There is something irresistibly comforting about the pillowy softness of gnocchi coated in a luscious, velvety sauce, and that’s exactly what this Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Vegan Parmesan Sauce Recipe delivers in every bite. Imagine gnocchi simmered gently in a rich dairy-free cream infused with fragrant fresh sage and a hint of Dijon mustard, complemented by sweet peas and topped with nutty vegan Parmesan. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with, combining creamy textures with herbaceous brightness, and it’s surprisingly simple to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building deep flavor, silky texture, and a pop of color that makes the dish inviting and wholesome.
- 1 ½ Tbsp oil or vegan butter: Provides a rich base to sauté the aromatics and infuse the sauce with savory depth.
- ½ medium onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and body, creating an aromatic foundation for the sauce.
- 3 Tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped: Brings a fragrant, earthy herbiness that elevates the creamy sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a subtle bite and aromatic warmth when cooked gently with onion and sage.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a whisper of tang and complexity that beautifully complements the creamy base.
- â…“ cup dry white wine (80 ml): Introduces a delicate acidity that lifts the sauce and melds the flavors.
- 1 ¼ cups dairy-free cream or milk (300 ml): Creates the silky, smooth texture that envelops the gnocchi in lushness.
- 1 cup frozen peas (150 g), thawed: Adds sweet bursts of color and a touch of freshness.
- 400 g uncooked gnocchi: The star of the dish – soft, tender gnocchi that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Vegan Parmesan, for sprinkling: A savory finishing touch that adds nuttiness and a bit of texture contrast.
How to Make Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Vegan Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Aromatics
Start by finely dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. This careful prep is key because it sets up the rich flavor base your sauce depends on. Taking a little extra time here will make a big difference once everything comes together in the skillet.
Step 2: Heat Oil or Vegan Butter
Place a large skillet over medium heat and warm up the oil or vegan butter until it’s shimmering but not smoking. This simple step allows you to gently coax out the natural sweetness of your aromatics without burning them later.
Step 3: Sauté Onion
Add the diced onion to the hot oil and cook for about 3 minutes until it’s softened and translucent. The goal here is to mellow its sharpness and create a savory, sweet foundation for the sauce to build on.
Step 4: Add Sage and Garlic
Stir in the freshly chopped sage and minced garlic, cooking for just about a minute while stirring often. This quick step wakes up their aromas without letting the garlic turn bitter, infusing your base with wonderful herbaceous notes.
Step 5: Add Seasonings and Liquids
Now it’s time to bring in the flavor boosters and creamy components. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the Dijon mustard and pour in the white wine followed by the dairy-free cream. Add the thawed peas last. Bring everything to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to marry all the flavors and encourage the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Simmer Sauce and Cook Gnocchi
Reduce heat to a simmer and add your uncooked gnocchi right into the sauce. You’ll cook them directly in the creamy mixture for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the pan. The gnocchi will become tender, and the sauce will thicken to a luxurious consistency. If it feels too thick, simply add a splash more dairy-free cream or milk; if too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once the gnocchi is perfectly cooked and the sauce is dreamy, sprinkle a generous amount of vegan Parmesan on top. Taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, maybe with a few extra sage leaves for that elegant finishing touch. This is where the dish truly radiates warmth and comfort.
How to Serve Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Vegan Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese never fails to add a delightful savory crunch that contrasts with the creamy sauce beautifully. Fresh sage leaves, lightly torn or whole, also make an elegant finishing touch that heightens the herbal aroma and adds a splash of green.
Side Dishes
Light, crisp salads with lemon vinaigrette pair wonderfully with this creamy gnocchi to balance richness. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a simple garlic sautéed green like spinach or kale add a fresh and wholesome element to the meal, rounding it out perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve your Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Vegan Parmesan Sauce Recipe in shallow bowls with a generous spoonful of sauce cascading over the gnocchi which creates a beautiful rustic look. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few toasted pine nuts tossed on top add a gourmet touch that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The gnocchi may absorb some sauce, making the texture a bit denser, but the flavors will deepen overnight, making it an even tastier treat the next day.
Freezing
While freshly made gnocchi dishes are best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container with some extra sauce to prevent drying. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of dairy-free cream or plant milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, to keep everything warm and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe. Just look for fresh or frozen options that cook quickly and absorb the sauce well.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, a splash of vegetable broth mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice can provide a similar acidity and depth without overpowering the creamy base.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional gnocchi usually contains wheat, but you can find gluten-free gnocchi varieties at many stores to keep this dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture.
How do I make vegan Parmesan at home?
Homemade vegan Parmesan is simple: blend toasted nuts like cashews with nutritional yeast, a pinch of garlic powder, and salt until finely ground. It adds a cheesy, nutty flavor without dairy.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Mushrooms, asparagus tips, or roasted cherry tomatoes would all complement the creamy sauce wonderfully and add extra layers of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like settling down with a warm plate of Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Vegan Parmesan Sauce Recipe to brighten a weeknight or impress your loved ones with minimal fuss. Creamy, herbaceous, and utterly satisfying, this dish brings together simple ingredients in such a way that every bite feels like a gentle hug. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite cozy meals to make and share.
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Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Vegan Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan Gnocchi with Cream Sauce recipe delivers a rich, comforting meal featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a savory dairy-free cream sauce flavored with fresh sage, garlic, and a hint of white wine. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect quick dinner that’s both creamy and satisfying, topped with vegan Parmesan for an indulgent touch.
Ingredients
Oil and Aromatics
- 1 ½ Tbsp oil or vegan butter
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 3 Tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- â…“ cup dry white wine (80 ml)
- 1 ¼ cups dairy-free cream or milk (300 ml)
- 1 cup frozen peas (150 g), thawed
Gnocchi and Garnish
- 400 g uncooked gnocchi
- Vegan Parmesan, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic to create the flavor base for the sauce.
- Heat Oil or Vegan Butter: In a large skillet, heat the oil or vegan butter over medium heat until hot.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Sage and Garlic: Stir in the chopped sage and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute while stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, white wine, dairy-free cream or milk, and thawed peas. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer Sauce and Cook Gnocchi: Reduce heat to a simmer, add uncooked gnocchi, and cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce thickens. Adjust consistency by adding more cream or milk if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan, taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed, then serve hot garnished with extra sage if desired.
Notes
- Use vegan butter or oil of your choice to keep the dish dairy-free.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of dairy-free milk slightly or simmer longer.
- Frozen peas can be replaced with fresh peas or omitted if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste.
- Ensure gnocchi is cooked through before serving; cooking times may vary slightly depending on the brand.
