Instead of potato gnocchi in the recipe, I’m using homemade cauliflower gnocchi. It’s easy to make and gluten-free! (Though, yes, you could use regular gnocchi, too!) I toss the freshly boiled dumplings in a super creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. The rich sauce, melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, plus fresh herbs that bring everything together is a rustic feast for any day of the week.
Why You Should Try Cauliflower Gnocchi
Cauliflower gnocchi has hit food superstar status, and it all seems to have started when Trader Joe’s launched its version—those frozen bags of pasta are flying off the shelves! After some test kitchen experimenting, I developed this homemade copycat cauliflower gnocchi recipe that rivals Trader Joe’s in texture and flavor. What makes this rendition so appealing is that it mimics traditional potato gnocchi, giving a tender chew that then dissolves with ease. It’s also gluten-free, packs in low-carb cruciferous produce, and is paleo- and Whole30-friendly. This is done by combining steamed pureed cauliflower florets, cassava flour, potato starch, salt, and olive oil. The result is an easy dough with just a hint of cauliflower flavor in the finished gnocchi. For this recipe, boil the gnocchi until they float, and if you’d like, pan fry for extra texture. If you’re skeptical, give it a try. If anything, you’ll have fun making the recipe.
Creamy sun-dried tomato sauce
Now that people are eating cauliflower gnocchi and loving it, it’s time to kick it up a notch. Using sun-dried tomatoes, half-and-half, vegetable stock, and fresh herbs allow you to make a rich and creamy sauce in just a few minutes. It’s all about coaxing out the natural flavors in the ingredients. The drying process concentrates the sweet and tart flavors of tomatoes at their peak ripeness. This means you just need a small amount to pack a lot of flavor. I recommend using julienned sun-dried tomatoes that have been packed in oil. They can be used right away without rehydrating, and the texture is much plumper. Make sure to drain off the excess oil. If you’re feeling fancy, you can substitute it for the olive oil in the recipe. Vegetable broth adds depth to the sauce and balances the creaminess of the milk and cream. When incorporating the half-and-half into the sauce, gradually ramp up the heat in the pan so that the liquid can reduce. Avoid turning the heat up to a full boil, because this increases the chances for the dairy in the sauce to curdle. Maintain a simmer and stir until the sauce thickens. When ready, it should lightly coat the back of a spoon and cling to the gnocchi.
Ways to Finish Your Dish
The two ways to put the finishing touches on an Italian dish are to add fresh herbs and, of course, cheese. Here, oregano and basil add a hint of licorice, mint, and pepperiness to the sauce. If you only have dried herbs on hand, that’s not a problem! Simply substitute the fresh for dried by using about a 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano and 1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil. Dried herbs are much more concentrated in flavor, so start with less and increase to taste. You can never have enough cheese on a pasta plate. I often default to Parmesan, but Pecorino Romano is edging in. This is an aged sheep’s milk cheese with a hard, yet easy-to-grate texture. It adds an extra bit of saltiness, and sharp nutty flavor to finish off the dish.
What to serve alongside gnocchi
Besides a big glass of dry red wine, there are a lot of additional courses that pairs well with gnocchi. A Caesar salad made with a light and citrusy anchovy vinaigrette tops the list as a starter. Sautéed chicken marsala or cacciatore is a nice main course to serve with the creamy gnocchi. For meat lovers, a seared piece of filet mignon or even rack of lamb also compliments the decadence of the pasta.
More Great Ways to Serve Gnocchi!
Can’t get enough gnocchi? Swap gnocchi for the pasta in any of these great recipes:
Pasta with Butternut Squash, Brown Butter, and Sage Creamy Ziti Florentine Cheesy Pasta Skillet with Chicken Sausage and Spinach Pasta e Fagioli Soup Pasta Puttanesca
Turn heat to medium-high. Simmer and stir occasionally until the sauce reduces and thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir the cooked gnocchi, oregano, and basil into the sauce. If needed, continue to simmer the sauce for a few additional minutes until it coats the gnocchi. Store the gnocchi in an air-tight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in 30 second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between.
