The consensus is that gnocchi dates back to Roman times. Its base was semolina and water, and it was more like pasta than the fluffy little pillows we know and love today. Roman-style gnocchi also contained eggs for richness and is known as Gnocci alla Romana. But this early version was more like a porridge consistency and was shaped into ovals and baked.
In the 16th or 17th century, potatoes were introduced to Italy by Spanish explorers who brought them back from South America, and it wasn’t long before a version similar to what we know today emerged.
Traceable forms of gnocchi have been around since the Renaissance, and likely much earlier, made from various ingredients. Generally, gnocchi is considered equal parts pasta
