This cozy and flavorful Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Winter Greens Gnocchi is exactly what I crave on a chilly evening. The creamy mascarpone blends beautifully with sharp Gorgonzola to coat pillowy potato gnocchi, while the earthy cavolo nero and toasted walnuts add a perfect balance of texture and richness. It’s comfort food with a Mediterranean twist, and it couldn’t be easier to make. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)
Ingredients Needed
- 50g shelled unsalted walnut halves
- 400g cavolo nero
- 100g mascarpone cheese
- 100g Gorgonzola cheese
- 800g potato gnocchi
How To Cook Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Winter Greens Gnocchi
- Toast the Walnuts: Start by warming a dry frying pan over medium heat. Toast the walnut halves for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant. Set them aside to cool while you prepare the rest.
- Blanch the Cavolo Nero: Strip the leaves from the cavolo nero stalks and discard the tough stems. Blanch the leaves in a large pot of salted boiling water for 4 minutes. Use tongs to remove two-thirds of the greens and place them in a blender. Leave the remaining greens and water in the pan.
- Make the Sauce: To the blender, add the mascarpone and most of the Gorgonzola (reserve a bit for finishing). Blitz until smooth, adding a splash of the hot cooking water if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Drop the gnocchi into the same pot of boiling water. They’ll only take about 3 minutes—once they float to the top, they’re ready. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and transfer them to a large pan or bowl.
- Combine Everything: Roughly chop the remaining cavolo nero and stir it into the gnocchi. Pour over the green cheese sauce and toss until everything is well coated. Crumble in most of the toasted walnuts and the remaining Gorgonzola. Give everything a final stir to combine.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with the last of the toasted walnuts and serve immediately. For a gratinated finish, pop the gnocchi under a hot grill for 3–5 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Why I Love This Recipe
This dish ticks all the boxes: creamy, cheesy, nutty, and full of greens. The Gorgonzola gives it a luxurious edge, but the cavolo nero and walnuts keep it grounded and wholesome. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is deceptively simple to throw together—perfect for a relaxed winter dinner.
Recipe Tips
- Chop the cavolo nero finely: It blends more smoothly into the sauce and mixes better with the gnocchi.
- Balance the Gorgonzola: A little goes a long way—taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Save pasta water: It’s ideal for loosening the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Grill to finish: Broiling adds a delicious crispy top and makes it feel extra special.
- Toast the walnuts gently: Don’t walk away—they go from golden to burnt fast!
How To Store Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Winter Greens Gnocchi
- In the Fridge: Cool any leftovers and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing : You can freeze this dish once cooked and cooled. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a pan over low-medium heat with a splash of water or milk. Stir gently until heated through.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I use a different green?
Absolutely—spinach, kale, or Swiss chard would all work well here. - Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, just make sure your Gorgonzola and mascarpone are suitable for vegetarians. - Can I use a different cheese?
Definitely! Blue Stilton or even a creamy goat’s cheese could be great alternatives. - How do I know when gnocchi is cooked?
They’ll float to the top of the boiling water—scoop them out as soon as they rise. - What should I serve it with?
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs well with a crisp salad or a slice of crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 646 kcal
- Fat: 29.4g
- Saturated Fat: 13.6g
- Protein: 18.9g
- Carbohydrates: 75.2g
- Sugars: 3.5g
- Salt: 2.4g
- Fibre: 3.4g
Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:
- 5 Ingredients Aubergine Flatbreads
- 5 Ingredients Kafteji
- 5 Ingredients Cucumber Fritters
- 5 Ingredients Squash Tagine
- 5 Ingredients Minty Courgette Tart
Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Winter Greens Gnocchi
Course: 5 Ingredients Recipes4
servings10
minutes10
minutes646
kcalCreamy, cheesy, and packed with greens—this comforting gnocchi dish comes together with just five ingredients for a quick and cozy winter meal.
Ingredients
50g shelled unsalted walnut halves
400g cavolo nero
100g mascarpone cheese
100g Gorgonzola cheese
800g potato gnocchi
Directions
- Toast walnuts in a dry pan until golden. Set aside.
- Blanch cavolo nero leaves in salted boiling water for 4 minutes. Transfer 2/3 to a blender.
- Add mascarpone and most of the Gorgonzola. Blitz into a sauce. Season.
- Cook gnocchi in same water until they float. Drain and mix with sauce and chopped cavolo nero.
- Stir in walnuts and remaining Gorgonzola. Grill to gratinate, if desired. Serve warm.