The smooth, soft texture of the cauliflower gnocchi perfectly complements the fresh, zesty pesto sauce. Paired with sweet peas, this dish strikes the perfect balance between light and comforting. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
This Cauli Gnocchi with Pesto & Peas is a versatile dish that can be made quickly and easily while still delivering incredible flavor. You can customize it by adding more veggies or sprinkling your favorite cheese on top for extra richness. It’s ideal for busy weekdays or when you just want something light yet satisfying.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 package of cauli gnocchi
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1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
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1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Parmesan (optional, for garnish)
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Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the cauli gnocchi according to package directions. Once they float to the surface, remove them with a slotted spoon and set them aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
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Add the peas to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until they are heated through.
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Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently with the pesto sauce.
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Stir everything together until well coated, allowing the gnocchi to soak in the pesto flavor for 2 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Why Cauli Gnocchi is So Popular
What makes cauliflower gnocchi so special is not just the health benefits, but also the way it mimics the texture of traditional gnocchi. When cooked correctly, it has a slightly chewy, soft, and pillowy texture, which is exactly what you want from this iconic Italian dish. Whether you are following a gluten-free diet, trying to reduce carbs, or just looking for a delicious new way to enjoy gnocchi, cauliflower gnocchi delivers the flavor and satisfaction you crave without compromising on taste or texture.
The Flavorful Combination of Pesto & Peas
In this recipe, we pair cauliflower gnocchi with two irresistible ingredients: pesto and peas. Pesto, a flavorful sauce made from basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil, is the perfect companion to the delicate taste of the gnocchi. The addition of peas adds a burst of sweetness and texture that enhances the dish’s overall flavor. Peas also bring in a dose of fiber and protein, making this dish not just delicious, but also nutritious.
Quick and Easy Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. In just about 15 minutes, you can have a warm, comforting bowl of gnocchi with pesto and peas ready to serve. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing dinner for the whole family, this recipe makes for a fast and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Vegan-Friendly and Customizable
This recipe is easily adaptable to different dietary preferences. If you are vegan or dairy-free, simply use a vegan pesto and skip the shaved pecorino, substituting it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Additionally, this dish is flexible enough to accommodate other vegetables or toppings. Feel free to swap in spinach, kale, or even roasted tomatoes if you want to add more variety to the dish. You can also adjust the level of pesto based on your taste preferences, adding more or less depending on how flavorful you want the sauce to be.
The Secret to Crispy Cauliflower Gnocchi
One key tip to making cauliflower gnocchi that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside is to cook it directly from frozen. Unlike traditional gnocchi, which is often boiled, cauliflower gnocchi is best cooked in a hot pan with oil. This allows the gnocchi to crisp up and develop a golden-brown crust, which adds an irresistible texture. The key is to cook it on medium-high heat, stirring frequently to ensure that each piece gets evenly crispy. The result is a gnocchi that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
Health Benefits of Cauliflower
Cauliflower, the star ingredient in this gnocchi, is packed with health benefits. This versatile vegetable is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s particularly high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and supports skin health. Additionally, cauliflower is a great source of fiber, helping with digestion and promoting feelings of fullness. By swapping regular potato gnocchi for cauliflower gnocchi, you’re not only reducing the carb content of your meal but also adding an extra dose of nutrition.
Simplicity Meets Flavor
Sometimes, the best dishes are the simplest ones. This recipe highlights the beauty of simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of cauliflower, pesto, and peas to shine. The minimal ingredients used in this dish come together in a harmonious way, creating a meal that’s both comforting and light. The addition of avocado oil ensures that the gnocchi has a rich, savory flavor without being greasy, while the pesto elevates the dish with its fresh, herby notes. The peas bring a burst of sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the pesto and gnocchi.
Serving Suggestions
This Cauli Gnocchi with Pesto & Peas is versatile and can be served as a main dish or as a side. If you want to turn it into a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of leafy greens like spinach or arugula. A light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette would also complement the dish beautifully. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This recipe is ideal for meal prep because it’s easy to make in larger batches and stores well in the fridge. You can prepare a big batch of cauliflower gnocchi, pesto, and peas, then portion it out for several meals throughout the week. Simply reheat it in a pan with a bit of olive oil to bring back the crispy texture, and you’ll have a quick, healthy lunch or dinner ready in minutes.
A Great Way to Get More Veggies
If you’re looking for a way to sneak more vegetables into your diet, this dish is a great option. The cauliflower gnocchi provides an excellent base, while the peas add additional nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. You can even add more vegetables of your choice to customize the dish further. Whether you’re trying to eat more plant-based meals or simply get more greens on your plate, this recipe is a fantastic and tasty option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cauli Gnocchi with Pesto & Peas is an easy, quick, and incredibly flavorful meal that checks all the boxes for health-conscious eaters. With its balance of comfort food and healthy ingredients, this dish offers the perfect combination of flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a friend, or family, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, with its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s bound to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation. So, why not give this simple yet delicious recipe a try today? You won’t be disappointed!