If you are searching for a comforting, yet delightfully fresh dish to brighten your dinner table, look no further than this Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Peas Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe. It perfectly balances pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a luscious, dairy-free cream sauce infused with aromatic sage and sweet peas. Every bite feels like a cozy hug, while the vibrant green peas add a burst of color and freshness, making this vegan-friendly delight accessible and irresistible for everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is visually inviting. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s building the sauce’s rich texture or adding fresh and earthy notes that truly elevate this vegan gnocchi dish.
- 1 ½ Tbsp oil or vegan butter: Provides the perfect fatty base to sauté aromatics and infuse the sauce with depth.
- ½ medium onion, finely diced: Adds mild sweetness and a subtle crunch that melts into the sauce for complexity.
- 3 Tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped: Delivers that unmistakable earthy, slightly peppery flavor that brightens the creamy sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic intensity to build a flavorful foundation.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor in the dish.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth that cuts through the creaminess without overpowering.
- â…“ cup dry white wine (80 ml): Lends acidity and sophistication, helping to deglaze and infuse the sauce.
- 1 ¼ cups dairy-free cream or milk (300 ml): The creamy, vegan-friendly base that makes this sauce so indulgent.
- 1 cup frozen peas (150 g), thawed: Offers a fresh, lightly sweet contrast and gorgeous pops of green.
- 400 g uncooked gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that are the heart of this dish.
- Vegan Parmesan, for sprinkling: Adds a nutty, cheesy finish to elevate the overall experience.
How to Make Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Peas Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Aromatics
Start by finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. This little prep sets the stage for a deeply flavorful sauce, as these aromatics gently release their natural sweetness and pungency when cooked, creating a perfect base that will support all the other ingredients.
Step 2: Heat Oil or Vegan Butter
In a large skillet, warm the oil or vegan butter over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. This step ensures the aromatics will sizzle and soften just right, unlocking their full flavor without burning.
Step 3: Sauté Onion
Add the diced onion to your skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become soft and translucent. This gentle cooking mellows the sharpness of the onion and brings out its natural sweetness, giving a subtle sweetness to your sauce.
Step 4: Add Sage and Garlic
Next, stir in the finely chopped sage and minced garlic. Cook for another minute, stirring regularly to prevent the garlic from burning. The sage’s herbal aroma will quickly fill the kitchen, heightening your anticipation for this delicious meal.
Step 5: Add Seasonings and Liquids
Now, season the skillet with salt and pepper, then stir in the Dijon mustard along with the dry white wine. Let this mixture bubble for a moment to reduce slightly and meld flavors. Pour in the dairy-free cream or milk and mix in the thawed peas. Raise the heat to bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to keep everything smooth and combined.
Step 6: Simmer Sauce and Cook Gnocchi
Reduce the heat to low and carefully add the uncooked gnocchi directly into the sauce. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and have absorbed some of the sauce’s flavor. Keep an eye on your sauce’s consistency; if it thickens too much, splash in a little extra dairy-free milk, or let it simmer longer if it’s too thin.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat, sprinkle generously with vegan Parmesan, then taste to adjust salt and pepper. A little extra sage on top adds a fresh herbal note and makes your dish look picture-perfect. Serve the gnocchi hot, and prepare for a comforting, creamy masterpiece.
How to Serve Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Peas Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sage leaves, toasted pine nuts, or a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan can beautifully enhance both texture and flavor. These small touches lift the dish from simple to stunning, adding an extra layer of crunch or freshness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
A light mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables pair wonderfully with this gnocchi, balancing its richness and infusing your meal with variety and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil or a balsamic reduction. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can also make a charming visual statement, perfect for impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The gnocchi will absorb more sauce as it sits, so stir gently before reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the gnocchi’s tender texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of dairy-free milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the sauce smooth and avoid drying out the gnocchi.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and helps save prep time. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions closely since some brands may cook faster or slower.
What dairy-free cream do you recommend?
Unsweetened oat or soy-based creams are excellent for this recipe because of their neutral flavor and creamy texture, which blend smoothly with the sage and peas.
Is there a substitute for white wine?
Yes, if you prefer not to cook with wine, vegetable broth with a splash of lemon juice is a great alternative that maintains the acidity and depth of flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just choose gnocchi made from gluten-free ingredients, which are widely available in stores or easy to prepare at home.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
For an extra protein boost, stir in some cooked chickpeas or toasted walnuts right before serving. Both keep the dish vegan while adding delightful texture and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Peas Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe is truly a charming dish that brings warmth and vibrancy to any meal. Its ease of preparation and beautifully balanced flavors make it an instant favorite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this comforting vegan gem as much as I do!
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Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Peas Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This delicious Gnocchi with Cream Sauce recipe combines tender gnocchi with a rich, dairy-free cream sauce flavored with fresh sage, garlic, and white wine. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make vegan pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
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 flavorful base of the sauce.
- Heat Oil or Vegan Butter: In a large skillet, heat the oil or vegan butter over medium heat until hot and shimmering.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add Sage and Garlic: Stir in the chopped sage and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute while stirring frequently to prevent burning and release their aroma.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Incorporate salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, dry white wine, dairy-free cream or milk, and thawed peas into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, then add the uncooked gnocchi directly into the sauce. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more dairy-free cream or milk if too thick, or simmer for a bit longer if too thin.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the cooked dish with vegan Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra fresh sage for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use dairy-free cream or milk alternatives such as coconut cream, almond milk, or oat milk to keep the dish vegan.
- Fresh sage can be substituted with dried sage if unavailable, but use about 1 teaspoon dried sage.
- Keep stirring frequently when adding garlic and sage to avoid burning, which can cause bitterness.
- If white wine is unavailable or you prefer non-alcoholic, substitute with vegetable broth or a splash of lemon juice.
- Check the gnocchi packaging for cooking times as some brands may differ slightly.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of vegan butter or a bit more cream at the end.
