If you’re looking to boost your plant-based meals with a delicious, protein-rich sauce, this Super Green Protein-Packed Gnocchi is just what you need. The sauce combines vibrant spinach and sweet peas with silken tofu to create an incredibly creamy texture without any cream or dairy. Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy flavour while keeping it totally plant-based — perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike.
This recipe is inspired by the desire to make quick weeknight meals that don’t compromise on nutrition or taste. Gnocchi cooks fast and pairs beautifully with this sauce, making it a perfect comfort food for busy days or cosy evenings. The addition of lemon zest brightens the dish, balancing the creamy sauce with a fresh zing.
Not only is this recipe a great way to sneak in extra greens, but it also delivers a satisfying dose of protein, fibre, and healthy fats — keeping you full and nourished. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just one pan and a blender, so you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal.
Tips
- Blend until silky: For the best texture, blend the sauce until completely smooth and creamy.
- Heat gently: Toss the gnocchi with the sauce just to warm through—this prevents the sauce drying out.
- Freshen with lemon: The lemon zest adds a fresh brightness that balances the rich, creamy sauce.
- Spinach choice: Use fresh or frozen spinach; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Nutritional yeast substitute: If you don’t have nutritional yeast, try vegan Parmesan or a teaspoon of miso paste for umami.
Swaps
Silken tofu: Cashew cream or coconut cream can be used instead (note: coconut cream adds slight sweetness).
Nutritional yeast: Vegan Parmesan or omit if preferred.
Gnocchi: Regular potato gnocchi or gluten-free gnocchi both work well.
Cheese topping: Vegan cheese or omit to keep it fully plant-based.
Storage
Fridge: Store sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or plant milk if needed. Cooked gnocchi is best fresh but can be refrigerated for 1 day.
More Super Green Recipes
Protein Green Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 70 g spinach
- 100 g frozen peas
- 2 garlic
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- zest of half lemon
- salt to taste
- 140 g silken tofu half a pack
- 250 g gnocchi
- topping grated cheese *use a vegan cheese to make it vegan, drizzle of oil and black pepper
Instructions
- While preparation the sauce cook the gnocchi as per package instruction.
- In a pan add a drizzle of oil and all your ingredients (a part from gnocchi)
- Let it simmer just a little bit so the garlic is cooked, the frozen peas defrosted and the spinach shrieked. It should only take 1-2 minutes
- Add everything to a blender a blend until smooth and silky
- Add the cook gnocchi to a pan and then the green sauce. Let it cook for a bit just enough to make the sauce hot but not too long that it dries.
- Finish off with some grated cheese and pepper.