The word gnocchi (knee-oh-kee) may be derived from the Italian word nocchio, meaning a knot in wood, or from nocca, meaning knuckle. It has been a traditional type of Italian pasta of Middle Eastern origin since Roman times. In Roman times, gnocchi were made from a semolina porridge-like dough mixed with eggs, and are still found in similar forms today, Our are made with ricotta! these pillow soft gnocchi's are great with most sauces, but excellent with a classic tomato basil sauce!