If you haven’t yet tried Sage Gnocchi with Cream Sauce, you’re in for a delightful culinary experience! This dish is a comforting blend of soft, pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a deliciously creamy sauce infused with the aromatic essence of fresh sage. Vegetarian and easily adaptable, it’s a meal that’s both fancy enough for a dinner party and casual enough for a cozy weeknight at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep and a quick cook time, this dish is perfect for a busy schedule.
- Flavorful and Aromatic: Fresh sage mingles with garlic and onion to create an unforgettable aroma and taste.
- Versatile: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit various dietary preferences.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy sauce and hearty gnocchi bring all the warmth and comfort you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Sage Gnocchi with Cream Sauce requires only a handful of ingredients that come together seamlessly to present a dish full of flavor and texture. Each component has a special role, elevating the dish from basic to extraordinary.
- Vegan Butter or Oil: This forms a rich base for sautéing the vegetables and sage.
- Fresh Sage: Provides the signature earthy, slightly peppery flavor that defines the dish.
- White Wine: Adds depth and a slight tangy brightness; substitute with veggie broth if needed.
- Dairy-Free Cream: Creates the lush creaminess of the sauce; options include oat, cashew, or coconut milk.
- Peas: Adds a sweet and tender pop that complements the creamy texture.
- Gnocchi: The heart of the dish, offering a chewy, comforting bite.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to personalize this recipe to match your own culinary preferences! It’s flexible enough to accommodate various tweaks and twists that meet your taste or dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free Gnocchi: Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale towards the end for added color and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
How to Make Sage Gnocchi with Cream Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Heat vegan butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the onion for about 3 minutes until it’s slightly translucent. Add the sage and garlic, stirring frequently as you cook them for another minute to release their wonderful aromas.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
Introduce a splash of white wine to the pan, letting it simmer until slightly reduced. Stir in the dairy-free cream and peas, ensuring everything is well combined. Add mustard for a layer of complexity and let the sauce come to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to a simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the sauce. Stir often, letting it simmer for 7–8 minutes until the gnocchi are tender, and the sauce has beautifully thickened. If the sauce is overly thick, a touch more cream will loosen it perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Sage Gnocchi with Cream Sauce
- Perfect Gnocchi Texture: Avoid overcooking the gnocchi by testing them for doneness early. They should be tender but still hold their shape well.
- Balancing the Cream: Add a touch more dairy-free cream at the end if the sauce reduces too quickly; it ensures each bite remains creamy and delightful.
- Wine Selection: Opt for a crisp, dry white wine that enhances the sauce without overpowering the sage.
- Fresh Sage Importance: Use fresh, not dried, sage to ensure the herb’s full flavor and aroma infuse the dish perfectly.
How to Serve Sage Gnocchi with Cream Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of vegan Parmesan on top elevates this dish spectacularly. You might also consider adding a few fresh sage leaves crisped up in a bit of oil for a delightful, crunchy touch.
Side Dishes
This hearty gnocchi dish pairs perfectly with a light side salad dressed in vinaigrette or some roasted veg like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to bring a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the gnocchi in a large, shallow bowl, dramatically filled with the rich sauce and garnished artfully with fresh herbs. This presentation not only entices the senses but also keeps the dish beautifully warm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to cool the gnocchi completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before adding the gnocchi. Freeze the sauce separately, then add freshly cooked gnocchi when you’re ready to eat for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over the stove. Add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s original creaminess, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
FAQs
-
Can I use regular cream instead of dairy-free cream?
Absolutely! If you’re not following a dairy-free diet, feel free to use regular cream to achieve an even richer flavor profile.
-
Is there a substitute for sage?
While sage gives this dish its unique character, you can experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different but delightful herbaceous note.
-
How do I ensure the gnocchi doesn’t get mushy?
Avoid cooking the gnocchi in the sauce for too long. Ten minutes is usually enough to achieve the perfect texture.
-
What if I don’t want to use wine?
No problem! Substitute the wine with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version that still tastes amazing.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll love making and enjoying Sage Gnocchi with Cream Sauce as much as I do. It’s a recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Let its warmth and rich flavors welcome you into the cozy embrace of a perfect homemade meal. Bon appétit!
Print
Sage Gnocchi with Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired, Vegan cuisine
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This vegan and gluten-free gnocchi with cream sauce combines tender gnocchi cooked in a rich, dairy-free cream sauce infused with fresh sage, onions, garlic, and white wine for a flavorful and comforting vegetarian dish that is quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Oil and Aromatics
- 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
Liquids and Vegetables
- 1/3 cup dry (80 ml) white wine (see notes)
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) dairy-free cream or milk (see notes)
- 1 cup frozen (150 g) peas thawed
Gnocchi and Finishing
- 400 g uncooked gnocchi (vegan & gluten-free)
- Vegan Parmesan to sprinkle
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic to prepare for sautéing.
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat the oil or vegan butter over medium heat until hot.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Then, add the chopped sage and minced garlic, cooking for another minute while stirring frequently.
- Add liquids and peas: Season with salt and pepper, then stir in Dijon mustard. Pour in the white wine and cook until slightly reduced, about 2 minutes. Add the dairy-free cream and peas, stirring well and bringing to a gentle boil.
- Cook gnocchi: Reduce heat to a simmer, add the uncooked gnocchi to the sauce, and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened. If the sauce gets too thick, add more dairy-free cream or milk; if too thin, simmer a few more minutes.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan, taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then serve hot.
Notes
- Gnocchi: Use vegan and gluten-free gnocchi for best results.
- Wine: Substitute with vegetable broth if preferred.
- Dairy-free cream: Options include oat cream, thin cashew cream, soy cream, or canned coconut milk. You can also use dairy-free milk for a lighter sauce, but it may be less creamy.
- Cook time includes simmering and tenderizing the gnocchi: approximately 10 minutes.
- This dish can be prepared in just under 20 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
