10+ Vegetarian Gnocchi Recipes for Delicious Meat-Free Meals

If you are looking for delicious meal ideas, vegetarian gnocchi recipes are a great choice. Gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be paired with many ingredients, making it perfect for various tastes and occasions. These recipes not only highlight the flavors of fresh vegetables but also make for satisfying meals that everyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner at home or hosting friends, vegetarian gnocchi offers something for everyone. From creamy sauces to vibrant vegetable medleys, there are countless ways to prepare this beloved dish. You’ll find that these simple recipes can take your cooking to the next level.

Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi

Spinach and ricotta gnocchi is a delicious vegetarian dish that’s fun to make. With just two main ingredients, spinach and ricotta, you can create a delightful meal.

To start, make sure your spinach is fresh. You will need to rinse it well and then squeeze out any extra water. The ricotta adds a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the spinach.

You can cook these gnocchi by boiling them in salted water. They usually take about 3-4 minutes to float to the surface, which means they are ready to eat.

This dish can be served with your favorite sauce or just with a sprinkle of cheese. It’s a comforting option for any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: grated cheese for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the spinach and squeeze out excess water.
2. Combine the spinach and ricotta in a bowl.
3. Form the mixture into small dumplings.
4. Bring salted water to a boil.
5. Drop the gnocchi into the water and cook for 3-4 minutes until they float.

2) Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Sage Butter

Sweet potato gnocchi with sage butter is a tasty and comforting dish. The sweet potatoes give the gnocchi a lovely flavor and a vibrant color. This recipe is simple and perfect for any day.

To start, you’ll prepare the dough using sweet potato puree, flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix until it forms a firm dough. Then, roll it into small pieces and cut them into gnocchi shapes.

Next, cook the gnocchi in boiling water. They are done when they float to the top. For the sauce, melt some butter in a pan and add fresh sage leaves. Cook until the sage is crispy.

Toss the cooked gnocchi in the sage butter and enjoy! This dish is delightful with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sweet potato puree
• 2 to 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Fresh sage leaves
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare sweet potato puree.
2. In a bowl, mix puree, flour, and salt.
3. Form the dough and cut into gnocchi shapes.
4. Boil water and cook gnocchi until they float.
5. In a pan, melt butter and add sage leaves.
6. Toss cooked gnocchi in sage butter.
7. Serve with Parmesan if desired.

3) Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi

Lemon ricotta gnocchi is a delightful vegetarian dish that’s both light and satisfying. The combination of fluffy gnocchi and creamy ricotta creates a unique texture. Adding lemon zest brightens the flavor, making it refreshing.

You can find various ways to cook this dish. Some recipes call for pan-frying the gnocchi until crispy. Others might suggest boiling them in water until they float, which usually takes about 1 to 3 minutes.

For extra taste, consider adding fresh herbs or sautéed vegetables. Asparagus and snap peas pair wonderfully with the lemony flavor. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 package gnocchi
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook gnocchi according to the package instructions.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta with lemon zest and juice.
3. Heat olive oil or butter in a pan.
4. Add cooked gnocchi and sauté until golden.
5. Toss with lemon ricotta mixture and serve.

4) Pumpkin Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sauce

Pumpkin gnocchi is a delicious vegetarian dish that’s perfect for any season. The combination of pumpkin and brown butter creates a rich, comforting flavor. You can enjoy it as a main course or a side dish.

To make this dish, start by cooking your gnocchi until they float. While that’s happening, melt butter in a pan and let it brown. Add garlic and fresh sage for an aromatic touch. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the brown butter sauce.

You can serve it warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a bit of black pepper for extra flavor. This dish is easy to make and full of autumn-inspired taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• Fresh sage

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the gnocchi in boiling water until they float.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat until it turns brown.
3. Add minced garlic and sage; cook until fragrant.
4. Toss cooked gnocchi in the brown butter sauce and mix well.
5. Serve with Parmesan and black pepper on top.

5) Mushroom Gnocchi in Creamy Sauce

Mushroom gnocchi in creamy sauce is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. The combination of soft gnocchi and savory mushrooms creates a delightful meal.

You can start with store-bought or homemade gnocchi. Sauté the mushrooms in a pan with a little oil until they’re golden brown. This adds great flavor to your dish.

