If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Peas Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe. It combines pillowy gnocchi with a dreamy, velvety sauce that highlights fresh sage and sweet peas — all made with vegan-friendly ingredients that don’t skimp on richness or flavor. Whether you’re vegan or just curious about delicious plant-based meals, this recipe is an absolute keeper that will charm your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and beautiful color in this dish. From the fragrant fresh sage to the creamy dairy-free milk, every component works together to create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the tender gnocchi.
- 1 ½ Tbsp oil or vegan butter: Provides a rich base to sauté the aromatics and add buttery depth.
- ½ medium onion, finely diced: Brings a gentle sweetness and helps build the savory foundation of the sauce.
- 3 Tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped: Adds an earthy, aromatic lift that makes the sauce truly special.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with pungent warmth and subtle spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tang and depth that brightens the creaminess.
- â…“ cup dry white wine (80 ml): Adds acidity and complexity, mellowing the richness brilliantly.
- 1 ¼ cups dairy-free cream or milk (300 ml): Creates the luscious, velvety sauce without any dairy, perfect for vegan diets.
- 1 cup frozen peas (150 g), thawed: Offers a pop of sweetness and vibrant green color that complements the sage.
- 400 g uncooked gnocchi: Pillowy potato dumplings that soak up all the sauce’s loveliness.
- Vegan Parmesan, for sprinkling: Adds the finishing touch with a salty, nutty flavor to elevate the dish.
How to Make Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Peas Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Aromatics
Start by finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. This step is key because these small pieces will melt into the sauce, creating a beautifully fragrant and flavorful base that sets the tone for the entire dish.
Step 2: Heat the Oil or Vegan Butter
In a large skillet, warm up your oil or vegan butter over medium heat until it’s glistening but not smoking. This will be the perfect environment to gently soften your onion and allow the sage and garlic to release their aromas without burning.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion Until Softened
Add the diced onion to your skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onions to become translucent and tender, which means they’ve released their sweetness and will help balance the richer components in your sauce.
Step 4: Add Sage and Garlic
Stir in the chopped sage and minced garlic next. Cook everything together for one more minute, stirring frequently. Be attentive here to prevent the garlic from browning too much, which can turn the flavor bitter.
Step 5: Combine Seasonings and Liquids
Now it’s time to bring in the big flavor boosters. Add salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, dry white wine, dairy-free cream or milk, and thawed peas. Stir well and bring the mixture to a light boil, which helps to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the sauce for thickness.
Step 6: Simmer with Gnocchi
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and then add in the uncooked gnocchi. Let everything cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the gnocchi from sticking and ensuring they cook evenly. The sauce will thicken beautifully and the gnocchi will become tender and pillowy. If the sauce is too thick at any point, simply add more dairy-free milk; if it feels thin, keep simmering a bit longer.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once your gnocchi are perfectly tender and the sauce has reached a luscious consistency, sprinkle vegan Parmesan on top. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a fresh, pretty presentation, consider adding a few extra sage leaves on top before serving hot.
How to Serve Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Peas Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish from everyday to elegant. Fresh sage leaves, a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan, or even a dash of freshly cracked black pepper add texture and a burst of freshness that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair your gnocchi with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to bring brightness and balance. A light, crunchy side enhances the softness and richness of the gnocchi, creating a memorable meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the gnocchi family-style in a large shallow bowl for a warm, inviting vibe, or plate individually with a drizzle of extra olive oil and a sprig of sage for a restaurant-style presentation. For a fun twist, you could even arrange it over a bed of sautéed spinach or kale for added color and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover gnocchi with creamy sage and peas sauce stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to deepen, making your next meal just as delicious — or even better!
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to store the gnocchi and sauce separately to maintain texture. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of dairy-free milk if the sauce feels too thick. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep the gnocchi from becoming mushy. This method helps preserve the creamy texture and fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package and add them directly to the sauce as directed.
What type of dairy-free cream is best?
Oat or soy-based creams are great choices because they have a neutral flavor and creamy texture, but you can also experiment with coconut cream if you want a subtle sweetness in your sauce.
Can I substitute fresh sage with dried sage?
While fresh sage is preferred for its bright, fragrant flavor, dried sage can be used in a pinch. Use about a third of the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
It depends on your gnocchi choice. Some gnocchi contain wheat flour, so look for certified gluten-free gnocchi if you need to avoid gluten.
Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus for extra texture and nutrition — just add them early enough to cook through with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Peas Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s hearty yet light, elegant yet comforting—a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Give it a try soon and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to dishes.
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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 Gnocchi with Cream Sauce recipe is a quick and comforting dairy-free dish featuring tender gnocchi cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with fresh sage, garlic, white wine, and peas. Perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal that can be ready in just 25 minutes.
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 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 avoid 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 to combine the flavors.
- Simmer Sauce and Cook Gnocchi: Reduce heat to a simmer and add the uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more dairy-free cream or milk if too thick, or simmering longer if too thin.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan, taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra sage if desired.
Notes
- Use dairy-free cream or milk of choice such as oat, almond, or soy to keep the dish vegan.
- Frozen peas can be substituted with fresh peas in season for a fresher flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken quickly.
- For added protein, consider adding cooked mushrooms or vegan sausage to the sauce.
- Use store-bought or homemade gnocchi; cooking times may vary slightly depending on the brand.
