Creamy Spinach Gnocchi
Golden pan-fried gnocchi tossed in a creamy, garlicky spinach sauce. This vegan, dairy-free dish is ready in 30 minutes, high in plant-based protein and fiber, and perfect for a quick, wholesome weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- 1 large nonstick skillet
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Bowl or plate for resting gnocchi
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 16 ounces packaged gnocchi
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups unsweetened non-dairy milk almond, oat, cashew, or light coconut
- 8 ounces frozen spinach
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Heat the Pan and Prep Gnocchi: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to warm for about 30 seconds until it shimmers slightly. While the oil is heating, open your packaged gnocchi and set it aside. This step ensures the gnocchi will cook evenly and develop a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
- Pan-Fry the Gnocchi: Once the oil is hot, add all the gnocchi to the skillet, spreading them out in a single, even layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan so each piece can brown properly. Let the gnocchi cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then gently stir or flip them with a spatula every 2 minutes. Continue cooking for a total of 12–15 minutes until the gnocchi are golden brown on all sides. Once done, transfer them to a bowl or plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté over medium heat for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the onion becomes soft, translucent, and lightly fragrant. This will form the flavorful base of your creamy sauce.
- Infuse Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and optional nutmeg to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. These spices will infuse the dish with rich, layered flavors.
- Melt Vegan Butter and Incorporate Flour: Add 2 tablespoons of vegan butter to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and evenly coats the onions and spices. Once melted, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine, making sure no dry flour pockets remain. This creates a roux, which will thicken your creamy spinach sauce beautifully.
- Add Non-Dairy Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in 1½ cups of unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond, oat, cashew, or light coconut), whisking constantly as you add it. This prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, velvety sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Stir in Spinach and Nutritional Yeast: Add the frozen spinach directly to the sauce. Stir well to combine, breaking up any clumps of spinach with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, which adds a subtle cheesy flavor and boosts the dish’s plant-based protein content. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Reintroduce Gnocchi and Adjust Flavor: Return the pan-fried gnocchi to the skillet, gently folding them into the creamy spinach sauce. Squeeze in the juice of ½ a lemon to brighten the flavors. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
- Final Simmer and Coating: Allow the gnocchi and sauce to simmer together for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure each piece is fully coated. The sauce should cling to the gnocchi, creating a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the creamy spinach gnocchi to serving plates or a large bowl. For an extra touch, drizzle with a small amount of olive oil or garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy a hearty, comforting, and nutritious meal that’s both quick and satisfying!
Notes
- Pan-frying the gnocchi instead of boiling them gives a golden, slightly crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- If your sauce feels too thin, continue simmering gently to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally.
- For a thinner sauce, add a splash more non-dairy milk or vegetable broth until you reach the desired consistency.
- Feel free to incorporate extra vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or green peas to bulk up the dish and add color.
- For a gluten-free version, look for certified gluten-free gnocchi and ensure all other ingredients are compliant.