Next, you’ll create a creamy sauce. Use plant-based cream or regular cream, along with garlic and herbs for seasoning. Add the cooked gnocchi to the pan and mix everything together until well-coated.

For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh herbs or vegan parmesan on top before serving. This adds freshness and a nice finishing touch.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) gnocchi
• 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) plant-based cream or regular cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté sliced mushrooms until browned.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in the cream and stir well.
6. Add the cooked gnocchi and mix until coated.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

6) Tomato Basil Gnocchi

Tomato basil gnocchi is a tasty and simple dish you can make at home. It combines soft gnocchi with a rich tomato sauce and fresh basil for a delightful flavor. You can prepare it in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots to create a fragrant base. Then toss in sun-dried tomatoes and your favorite tomato paste. Season with Italian spices and salt for extra flavor.

Once the sauce is ready, add cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Stir gently until they are coated with the sauce. For a creamy touch, you can add a splash of plant-based cream.

Finish with fresh basil for a burst of color and taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 package of gnocchi
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• Italian seasoning, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add garlic and shallots; cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste.
4. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Add cooked gnocchi; stir until coated.
6. Finish with fresh basil and serve.

7) Pea and Mint Gnocchi

Pea and mint gnocchi is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season. The combination of green peas and mint creates a light and refreshing sauce that complements the tender gnocchi beautifully.

Start by boiling the gnocchi until they float to the top of salted water. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. While they cook, prepare your sauce in a skillet.

You can sauté garlic in olive oil, then add peas and cream to create a smooth sauce. Finally, toss in fresh mint for that extra zing. Serve your gnocchi topped with the creamy pea and mint mixture for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 250g gnocchi
• 200g peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 100ml cream
• Fresh mint leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add gnocchi and cook until they rise to the top, about 4-5 minutes.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add peas and cream, cooking until heated through.
5. Stir in fresh mint, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss gnocchi in the sauce and serve warm.

8) Gnocchi with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This dish features tender gnocchi smothered in a creamy roasted red pepper sauce. It’s a simple yet delightful meal for any night of the week.

To start, roast red peppers in the oven until they are soft and slightly charred. Allow them to cool and then blend them with garlic, olive oil, and a bit of seasoning until smooth.

Cook your gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain and mix it with the roasted red pepper sauce. You can toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.

Serve your gnocchi on a plate, and enjoy the vibrant colors and delicious taste!

Ingredients

• 1 package of gnocchi
• 2-3 roasted red peppers
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast red peppers for about 20 minutes until soft.
3. Allow peppers to cool, then blend with garlic and olive oil.
4. Cook gnocchi in boiling water according to package directions.
5. Drain gnocchi and mix with the sauce.
6. Serve and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Zucchini Parmesan Gnocchi

Zucchini Parmesan Gnocchi is a simple and tasty dish. It combines the soft texture of gnocchi with the flavors of zucchini and Parmesan cheese, creating a satisfying meal.

To make this dish, start by sautéing fresh zucchini in olive oil. Add minced garlic to enhance the flavor. Once the zucchini is tender, mix in cooked gnocchi.

Next, add grated Parmesan cheese and some reserved cooking liquid to make the sauce creamy. Stir everything together until well combined. This dish is quick and perfect for dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound gnocchi
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced zucchini and sauté for 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add cooked gnocchi and mix well.
5. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and some cooking liquid.
6. Stir until creamy and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

10) Cauliflower Gnocchi with Pesto

Cauliflower gnocchi with pesto is a delightful and easy vegetarian dish. You can find cauliflower gnocchi in many stores or make your own at home. This recipe blends the light, fluffy texture of the gnocchi with the rich flavors of pesto.

Start by cooking the gnocchi according to package instructions. You can sauté them in olive oil for extra crispiness. Using a non-stick pan makes this process simple and enjoyable.

Once the gnocchi is browned, toss it with your favorite pesto. vegan pesto works excellently here. You can also add some veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition.

Serve it warm, maybe topped with some pine nuts or grated cheese if you like. This dish is wholesome and filling, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 bag of frozen cauliflower gnocchi
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup pesto (vegan or regular)
• Optional: cherry tomatoes, spinach, pine nuts

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add cauliflower gnocchi and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add pesto and toss to combine.

4. Serve warm and enjoy!