If you love bold flavors and easy meals, this Gochujang Gnocchi is about to become your new favorite dish. Imagine soft, pillowy gnocchi coated in a rich, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, with just the right balance of heat, umami, and creaminess. It’s the perfect fusion of Italian comfort food and bold Korean flavors—trust me, this one’s a game-changer!
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The best part? It comes together in under 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a unique dish to impress your foodie friends, this recipe delivers.
Why You’ll Love Gochujang Gnocchi
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 20 minutes with minimal effort.
- One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, more flavor.
- Bold & Unique Flavor – A perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory.
- Customizable – Add proteins or veggies to make it your own.
- Comfort Food with a Twist – Soft gnocchi and a creamy gochujang sauce = pure magic.
Ingredients in Gochujang Gnocchi
This dish is simple yet packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that soak up all the sauce. You can use fresh, frozen, or even shelf-stable gnocchi.
Gochujang: The star of the dish! This Korean red chili paste brings heat, umami, and a touch of sweetness.
Garlic & Onion: Essential aromatics that build depth of flavor.
Heavy Cream: Balances the spice and adds a rich, silky texture to the sauce.
Butter: Enhances the sauce with a luxurious, glossy finish.
Soy Sauce: Adds salty, umami goodness.
Honey (or Maple Syrup): A little sweetness to balance the heat.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy kick.
Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: The perfect garnish for a pop of color and crunch.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this quick and easy dish:
Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Add the gochujang, soy sauce, and honey to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Toss in the Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce, stirring to coat each piece evenly. Let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb the flavors.
Finish & Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Gochujang Gnocchi
- As-Is: This dish is perfect on its own as a quick, satisfying meal.
- With a Protein: Add sautéed shrimp, crispy tofu, or grilled chicken for extra protein.
- With a Side Salad: A light Asian-style salad with sesame dressing complements the dish beautifully.
- With a Fried Egg: A runny egg on top adds richness and makes it even more indulgent.
Additional Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use less gochujang or add extra cream.
- Make it Vegan: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use plant-based butter and cheese.
- Use Store-Bought or Homemade Gnocchi: Either works, but fresh gnocchi has the best texture.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?
A1: Yes! This sauce works great with pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even ramen noodles.
Q2: How spicy is this dish?
A2: It has a medium spice level, but you can adjust it by adding more or less gochujang.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If reheating, add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
Q4: What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
A4: Coconut milk or half-and-half work well for a lighter option.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Gnocchi dishes don’t freeze well as they can become mushy, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Q6: Can I add vegetables?
A6: Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers would be great additions.
Q7: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A7: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q8: Can I use miso paste instead of gochujang?
A8: Miso has a different flavor, but you can mix it with a little sriracha for a similar effect.
Q9: How can I make it extra creamy?
A9: Add an extra splash of cream or a bit more cheese before serving.
Q10: Can I make this gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Use gluten-free gnocchi and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Gochujang Gnocchi is the perfect fusion of comfort food and bold, spicy flavors. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with umami plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re a fan of gnocchi, gochujang, or just love trying new flavors, this dish is a must-try. Happy cooking!
Print
Gochujang Gnocchi
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy gnocchi recipe is the perfect way to use up seasonal courgettes in a simple, budget-friendly, and vegan-friendly dish. With caramelised courgettes, aromatic herbs, and a rich vegan cream sauce, this meal is packed with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 courgettes, chopped (use two small or one large courgette)
- 2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 500g gnocchi
- 250ml vegan single cream (Oatly, Alpro, or Elmlea work well)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp salt and pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a griddle pan over medium heat. Add the chopped courgettes and garlic, then fry for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, add a splash of water.
- Caramelise the courgettes: Let them develop a golden brown color on each side, creating a rich, caramelised texture.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi, vegan cream, and dried herbs & seasoning to the pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the gnocchi is tender and coated in the creamy sauce.
- Taste & serve: Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.
Notes
- Extra veggies? Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor.
- Protein boost: Toss in tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas.
- Cheesy twist: Sprinkle with nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg