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Easy Creamy Vegan Gnocchi Skillet with Pesto, Lentils & Broccoli Rabe photo

Creamy Vegan Gnocchi Skillet with Pesto, Lentils & Broccoli Rabe

A quick, creamy one‑pan vegan gnocchi with lentils, broccoli rabe and bright pesto.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 medium shallot chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 3/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup cooked lentils I used canned brown lentils
  • 1/2 bunch broccoli rabe chopped (about 225 g)
  • sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 500-gram package vegan potato gnocchi (see notes)
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock plus extra if needed
  • 1 cup unsweetened rich non-dairy milk such as soy or cashew
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup vegan pesto
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • chopped fresh basil for garnish
  • vegan "parmesan" for serving

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  2. Add the chopped shallot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, nutritional yeast, fennel seeds, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook, stirring, for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the cooked lentils and chopped broccoli rabe; season with salt and pepper.
  5. Add the gnocchi, vegetable stock, and non-dairy milk; stir to combine and submerge the gnocchi and vegetables in the liquid, adding more stock if needed.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender.
  7. Add the frozen peas and vegan pesto, stir to combine, and simmer until peas are tender and bright green, about 2 minutes.
  8. Stir in the lemon juice, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon as desired.
  9. Serve hot topped with chopped fresh basil and vegan parmesan.

Notes

  • This dish is great with a sprinkle of vegan parm on top.
  • You can use homemade pesto or a store-bought vegan pesto.
  • For canned lentils, rinse and drain before using.
  • Add extra vegetable stock if the skillet looks dry while simmering.