Gnocchi with Cream Sauce Recipe

If you’re longing for a cozy, restaurant-worthy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, this Gnocchi with Cream Sauce is about to become your new obsession. Soft, pillowy gnocchi get bathed in a luscious, aromatic cream sauce loaded with fresh sage, sweet peas, and a hint of white wine. Every forkful feels like pure comfort—with a fraction of the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy Indulgence, No Dairy Needed: The velvety sauce is entirely dairy-free, but you’d never guess from the rich texture and flavor.
  • Dinner in 20 Minutes: Minimal prep and quick cooking make Gnocchi with Cream Sauce a weeknight hero—it’s faster than takeout!
  • Fresh Flavors with Pantry Staples: Sage, peas, and a splash of wine (or broth) transform humble gnocchi into a bright, restaurant-worthy dish.
  • Naturally Vegan & Customizable: This recipe is proof that plant-based comfort food can be satisfying, customizable, and completely crave-worthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Gnocchi with Cream Sauce relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients—each one brings something special to the table. The fresh sage adds depth, while the cream (or milk) ensures every bite is perfectly luscious and satisfying.

  • Gnocchi (400g, uncooked): Choose your favorite vegan or gluten-free variety for pillowy texture; potato gnocchi works perfectly for soaking up all that dreamy sauce.
  • Oil or Vegan Butter (1 ½ Tbsp): Adds richness as the base of the sauce—vegan butter offers a hint of creaminess, while olive oil keeps things light.
  • Onion (½ medium, finely diced): Builds a savory foundation for your sauce with just the right amount of sweetness.
  • Fresh Sage (3 Tbsp, chopped): Earthy, aromatic, and the real flavor-maker in this dish—don’t substitute dried, as fresh is best here!
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For an irresistible aromatic boost—don’t skip it!
  • Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste and bring all those flavors to life.
  • Dijon Mustard (1 tsp): Adds that subtle spark and luxurious silkiness to the cream sauce.
  • Dry White Wine (⅓ cup): Use a splash for acidity and depth, or sub with veggie broth for a family-friendly option.
  • Dairy-free Cream or Milk (1 ¼ cups): Oat, cashew or soy cream give ultimate richness, but you can go lighter with plant milk (just know the sauce will be thinner).
  • Frozen Peas (1 cup, thawed): Sweet, vibrant, and the perfect pop of color and flavor.
  • Vegan Parmesan (to finish): Just a generous sprinkle to bring it all together and make the flavors truly sing.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe is delightfully flexible and just begging for your personal spin! Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge or adapting for dietary needs, your version of Gnocchi with Cream Sauce can be uniquely yours.

  • Swap the Veggies: Try baby spinach, kale, or asparagus in place of peas for an extra-green twist.
  • Make it Spicy: Toss in red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili oil for a gentle kick.
  • Add Mushroom Magic: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and sage for earthy flavor and extra texture.
  • Protein Boost: Stir in some crispy chickpeas or white beans just before serving for heartiness and plant-based protein.

How to Make Gnocchi with Cream Sauce

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Sage

Start by finely dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. Heat the oil or vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat—once hot, add the onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Stir in the chopped sage and minced garlic, letting their aroma bloom for another minute. This first step sets an ultra-flavorful base for your Gnocchi with Cream Sauce!

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Season your aromatics with salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard, then pour in the white wine. Stir well and let it bubble for 30 seconds to evaporate the alcohol and allow the flavors to marry. Add the dairy-free cream (or milk) along with the peas. Give everything a good mix, and bring to a gentle boil so the sauce starts to thicken and the peas turn vibrant green.

Step 3: Cook Gnocchi in the Sauce

Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce. Reduce the heat and let it all cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring every so often. The gnocchi will soften and absorb the dreamy cream sauce, and as it cooks, the sauce magically thickens. If the sauce ever gets too thick, add in a splash more cream—or if it’s too runny, let it simmer out a touch longer.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

When your gnocchi are pillowy and the sauce is perfectly silky, switch off the heat. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if you like. Generously sprinkle vegan Parmesan and a few extra sage leaves on top—then serve your Gnocchi with Cream Sauce immediately while it’s piping hot and extra luscious!

Pro Tips for Making Gnocchi with Cream Sauce

  • Sauce Consistency Control: If the sauce thickens faster than your gnocchi cooks, simply add a splash more cream (or milk) to loosen it—aim for a silky, spoon-coating texture.
  • Herb Timing: Add fresh sage with the garlic rather than earlier; this keeps the fragrant oils front-and-center instead of getting lost in the heat.
  • Choose the Right Cream: For a truly decadent Gnocchi with Cream Sauce, use oat or cashew cream; if cutting calories, use plant-based milk, but be ready for a thinner sauce.
  • Direct Gnocchi Cooking: Skip boiling in a separate pot! Cooking the gnocchi right in the sauce ensures more flavor and a dreamy, cohesive texture.

How to Serve Gnocchi with Cream Sauce

Gnocchi with Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A generous shower of vegan Parmesan brings both saltiness and umami to the party—don’t be shy! Finish your Gnocchi with Cream Sauce with torn fresh sage leaves, some cracked black pepper, and maybe a pinch of lemon zest for a beautiful, fresh pop.

Side Dishes

This comforting gnocchi is excellent with a simple green salad—think peppery arugula with a splash of balsamic—or some garlicky roasted broccoli on the side. Warm, crusty bread is also ideal for mopping up every last drop of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, spoon your Gnocchi with Cream Sauce into a big, shallow serving bowl and let friends dig in family-style. Or make it extra elegant: serve in individual ramekins with a flourish of fresh herbs and an extra drizzle of cream. Little touches—like a sprinkle of chili flakes or microgreens—add charm to weeknight and dinner-party plates alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover gnocchi and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen deliciously overnight—you might even find it richer the next day. Just remember to let it cool a bit before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Gnocchi with Cream Sauce, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. For best texture, freeze the sauce and gnocchi separately if possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently, as the sauce may need a quick whisk to come back together.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of plant milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Stir well as it warms to restore creaminess. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover them and pause to stir halfway through.

FAQs

  1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

    Absolutely! Most store-bought gnocchi, especially potato-based, is perfect for this recipe. Just double-check the ingredients if you need them vegan or gluten-free. They cook right in the sauce, making things even easier.

  2. What can I use instead of white wine?

    If you prefer not to use wine, simply swap in vegetable broth. It adds lovely savory notes without any alcohol, and the flavor will still be bright and complex.

  3. Which dairy-free cream is best for Gnocchi with Cream Sauce?

    Oat, soy, or thin homemade cashew cream all create a silky, rich sauce. For the creamiest texture, avoid using only plant milk unless you don’t mind a lighter result. You can even use a 50/50 blend!

  4. Can I add other veggies or protein?

    Of course! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or even some plant-based sausage or beans all work beautifully. Just add them at the appropriate step so everything cooks evenly and soaks up that luscious cream sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bowl of Gnocchi with Cream Sauce—the way it hugs each plump dumpling, the scent of sage and garlic wafting through the kitchen, that first unbelievably creamy bite. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Give it a try, share it with friends, and savor every gloriously comforting forkful!

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Gnocchi with Cream Sauce Recipe

Gnocchi with Cream Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 123 reviews
  • Author: Wesley
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Stovetop
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Delicious and creamy vegan gnocchi dish with a flavorful sage cream sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp oil or vegan butter
  • 1/2 medium onion finely diced
  • 3 Tbsp fresh sage finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 1 1/4 cups dairy-free cream or milk
  • 1 cup frozen peas thawed
  • 400 g uncooked gnocchi
  • Vegan Parmesan to sprinkle

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: First, finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, sage, and garlic.
  2. Add Ingredients: Season with salt, pepper, mustard, and add white wine, dairy-free cream, and peas. Bring to a boil.
  3. Cook Gnocchi: Reduce heat, add gnocchi to the sauce, and cook for 7-8 minutes until tender and sauce thickens.
  4. Adjust Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness as needed with more cream/milk.
  5. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Gnocchi: I used vegan & gluten-free gnocchi.
  • Wine: Veggie broth can be used instead of white wine.
  • Dairy-free cream: Options include oat cream, cashew cream, soy cream, or canned coconut milk. Dairy-free milk can be used for a low-fat version.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 365 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 570mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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