Name: Homemade 20 Minute Creamy Pesto Gnocchi – Dairy Free Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 batch homemade vegan pesto (see pesto recipe below); 1 cup (240 mL) dairy free milk, cashew cream, coconut milk, or vegan heavy cream; 1 batch homemade vegan gnocchi or store-bought plant based gnocchi; Grated vegan parmesan cheese (such as Violife), for topping

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Introduction

This Homemade 20 Minute Creamy Pesto Gnocchi is a quick and comforting dairy-free dish perfect for busy weeknights. Using vegan pesto and plant-based gnocchi, it’s rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy.

A white bowl filled with soft gnocchi covered in creamy yellow sauce with visible pepper specks. There are swirls of dark green pesto sauce on top, and a sprinkle of grated cheese adds a light texture on the surface. The mix of smooth sauce, soft gnocchi pieces, and green pesto creates a rich and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 batch homemade vegan pesto
1 cup (240 mL) dairy free milk, cashew cream, coconut milk, or vegan heavy cream
1 batch homemade vegan gnocchi or store bought plant-based gnocchi
Grated vegan parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Please read all instructions before beginning. If making homemade gnocchi, note that it will take longer than 30 minutes due to potato cooking time. Make sure the gnocchi are shaped and ready to boil before starting. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 2: Prepare the vegan pesto following your preferred recipe or instructions.
Step 3: In a large saucepan, combine the vegan pesto and dairy-free milk. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently.
Step 4: Add the gnocchi to the boiling salted water. Homemade gnocchi will float to the surface within about 3 minutes, indicating they are cooked. Store-bought gnocchi typically takes around 5 minutes to cook.
Step 5: Drain the cooked gnocchi, reserving about 1/3 cup of the pasta water.
Step 6: Add the drained gnocchi and reserved pasta water to the saucepan with the creamy pesto sauce. Stir well to combine.
Step 7: Let the gnocchi cook in the sauce for 10–15 minutes over low heat. This allows the gnocchi to absorb the flavors and helps cook the garlic in the pesto fully.
Step 8: Serve the creamy pesto gnocchi topped with grated vegan parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use cashew cream or vegan heavy cream for an extra rich and silky sauce.
If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more dairy-free milk or reserved pasta water as needed.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for more texture and nutrition.
Store-bought gnocchi can save time, but homemade gnocchi adds a fresh, handmade touch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of dairy-free milk or water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with soft, pillowy gnocchi covered in a creamy light beige sauce with small specks of black pepper. The gnocchi pieces are rounded and slightly textured, layered unevenly inside the bowl. Pockets of green pesto sauce are drizzled on top, adding contrast with its vibrant color and smooth texture. A shiny silver spoon is lifting some gnocchi from the bowl, showing the creamy sauce clinging to each piece. The bowl sits on a soft beige cloth against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream instead of dairy-free milk?

Yes, if you are not avoiding dairy, regular cream can be substituted for a richer sauce. Otherwise, use your preferred plant-based milk or cream for dairy-free options.

How do I know when gnocchi is cooked?

Gnocchi are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water. This usually takes about 3 minutes for homemade gnocchi and around 5 minutes for store-bought varieties.