
(Note: approximate values)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Malfatti

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
– Top with warm marinara and basil for a classic Italian vibe.
– Serve in a butter-sage sauce for a rich, herby twist.
– Add a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
– Pair with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every bit of sauce.
– A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon is the perfect sip.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– Drain the ricotta and spinach really well to avoid soggy dough.
– Don’t overwork the dough gentle mixing makes light, fluffy dumplings.
– Use a piping bag with no tip to pipe out even portions if you’re not into hand-rolling.
– Freeze uncooked malfatti on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Boil straight from frozen.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out all the excess water before mixing.

2. What kind of ricotta should I use?
Whole milk ricotta gives the best flavor and texture. Drain it well before using.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cover and chill for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking.

4. How do I keep the malfatti from falling apart in the water?
Make sure the dough is not too wet, and boil gently don’t let the water vigorously bubble.

5. Can I bake them without boiling?
You can, but boiling first gives them that soft, dumpling texture. Baking adds a nice finish.

6. Is nutmeg necessary?
It adds a subtle warmth but is optional. You can skip it or replace it with a pinch of garlic powder.

7. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, just be gentle when shaping and avoid overmixing.

8. How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with sauce.

9. Can I freeze cooked malfatti?
It’s best to freeze them uncooked, but you can freeze cooked ones too. Reheat in sauce.

10. What sauces go best with malfatti?
Marinara, butter and sage, browned butter, or even a light cream sauce all work beautifully.

Conclusion

Malfatti proves that imperfection can be downright delicious. These soft, cheesy dumplings are packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and just so comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or just treating yourself to something cozy, this rustic Italian dish brings elegance and heart to the table without the stress. So roll up those sleeves, embrace the “badly made” charm, and get ready to fall in love with every bite!

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