Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi Glow-Up (One Pan, 20 Minutes)
This is one of those recipes I come back to again and again — cozy, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. If you’ve ever had a bag of cauliflower gnocchi sitting in your freezer and weren’t quite sure what to do with it, this is your answer.
Crisped up in a pan, tossed with my homemade vegan pesto, and finished with sautéed greens and a dollop of vegan ricotta, this dish feels like pasta night… without the heaviness. It’s kid-approved, adult-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but simple.
I usually grab the cauliflower gnocchi from Trader Joe’s, but the beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is — homemade pesto or store-bought, whatever veggies you have on hand, and easy swaps for mixed diets.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One pan and minimal cleanup
Ready in about 20 minutes
Totally customizable
Cozy, comforting, and kid-friendly
Nutrient-dense without feeling “healthy”
Ingredients
1 bag cauliflower gnocchi
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
½ small onion, thinly sliced
2 big handfuls fresh spinach
¼–⅓ cup vegan pesto
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegan ricotta, for topping
How to Make It
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the cauliflower gnocchi in a single layer. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp.
Push gnocchi to one side of the pan. Add onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add spinach and cook just until wilted.
Lower heat, toss everything with pesto, and season with salt and pepper.
Serve warm and finish with a dollop of vegan ricotta.
Nutrition Highlights (Simple + Approachable)
This is one of those meals that feels indulgent but is quietly nourishing:
Cauliflower gnocchi provides fiber and veggies as the base
Olive oil + nuts in the pesto deliver healthy fats that help keep you full
Spinach adds iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants
Basil contains natural antioxidants that support overall wellness
Nutritional yeast in the pesto (if used) adds B vitamins and a cheesy flavor without dairy
It’s balanced, satisfying, and gentle enough for kids — no separate meal required.
Why Kids Love It
The gnocchi are soft and comforting, the pesto is creamy and familiar, and everything is blended together — no obvious veggie pieces to negotiate over. It tastes like pasta night, which makes it an easy win for picky eaters.
Make It Your Own
More veggies: mushrooms, zucchini, peas, roasted broccoli
More protein: chickpeas, white beans, lentils, vegan sausage
Mixed eaters: serve with grilled chicken or meat on the side
Extra creamy: stir vegan ricotta right into the pan
Serving & Storage
Best enjoyed fresh, straight from the pan
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat gently with a splash of olive oil
This cauliflower gnocchi glow-up is proof that weeknight dinners don’t need to be complicated to be good. One pan, 20 minutes, and a meal everyone actually wants to eat 🤍🌿
