Cauliflower Gnocchi Recipe with Pesto: Quick and Easy!
If you love Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi like I do, you'll love this Pesto Cauliflower Gnocchi Air Fryer recipe! With just a few ingredients, most of which are non-perishable pantry staples, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time. It's great for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Cauliflower Gnocchi Recipe with Pesto: Quick and Easy!
Why I Like This Recipe
It only calls for 7 ingredients: This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you don't have time to cook a whole 5-course meal.
Most ingredients are non-perishable: This makes it convenient for those times when you need a quick and easy meal but haven't had a chance to go grocery shopping. Simply stock up on cauliflower gnocchi, canned chickpeas, frozen spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, and you'll have the basis for a delicious and nutritious meal on hand whenever you need it.
You can easily swap the ingredients and sauce: One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. If you don't have cauliflower gnocchi, you can use regular potato gnocchi or any other type of pasta. If you're not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can swap them out for olives or any other flavorful ingredient you prefer. And if you're not a fan of pesto, you can use a different sauce like marinara or alfredo. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own.
Perfect for any vegetarians or vegans: This recipe is plant-based and perfect for vegetarians or vegans. The chickpeas provide a good source of protein, while the cauliflower gnocchi and spinach add plenty of vitamins and minerals. It's a well-rounded and satisfying meal that will keep you full and nourished.
It feels really decadent, but it’s truthfully really light and refreshing: Despite its indulgent flavors, this cauliflower gnocchi recipe with pesto is surprisingly light and refreshing. The combination of the crispy cauliflower gnocchi, creamy pesto, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a burst of flavors that will leave you satisfied without feeling weighed down.
Great as a lunch or light dinner: This recipe is versatile enough to be enjoyed as a quick and easy lunch or a light dinner. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those days when you're short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal or side dish.
Pesto Cauliflower Gnocchi Ingredients
Cauliflower gnocchi: you can get this at Trader Joe's in the frozen section.
Chickpeas: I always have canned chickpeas in my pantry. It’s such an easy way to add protein to your meals. You can swap for any canned beans!
Frozen spinach: it’s always something I have in my freezer. I add frozen spinach to everything. It’s much more affordable than fresh spinach. I add it to my smoothies, any pasta dish or even mix it in with rice for fiber.
Sun-dried tomato: This is something we love in our house. I love getting the sun-dried tomato in oil, it just adds so much flavor without needing many of them. Swap for olives if you're not a sun-dried tomato fan.
Lemon: it just adds some brightness to the dish. You can simply omit it.
How to Make Pesto Cauliflower Gnocchi
Add the cauliflower gnocchi into your oiled air fryer.
Air fry at 400F for 15 minutes, shaking it halfway. It will be golden brown.
While the gnocchi is cooking, add the drained chickpeas, warm spinach, pesto, sun-dried tomato, and lemon into a big bowl.
Add the cauliflower gnocchi once it’s crispy. Mix everything together.
Add a squeeze of lemon, sea salt, and fresh basil leaves on top!
Enjoy warm!
Tips
If you are not dairy free, use regular pesto sauce.
If you want to add additional protein, add grilled chicken, steak, or even salmon or sausage on top.
Swap the cauliflower gnocchi for frozen kale gnocchi.
To prevent sticking, oil your air fryer before adding the cauliflower gnocchi.
Shake the gnocchi halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Feel free to adjust the amount of vegan pesto to your taste. Add more if you want a stronger pesto flavor.
What to Pair This With:
Your favorite salmon dish: The light and refreshing flavors of the gnocchi complement the rich and savory taste of salmon perfectly.
When it comes to choosing a salmon dish to pair with the gnocchi, the options are endless. You can opt for a simple grilled salmon seasoned with herbs or go for a more elaborate preparation like a honey-glazed salmon.
Check out my Air Fried Salmon Cookbook for my favorite delicious salmon recipes
Lemon Garlic Salmon: This recipe pairs well with Lemon Garlic Salmon because both dishes have bright and fresh flavors that complement each other perfectly. The lemon in the gnocchi adds a tangy and citrusy note, while the garlic in the salmon adds a savory and aromatic touch.
Frozen Salmon: Air Fried Frozen Salmon is a great choice if you're looking for a convenient and easy option to pair with your pesto cauliflower gnocchi. Not only does it offer a good source of protein, but it's also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare.
