This vegan gnocchi is dressed in the richest, creamiest, zippy lemon sauce that just happens to be dairy-free! Served with hearty kale and seasoned with a garlic and a hint of thyme, this easy meal is pure vegan comfort food.
Gnocchi is my favorite comfort food. I mean, pasta potato dumplings(!)...does it get any better than that? Only if you smother those pasta dumplings in creamy sauce (spoiler: I did).
What I really love about this particular vegan gnocchi recipe is that in addition to being super delicious and comforting, it's also really easy to throw together. Because how comforting can a meal really be if you have to spend the entire day working in the kitchen to enjoy it? We're not doing that here!
I incorporated a few shortcuts that I think are pretty clever into this recipe. For one thing, the kale portion of this dish gets boiled right along with the gnocchi. This means you don't have to blanch it separately like you often do with veggies that get added to pasta dishes. I also decided to ditch the cashews I normally use for creamy sauces, along with all the required blending and soaking, and use coconut milk as the base. Easy!
The result was a delicious skillet of vegan gnocchi that's both easy enough for a weeknight, but also fancy enough for company.
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Ingredients You'll Need
- Potato gnocchi. We're using shelf-stable gnocchi because in my experience it's more likely to be vegan than frozen. But you'll still want to check your ingredients to be safe. And if you can find vegan frozen gnocchi, feel free to use it!
- Lacinato kale. This is the dark green variety of kale that has a bumpy surface. It might also be labelled Tuscan kale or dinosaur kale at the store. You can substitute curly kale (or pretty much any variety) if you can't find it.
- Shallots. Red onion will work as a substitute if needed.
- Garlic.
- All-purpose flour.
- Dry white wine. Not all wine is vegan. You can check to ensure yours is by running the brand through Barnivore.
- Fresh thyme.
- Coconut milk. We're using full-fat coconut milk from a can. Don't use the type sold in cartons.
- Salt.
- Lemon juice.
- Lemon zest.
- Black pepper.
- Red pepper flakes. Skip these if you're not into heat.
- Vegan Parmesan cheese. This is optional and for topping. I'm a big fan of homemade vegan Parmesan cheese, but store-bought is fine as well.
How It's Made
Below is a detailed photo tutorial on how to make this dish. Scroll all the way down if you'd like to skip right to the recipe!
- Start by boiling your gnocchi according to the package directions. Set a timer for this, and when you've got about 30 seconds left, add the kale and boil it with the gnocchi.
- Drain the kale and gnocchi together in a colander.
Tip: This method works for just about any pasta and any veggie you'd add to pasta. I do it all the time, then add whatever sauce I've got on hand, and voilà : I've got a healthy dinner on the table that was super easy to make!
- Heat up some more olive oil in a skillet and add finely chopped shallots. Cook them until they begin to soften up, then add the garlic and cook it with the shallots briefly.
- Add some flour and stir to form a paste that coats the shallots, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the wine and bring it to a simmer. Let the wine cook until it reduces by about half.
- Add the salt and begin stirring in the coconut milk, a bit at a time. You can use a whisk to mix the ingredients if you have trouble getting the lumps out.
- Bring the liquid to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, until the sauce thickens up.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest followed by the gnocchi and kale. Cook everything very briefly, just to get the gnocchi hot again.
- Take the skillet off of the burner, give the sauce a taste test, and add black pepper, along with some additional salt if you'd like.
- Divide your creamy vegan gnocchi onto plates and top each with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and vegan Parmesan.
Leftovers & Storage
Leftover vegan gnocchi will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
I think so! I haven't made a gluten-free version myself, but I think you'd be able to substitute a gluten-free flour blend for wheat flour to thicken the sauce. You'll also need to use a vegan gluten-free gnocchi (DeLallo makes one).
You can, but I haven't tested the recipe this way, so I'm not sure how it will turn out.
Not to me, but if you absolutely can't stand the taste of coconut you may want to skip this one, or attempt it with another type of non-dairy milk (which I haven't tested).
I've found that most supermarkets carry it! Many popular shelf-stable brands of gnocchi are accidentally vegan.
More Vegan Pasta Dinners
- Vegan Stuffed Shells
- Vegan Pasta Puttanesca
- Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo
- Vegan Lasagna
- Vegan Spaghetti Carbonara
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Gnocchi with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 1 small bunch (6-8 ounces) lacinato kale, torn into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus a dash
- ½ cup finely chopped shallots (1-2 shallots)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, for serving
- Vegan Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Â
- Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook it according to the package directions. When you've got about 30 seconds of cook time left, stir in the kale and continue cooking until the gnocchi float the kale is bright green.
- Drain the gnocchi and kale into a colander, return them to the pot, and toss them with a dash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Coat the bottom of a large skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and place it over medium heat.
- When the oil is hot, add the shallots. Sweat the shallots for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook it with the shallots for about 30 second more, until it becomes very fragrant.
- Stir in the flour. Continue cooking and stirring the mixture for about 2 minutes, until the flour forms a smooth paste and coats the shallots.
- Stir in the white wine and thyme, and bring the liquid to a simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 4 minutes, until the liquid reduced by about half.
- Stir in the salt, then add the coconut milk, a bit at a time in order to smoothly incorporate it with the flour.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, lower the heat and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes smooth and thick.
- Stir in the lemon juice, zest, gnocchi and kale. Cook everything for about 30 second more, stirring to coat the gnocchi and kale with the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and season the gnocchi with black pepper and additional salt to taste.
- Divide onto plates and serve with red pepper flakes and vegan Parmesan cheese.
