9 Easy Recipes That Start With Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (2024)

The jury is still out on whether gnocchi (NYOK-kee) is considered pasta or potato, but there’s no confusion surrounding the Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi. While it’s technically categorized as an Italian dumpling, gnocchi is the perfect substitute for pasta. TJ’s cauliflower version is gluten-free, like most gnocchi varieties, but it’s also egg-free, making it uber allergy-friendly.

TJ’s cauliflower gnocchi is popular for its versatility, pleasant taste and texture, and convenience. Just pop a bag of these bad boys in a pan, and within minutes you’ve got yourself a crisp vessel for butter and cheese, marinara sauce, or whatever toppings your heart desires. Or, you can add the TJ’s gnocchi to a dish that already calls for gnocchi to make things even easier for yourself. Made up of 75 percent cauliflower, TJ’s cauliflower gnocchi is also a good source of fiber and nutrients for those of us who could stand to eat more veggies.

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Steak With Gnocchi and Green Beans

This recipe screams “date night,” but it’s so effortless you’ll save it for weeknights, too. While a seared and seasoned hanger steak is supposed to be the star, gnocchi simmered in butter and sauteed shallots steals the show. Add boiled green beans for color and crunch, and you’ve assembled a simple yet satisfying plate in just 30 minutes.

One Pot Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Can we please normalize having soup for dinner? Given its warmth and heartiness, a comforting bowl of soup is usually reserved for sick days or chilly nights. It’s also been relegated to side dish status, but this recipe is a reminder that soup is easy, delicious, and healthy—and it’s a main course on its own. Add the cauliflower gnocchi at the very end of this recipe, since it only takes a couple of minutes to cook. It’s a great way to bulk up soups and stews.

Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Unlike traditional pasta, the ideal way to cook gnocchi is on the stovetop. This gives it the perfect texture and golden color—and aside from boiling broccoli rabe, it’s all cooked up in one skillet for easy cleanup. With pillowy cauliflower gnocchi, meaty sausage, and creamy ricotta cheese, this recipe has got it all. Not to mention its unexpected ingredient, fennel, which adds a freshness and mild sweetness to the dish.

Gnocchi With Spring Vegetables

This recipe is the perfect way to celebrate spring with minimal effort. We're keeping the TJ's gnocchi on the stovetop for about 15 minutes, making sure there's enough oil to coat, until we achieve that golden crisp. Then, put it aside to make the vegetables and butter sauce in the same pan. Our favorite springtime vegetables, asparagus, snap peas, and peas give this dish a fresh flavor and satisfying crunch. In no time, you'll be enjoying your nutritious dinner with only one pan to clean. Don't forget the Parm!

Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Broccoli

Sheet pan meals were designed for busy weeknights, and this one is perfect for using up that package of TJ’s cauliflower gnocchi. You only need a few ingredients and minimal kitchen equipment to whip this up. Add everything to a sheet pan, toss it together, and let it roast for about 40 minutes, stirring halfway through. When the timer dings, you’ll have a hearty plate of roasted gnocchi and veggies topped with feta cheese.

Gnocchi With Sausage and Spinach

Packaged gnocchi, wilted spinach, and savory Italian sausage join forces in this quick and easy meal. If you’ve got 15 minutes, you can make this dish. And if you’re a novice in the kitchen, this recipe doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. Cook up a package of gnocchi, sauté chopped onion, and crumble up cooked sausage. Add your spices and leafy greens, and mix. That’s it! Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese to round it out, and dinner is served.

Pork Tenderloin and Gnocchi Ragù

This stunning dish is sure to impress any crowd. And guess what? It's economic, too! By using the fat leftover from searing the pork to cook the gnocchi, the savory pork flavor doubles. For this recipe, we recommend cooking the gnocchi for about 7 to 8 minutes on medium heat, starting it on low to allow the gnocchi to defrost and flatten. Then, quickly throw together the tomatoes, onion, and fennel for a sweet, aromatic sauce.

Gnocchi With Corn and Miso

This dish is for the miso lovers and for the corn lovers out there, delivering incredible flavor with little effort. The fresh summer corn is lightly charred with pepper, then combined with a creamy, cheesy, miso sauce. The gnocchi should be cooked for a couple minutes longer than the recipe says, about 7 to 10 minutes, and on medium heat. Don't forget to whisk until the sauce is fully integrated.

Chicken and Chard Dumpling Soup

This cozy chicken soup is packed with dark leafy greens and comes together all in one pot. The aroma comes from simmering a Parmesan rind, lemon zest, and a bay leaf, while the pillowy gnocchi adds a toasty bite. The best part? This recipe already calls for frozen cauliflower gnocchi, so no modifications are necessary.