If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luscious, dairy-free cream sauce infused with fresh sage and sweet peas, delivering an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easy, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role—balancing richness, freshness, and aroma to create a harmonious dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- Oil or vegan butter: Adds a silky base for sautéing the aromatics and underpinning the sauce’s richness.
- Onion: Finely diced to soften and provide a gentle sweetness in the sauce.
- Fresh sage: Chopped fresh sage delivers its signature earthy, herbaceous flavor that compliments creamy sauces perfectly.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a subtle, savory kick that wakes up the taste buds.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to round out the flavors and enhance the ingredients.
- Dijon mustard: A teaspoon brightens the sauce with a hint of tang and depth.
- Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, helping to build the sauce’s layers of flavor.
- Dairy-free cream or milk: Creates the smooth, luscious texture essential to the creamy sauce without dairy.
- Frozen peas: Thawed peas inject pops of color and a subtly sweet freshness.
- Uncooked gnocchi: The soft, pillowy pasta that soaks up the sauce and makes this dish satisfying.
- Vegan Parmesan: For sprinkling on top, adding a savory, cheesy finish.
How to Make Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Start by finely dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. This prep work sets the stage for your sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor from the very beginning.
Step 2: Heat Your Fat
Warm the oil or vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Using vegan butter gives the dish a buttery depth, while oil keeps it lighter—choose what feels best for your cravings.
Step 3: Sauté Onion Until Soft
Add your diced onion to the skillet. Cook gently for about 3 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. This is where sweetness starts to build, layering the flavor foundation for the sauce.
Step 4: Add Sage and Garlic
Stir in the fresh sage and minced garlic, cooking for another minute. Keep stirring often so the garlic doesn’t burn—this step unlocks the fragrant, earthy aroma that defines this dish.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Season with salt and pepper, then whisk in Dijon mustard, white wine, dairy-free cream or milk, and the thawed peas. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally—this helps everything marry beautifully as the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi
Turn down the heat to a gentle simmer and add the uncooked gnocchi straight into the sauce. Let them cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then so they don’t stick or clump. The gnocchi will become tender while the sauce reduces to a creamy consistency. If it feels too thick, simply add a little more cream or milk; if too thin, simmer a bit longer to perfect the texture.
Step 7: Final Touches
Finish by sprinkling vegan Parmesan over the top, adjusting salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with extra fresh sage leaves if you want to amp up the herbaceous aroma before serving your comforting plate of gnocchi.
How to Serve Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like extra fresh sage or a sprinkling of vegan Parmesan cheese add that final flourish and elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. A grind of fresh black pepper on top also enhances the savory notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a light tomato and basil salad. The freshness of the sides provides a contrast to the creamy sauce, balancing your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve your gnocchi in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a few pea shoots or edible flowers. It creates a restaurant-style presentation that feels festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce tends to thicken when chilled, so give it a gentle stir when reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Freeze in portions in a sealed container, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat over low heat on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Add a splash of dairy-free cream or milk during reheating to restore the sauce’s creamy texture and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream instead of dairy-free cream?
Absolutely! Regular cream will make the sauce richer and just as delicious. This recipe is flexible to accommodate dairy-free or traditional preferences.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen peas?
Frozen peas are a great choice because they’re conveniently available year-round and retain their sweetness well. Just remember to thaw them before adding to the sauce.
Can I make gnocchi from scratch for this recipe?
Certainly! Homemade gnocchi adds a lovely touch, but store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time, making this recipe very accessible.
What wine works best for the sauce?
Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay complement this sauce beautifully by adding bright acidity and depth of flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach make excellent additions, boosting both nutrition and flavor while keeping the dish fresh and interesting.
Final Thoughts
This Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce Recipe is one of those meals you’ll find yourself making again and again because it hits every note—comforting, simple, and utterly delicious. It’s a great way to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience those tender gnocchi soaked in herb-kissed creamy goodness. Enjoy every bite!
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Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy vegan gnocchi recipe features tender gnocchi cooked in a luscious dairy-free cream sauce infused with fresh sage, garlic, and white wine. Perfectly comforting and easy to make, it’s flavored with vegan butter and a hint of Dijon mustard, finished with sweet peas and sprinkled with vegan Parmesan for an elegant touch. Ideal for a quick weekday meal or a cozy dinner.
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. These will form the flavorful base of the cream sauce.
- Heat fat: In a large skillet, warm 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 to prevent browning.
- Add sage and garlic: Stir in the chopped fresh sage and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute while stirring often to avoid burning and release their aroma.
- Create sauce base: Mix in salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, dry white wine, dairy-free cream or milk, and the thawed peas. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to combine ingredients evenly.
- Cook gnocchi: Reduce heat to a simmer and add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the sauce. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Adjust the consistency by adding more dairy-free cream or letting it simmer longer if needed.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle vegan Parmesan over the dish, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with extra sage if desired for an herbal touch.
Notes
- Use vegan butter or neutral oil like olive oil for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Fresh sage is essential for authenticity, but dried sage can be substituted in a pinch (use half the amount).
- If the sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a splash more dairy-free milk to loosen it up.
- Look for gnocchi without eggs or dairy to keep this recipe fully vegan.
- For a richer taste, consider using a thicker dairy-free cream rather than milk.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