Notes
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I made this last night and I'm saving the recipe because it was a lovely, comforting supper.
I didn't have kale in so I replaced it with frozen spinach. I used onion instead of shallots and white wine vinegar in place of dry wine. Despite these variations it was delicious.
Next time I make it I'll be sure and have in the kale and wine.
This was really lovely and even my husband enjoyed it, and he prefers meat! It took me about an hour total prep and cooking. I do have a question. I used GF flour and when I added the wine it was absorbed immediately. There was no simmering until it reduced and it was all clumpy. Once I added the coconut milk it all seemed to all be combined and didn't stay clumpy.
It was really good but I was looking for a little something extra, to give it a kick. I did add a bit of red pepper flakes, but maybe more is needed. And I forgot to use the vegan parm so that might have made a difference. I also like the suggestion of adding other veggies such as mushrooms. Thanks!
I'm glad it was a hit! I haven't made this using gluten-free flour, so I haven't experienced that myself, but thank you for sharing — this will be helpful in letting others know what to expect when making the dish gluten-free!
Worked perfectly with DeLallo Gluten Free mini gnocchi (only gluten free size available locally), and King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure flour.
Fantastic! I added some pan fried vegan italian sausage on top :D
Holy heck! That was good! Gnocchi is one of my favourite, easy vegan meals but I've been making it with cashews for the creamy sauce. The coconut sauce is MUCH creamier and the lemon juice gave it a real lift, just added a certain something.
I made it with baby leaf spinach as I have so much growing in my garden. Yesterday I made your potato spinach curry (I cut back on the spices too much, I have a sensitive stomach for spices but I didn't use enough) and had coconut milk left over.
This gnocchi was fabulous!
How can I make this gluten free? Would coconut flour or gluten free flour work?
I think rice flour or an all-purpose gluten free flour blend would work. I haven't tried either, but I have heard from readers who used both as thickeners in recipes similar to this one and had good results!
Kitchen was a bit understocked so I substituted shallots with leek, wine with vegan chicken stock and coconut cream with OATLY oat cream and it’s ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! What a fantastic recipe!
This was delicious but just a note it wasnt obvious at first read that you need to set the gnocchi aside when its drained and save for later. Still delicious though!! Will do it correctly next time :)
Glad you enjoyed it! And thank you for your feedback - I just added some language to the instructions that will hopefully clarify this step. :)
I like that there weren't too many steps. It was flavorful. I appreciated not having to puree cashews for a cream base.
This recipe is a GEM. I tried it when I was trying out vegan recipes for a few weeks and it has become part of my rotation- have made it over 10 times! I would highly recommend to anyone- even those who are weary of coconut milk (FYI you don't taste it lol).
Absolutely delicious!! What a hit in my home, everyone loved it! Is packed with flavor and so healthy as well. Will definitely be bookmarking this recipe for future uses. Thank you for sharing with us :)
What could you substitute for coconut milk if you have an allergy?
Try cashew milk!
This has become a family favourite, it is so delicious!! And with a vegan & a vegetarian in the house, it's wonderful. Also quick to prepare. I add sliced mushrooms & zucchini, saute with the shallots, works well. Thank you so much!
Not a fan it's too much lemon in my opinion
it looks amazing! how strong is the coconut milk taste?
If you're super sensitive to the taste of coconut you might be able to detect it, but neither my husband nor I could!
So yummy and easy. Substituted spinach and vege broth
Sounds delicious! Glad you enjoyed it!
The coconut milk is way too sweet. It clashes with the acidity of the lemon and results in a pretty off-putting sauce. I would recommend soy milk instead. Otherwise, it's a solid recipe
Did you happen to use sweetened coconut milk? Soy should work as a substitute, but you won't get quite the same richness that you will with coconut milk.
Amazing thank you! It's hard finding dairy free Good creamy recipes. So when I seen this I had to try it! Awesome thank you
I'm glad you like it! Thanks Pati!
This was delicious and so creamy! I substituted vegetable broth for the wine, and spinach for the kale. So good! I think I'm going to play around with the base with different flavours and add ins, but it was so good! Thank you for sharing!
I'm so glad you liked it! And spinach sounds delicious - you can definitely switch this one up in lots of ways and have it turn out delicious. Thanks so much Jordan!
My husband made this last evening - it was simple enough that he not only could make it - but he didn't complain about cooking or eating a meatless dinner. It was delicious and he said it was filling. We added it to our "make again recipe" binder.
I'm so glad it was a hit!! Thanks Tracey!
I never comment on recipes but this is literally
One of the best things I have ever made and tasted. Thank you, thank you!!!
Woo hoo!! I'm so happy to hear that! Thanks Jess!
This was dinner last night and it was delicious!!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks so much Katie!
Hi there, this looks amazing! I’m wondering if the coconut flavor comes through? Thanks :)
Thank you! I couldn't taste the coconut. I think you'll be fine unless you're super sensitive to the flavor.
This looks delicious. We are planning on making some home made gnocchi over the xmas holidays so might well try this recipe! Thanks!
I hope you enjoy it!
La prepárate para probar porque con la leche de coco debes saber rico
I hope you enjoy it!!
Hi Alissa,
What could you substitute for wine? Vegetable broth? Also which gnocchi do you recommend?
This looks SO yummy!!!
Thank you!!! :)
Julie
Hi Julie! Vegetable broth should work just fine as a substitute! I used DeLallo gnocchi, and they were great. :) Enjoy!!
What a lovely and simple recipe. My husband also curses when Ive made an incredible dish hahaha
Lol! Thanks Nina! I hope you give this a try, and your husband curses. :)