This creamy gnocchi with sage cream sauce is a comforting one-pan meal that delivers rich flavor in just 20 minutes. Tender potato gnocchi simmer in a silky dairy-free white wine sauce with fragrant sage and sweet peas for a restaurant-quality dinner that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup and simple preparation.
Rich and creamy: The dairy-free cream creates a luxurious, velvety sauce.
Flavor-packed: Fresh sage, garlic, and white wine add depth and aroma.
Family-friendly: A satisfying dish that both vegans and non-vegans enjoy.
Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables or protein additions.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free gnocchi for a fully gluten-free meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 ½ tablespoons oil or vegan butter
½ medium onion, finely diced
3 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
⅓ cup (80 ml) dry white wine
1 ¼ cups (300 ml) dairy-free cream or dairy-free milk
1 cup (150 g) frozen peas, thawed
400 g uncooked potato gnocchi
2–3 tablespoons vegan Parmesan, for sprinkling
Directions
Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Chop the fresh sage.
Heat the oil or vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the chopped sage and minced garlic. Cook for 1 additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Season with salt and black pepper. Add the Dijon mustard, white wine, dairy-free cream, and thawed peas. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the uncooked gnocchi directly into the sauce. Stir to combine.
Cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of dairy-free milk or vegetable broth. If it is too thin, allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes.
Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve immediately.
Add greens: Stir in 1–2 handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
Boost the protein: Add ½ cup cooked white beans, chickpeas, or pan-seared tofu cubes.
Try different vegetables: Substitute peas with broccoli florets, sliced zucchini, asparagus pieces, mushrooms, or sweet corn.
Make it spicy: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Alcohol-free option: Replace the white wine with high-quality vegetable broth for a similar depth of flavor.
Extra cheesy: Stir an additional tablespoon of vegan Parmesan into the sauce before serving for a richer finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of dairy-free milk, cream, or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce while reheating. Stir well until heated through.
Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate and change texture after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes, homemade gnocchi works beautifully. Make sure it is uncooked before adding it directly to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe without wine?
Yes, simply substitute the white wine with vegetable broth for an alcohol-free version.
What type of dairy-free cream works best?
Soy cream, oat cream, cashew cream, or light coconut milk all work well. Thicker creams will result in a richer sauce.
Can I use dairy-free milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be lighter and less creamy. You can also use a 50/50 combination of cream and milk.
How do I know when the gnocchi is done?
The gnocchi will become tender and plump. The sauce will thicken and coat them evenly.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Add the gnocchi and cook when ready to serve.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be if you use certified gluten-free gnocchi.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are excellent additions.
Why is my sauce too thick?
The gnocchi release starch as they cook. Simply add a splash of dairy-free milk or broth to loosen it.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a large enough skillet to allow the gnocchi to cook evenly and adjust seasoning to taste.
Conclusion
Gnocchi with sage cream sauce is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. With its creamy texture, aromatic herbs, and tender gnocchi, this one-pan dish transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this easy recipe is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
