Roasting the gnocchi gives it an irresistible crispy shell with a fluffy inside. The roasted gnocchi pairs beautifully with the caramelized shallot sauce. The gnocchi will maintain its crispiness in the sauce for the first serving, but I recommend roasting only the gnocchi you want to eat right away. If you’re eating leftovers, reheat the sauce in the microwave or over the stovetop and roast or air-fry more gnocchi while the sauce is reheated.
This roasted gnocchi with caramelized shallot sauce recipe is so easy to make! Most of the time is spent caramelizing the shallots. Then, while the sauce simmers, roast the gnocchi.
How to make this roasted gnocchi with caramelized shallot sauce
This roasted gnocchi recipe requires only a few easy ingredients. Check out the list below and start meal planning!
- Fresh or frozen gnocchi
- Shallots
- Sugar; it is optional, but it’ll help the shallots caramelize faster
- Cherry tomatoes
- Capers
- Arugula
That’s it! Want to add to this easy vegan dinner recipe? Here are a few suggestions and substitutions:
- Try adding a can of white beans or plant-based sausage for protein!
- No shallots? Use a Vidalia or yellow onion
- Cherry tomatoes not in season? Use a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes
- If you don’t love or don’t have arugula, swap it with baby spinach, torn escarole, or kale.
I used fresh, vegan gnocchi for this recipe. You could also try frozen or shelf-stable gnocchi. You could even roast cauliflower gnocchi instead! Finishing it with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese is always a good decision, too!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil divided
- 16 ounces gnocchi
- 3 shallots peeled and sliced into thin wedges
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons capers drained
- 2 cups water or vegetable stock
- 5 ounces arugula a few leaves reserved for garnish
- Salt pepper, and crushed red pepper to taste
Instructions
Caramelize the shallots:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Add the shallots and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sugar if you like. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the shallots from burning. Continue cooking until the shallots deepen in color and begin to caramelize. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer the sauce:
- Add the capers to the shallots and sprinkle with a few shakes of crushed red pepper if you like. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the capers begin to crisp.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the shallots and turn the heat to medium-high. Cook, turning often, for 5–6 minutes or until the tomato skins begin to split.
- Pour in the water or vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, mashing the tomatoes as they cook, for 15–20 minutes.
While the sauce simmers, roast the gnocchi:
- Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Arrange the gnocchi in an even layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of neutral oil and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Flip the gnocchi once as it cooks.
Finish the sauce:
- Taste the sauce and season with salt, pepper, or more crushed red pepper if you like.
- Add the arugula to the sauce and cook for 3–4 minutes or until it just begins to wilt.
- Fold the roasted gnocchi into the sauce and toss gently until coated. Cook for 1-2 minutes more. Turn off the heat.
To serve:
- Divide the gnocchi between shallow bowls. Garnish with a few fresh arugula leaves. Enjoy!