Persian Chicken: An excellent choice to pair with Pesto Cauliflower Gnocchi, Persian Chicken adds a unique and flavorful twist to the meal.
Chick-Fil-A Nuggets: Believe it or not, Chick-Fil-A nuggets make a surprisingly delicious pairing with Pesto Cauliflower Gnocchi! Check out my Copycat Chick-Fil-A Nuggets recipe and skip the drive-thru!
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlet: Incorporate my Air Fryer Chicken Cutlet recipe to add more protein to your Air Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi to create a more well-balanced lunch or dinner.
If you want more easy Trader Joe's meals, consider subscribing to my Substack. Once you subscribe, you get my free Trader Joe's eCookbook! It's filled with 20 simple, quick & easy Trader Joe’s recipes that all require less than 10 ingredients and can be made in less than 30 minutes.
FAQ
What ingredients are needed for a cauliflower gnocchi recipe?
To make this delicious cauliflower gnocchi recipe, you will need 1 pack of frozen cauliflower gnocchi, chickpeas, frozen spinach, vegan pesto, sun-dried tomato, fresh basil leaves, juice lemon, and sea salt.
How long does it take to make cauliflower gnocchi?
It takes about 15 minutes to cook cauliflower gnocchi. The prep time is only 5 minutes, so you can have a delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes! This quick cooking time makes cauliflower gnocchi a perfect option for busy weeknight dinners or when you're short on time but still want something tasty and satisfying.
What is the best way to cook cauliflower gnocchi?
The best way is to air-fry cauliflower gnocchi! It's a game-changer because it gives you that perfect crispy texture without any of the sogginess that can come from oven-baking.
When you pop the cauliflower gnocchi into your oiled air fryer, the hot, circulating air surrounds the gnocchi. This creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside light and fluffy. The result is golden brown, perfectly cooked cauliflower gnocchi.
Compared to oven-baking or using a skillet, which can sometimes leave the gnocchi soggy or unevenly cooked, an air fryer ensures that every piece gets perfectly cooked. The high heat and rapid air circulation in the air fryer help evenly cook and crisp up the gnocchi, giving you a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Not only does the air fryer give you a better texture, but it also cuts down on cooking time. In just 15 minutes, you'll have crispy cauliflower gnocchi ready to be enjoyed. This makes it a great option for those busy nights when you don't have time to wait for the oven to preheat and the gnocchi to bake.
What type of sauce pairs well with cauliflower gnocchi?
I used vegan pesto sauce in this recipe; it just pairs so well with cauliflower gnocchi! The vibrant flavors of the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in pesto perfectly complement the cauliflower gnocchi's earthy taste. Plus, the creamy texture of the pesto adds a rich and indulgent element to the dish.
However, feel free to switch up the recipe by substituting it with your favorite sauce. there are other sauce variations you can certainly use instead of pesto. These include marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, lemon garlic sauce, brown butter sage sauce, and pesto cream sauce.
Is cauliflower gnocchi healthier than traditional potato gnocchi?
Made primarily from cauliflower and other simple ingredients, cauliflower gnocchi is lower in calories and carbohydrates compared to its potato counterpart.
Traditional potato gnocchi is typically made with starchy potatoes, flour, and eggs, which can add up in terms of calorie and carbohydrate content. On the other hand, cauliflower gnocchi is made with cauliflower, which is naturally low in calories and carbohydrates. This makes it suitable for those following a low-carb or low-calorie diet.
In addition to being lower in calories and carbs, cauliflower gnocchi also provides additional nutritional benefits. Cauliflower is rich in vitamins C and K and fiber, which is important for digestion and overall gut health.
When it comes to taste and texture, cauliflower gnocchi is slightly different from traditional potato gnocchi. It has a slightly more tender texture and a subtle cauliflower flavor. However, when cooked properly, it can still be delicious and satisfying.
Cauliflower Gnocchi Recipe with Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 pack of frozen cauliflower gnocchi
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained & rinsed
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach, heated up
- 1/4 cup vegan pesto (or more)
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Add the cauliflower gnocchi into your oiled air fryer. Air fry at 400F for 15 minutes, shaking it half way. It will be golden brown.
- While the gnocchi is cooking, add the drained chickpeas, warm spinach, pesto, sun-dried tomato, and lemon into a big bowl.
- Add the cauliflower gnocchi once it’s crispy.
- Mix everything together. Add a squeeze of lemon, sea salt and fresh basil leaves on top! Enjoy warm!
