A Comforting Dish with a Nutritious Upgrade
There’s something magical about a rich, creamy pasta dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. But what if you could enjoy all that indulgence while keeping things light and nutrient-packed? That’s exactly what this Vodka Sauce and Green Bean Cauliflower Gnocchi recipe delivers!
One evening, after a long day, I craved something comforting yet wholesome. Traditional gnocchi sounded tempting, but I wanted a lighter version. That’s when I experimented with cauliflower-based gnocchi and tossed it in a velvety vodka sauce with crisp green beans for freshness. The result? A dish that tastes luxurious but is surprisingly healthy!
In this post, you’ll learn how to cook this restaurant-quality meal at home with step-by-step instructions, precise ingredient measurements in grams, and proper nutrition details to help you make informed food choices.
Why You’ll Love This Cauliflower Gnocchi with Vodka Sauce
✅ Lower in Carbs – Unlike traditional potato gnocchi, cauliflower gnocchi is lighter and gluten-free.
✅ Creamy Yet Healthy – Vodka sauce gives it a luxurious texture, but we’ll balance it with nutritious ingredients.
✅ Perfect Weeknight Meal – Quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
✅ Great for International Audiences – Ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores worldwide.
What is Vodka Sauce?
Vodka sauce is a creamy tomato-based Italian pasta sauce with a unique depth of flavor. The vodka helps emulsify the sauce, creating a silky texture without making it too heavy. It also enhances the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and acidity.
Key Ingredients of Vodka Sauce
- Tomatoes – Provide a rich, tangy base.
- Heavy Cream – Adds creaminess and balances acidity.
- Vodka – Enhances the flavors without overpowering.
- Garlic & Onion – Build a deep, savory taste.
- Parmesan Cheese – A touch of umami richness.
This sauce pairs beautifully with cauliflower gnocchi because its creamy texture coats the light, pillowy dumplings perfectly. Adding green beans brings a crunchy contrast that makes every bite satisfying.
Ingredients List (With Grams for Accuracy)
For the Cauliflower Gnocchi:
- 400g cauliflower florets
- 100g almond flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 large egg
- 30g Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp salt
For the Vodka Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 250g canned crushed tomatoes
- 60ml vodka
- 120ml heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 30g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Green Beans & Assembly:
- 150g green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Cook Vodka Sauce and Green Bean Cauliflower Gnocchi
Step 1: Make the Cauliflower Gnocchi from Scratch
1️⃣ Steam the Cauliflower – Boil or steam 400g cauliflower florets until soft (about 7 minutes). Drain well and let cool.
2️⃣ Blend into a Dough – Using a food processor, puree the cauliflower until smooth. Squeeze out excess moisture using a cheesecloth.
3️⃣ Mix Ingredients – In a bowl, combine cauliflower puree, 100g almond flour, 1 egg, 30g Parmesan, and ½ tsp salt. Mix until a dough forms.
4️⃣ Shape the Gnocchi – Lightly flour a surface. Roll small portions of dough into ropes and cut into bite-sized gnocchi pieces.
5️⃣ Boil the Gnocchi – Drop gnocchi into boiling salted water and cook until they float (about 2 minutes). Drain and set aside.
💡 Pro Tip: If using store-bought cauliflower gnocchi, simply cook according to package instructions.
Step 2: Prepare the Vodka Sauce
1️⃣ Sauté Onion & Garlic – Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan. Cook chopped onion for 2 minutes, then add minced garlic.
2️⃣ Add Tomatoes & Vodka – Stir in 250g crushed tomatoes and 60ml vodka. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
3️⃣ Add Cream & Seasonings – Pour in 120ml heavy cream, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, and season with salt & pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
4️⃣ Finish with Cheese – Stir in 30g grated Parmesan for richness.
Step 3: Cook the Green Beans & Assemble
1️⃣ Blanch the Green Beans – Boil 150g green beans for 2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
2️⃣ Sauté with Butter – Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan, add green beans, and cook for 2 minutes.
3️⃣ Toss Everything Together – Add cooked gnocchi to the vodka sauce and stir well. Serve with green beans on top and fresh basil garnish.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Fat | 18g |
This meal is rich in fiber, moderate in protein, and lower in carbs compared to traditional pasta dishes.
FAQs About Vodka Sauce and Green Bean Cauliflower Gnocchi
1. Can I make vodka sauce without vodka?
Yes! Substitute it with lemon juice or extra tomato paste for acidity.
2. Is cauliflower gnocchi gluten-free?
Yes, if you use almond or gluten-free flour.
3. How can I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
4. Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely! Just blanch them for a shorter time.
5. What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut cream or cashew cream works well.
Final Thoughts: Try This Healthy & Comforting Dish Today!
This Vodka Sauce and Green Bean Cauliflower Gnocchi is a fantastic balance of creamy, rich, and wholesome. Whether you’re looking for a healthier pasta alternative or just love trying new Italian-inspired recipes, this dish is sure to impress!
📢 Want more recipes like this? Let me know in the comments!
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Thank You for Reading!
I truly appreciate you taking the time to read my blog post. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to me! If you enjoyed this recipe or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Happy cooking, and see you in the next post! 😊🍽️