Cauliflower gnocchi is a versatile pasta that can be used in a multitude of ways. For this recipe, Cauliflower Gnocchi Alla Vodka, it is tossed in a creamy tomato sauce and garnished with fresh Parmesan cheese.
What is in cauliflower gnocchi?
Gnocchi is a form of pasta. Classic gnocchi is made from potatoes, flour, and egg. Needless to say, cauliflower gnocchi is made in a similar fashion. It's generally derived from pureed cauliflower, flour, and salt.
Where can you buy it?
Of course, Trader Joe's is the most well-known brand of cauliflower gnocchi. Its ingredients include: cauliflower, cassava flour, potato starch, olive oil, and salt. You can also find the Green Giant variation at most grocery stores. Making it homemade is an additional option, but utilizing the pre-made frozen gnocchi is much more convenient.
Now, if you're left wondering what to do with frozen gnocchi, this recipe is just what you have been looking for.
Ingredients in Cauliflower Gnocchi Alla Vodka:
- Cauliflower Gnocchi - One frozen 12oz package.
- Shallot - Minced.
- Fresh Garlic - Minced.
- Tomato Paste
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Vodka - Adds a slight bite to balance out the sweetness coming from the tomato paste. Additionally, it is essential for deglazing any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Freshly Grated Parmesan
- Salt & Pepper
How to make Cauliflower Gnocchi Alla Vodka:
Time needed: 20 minutes.
Here's what you need to do:
- Cook the gnocchi.
Prepare the cauliflower gnocchi according to the package instructions. Set aside.
- Sauté the shallot & garlic.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp of butter with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Next, add the minced shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the crushed red pepper & tomato paste.
Add the tomato paste and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the paste has coated the shallots and garlic, and begins to darken, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the vodka.
Carefully add the vodka to the pan and stir to incorporate, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the cream.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy whipping cream, stirring constantly until combined. Add the remaining tbsp of butter, stirring until incorporated.
- Add the cooked gnocchi.
Carefully add the prepared gnocchi to the pan. Stir to coat. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Serve.
Serve the gnocchi immediately. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for making this cauliflower gnocchi recipe:
- If preparing the cauliflower gnocchi on the stovetop according to the package instructions, keep in mind that it does get sticky. I usually cut the water amount back slightly.
- Because this sauce cooks up quickly, make sure that you reduce the heat before adding the heavy cream to reduce the risk of overcooking.
- If you are looking to introduce additional protein to this dish, sliced Italian chicken sausage makes a lovely pairing to the sauce and gnocchi.
- While this recipe only uses ¼ tsp of crushed red pepper flakes (a little goes a long way), you can certainly increase the crushed red pepper flakes to ½ tsp.
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Cauliflower Gnocchi Alla Vodka is the perfect weeknight meal. The beauty of this dish is that it comes together quickly and tastes like an absolute treat. It's creamy, slightly spicy, and absolutely addictive. You'll want to lick your plate clean!
Cauliflower Gnocchi Alla Vodka
Ingredients
- 1 12oz package frozen cauliflower gnocchi I used Trader Joe's brand.
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp vodka
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan Plus more for garnish.
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi: Prepare the cauliflower gnocchi according to the package instructions. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Shallot & Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp of butter with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the minced shallots and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Crushed Red Pepper & Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the paste has coated the shallots and garlic, and begins to darken, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Vodka: Carefully add the vodka to the pan and stir to incorporate, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the Cream: Reduce the heat slightly to medium-low. Add the heavy whipping cream, stirring constantly until combined. Add the remaining tbsp of butter, stirring until incorporated.
- Add the Cooked Gnocchi: Carefully add the prepared gnocchi to the pan. Stir to coat. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Serve the gnocchi immediately. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
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