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This Cauliflower Gnocchi with Crispy Zucchini and creamy Whipped Goat Cheese is a new spring and summer favorite. Homemade or store-bought Cauliflower gnocchi tossed with pan fried lemony zucchini and nutty browned butter. Serve this quick-cooking cauliflower gnocchi recipe over creamy whipped goat cheese and top with plenty of cheesy garlic breadcrumbs. Every bite is layered with delicious spring flavors. When you’re in need of an easy, colorful, and fresh dinner…make this gnocchi!
I’ve entered that time of the year when the excitement for summer builds more and more every day. This recipe is my way of showing you that I’m beyond ready for colorful produce. I’m so excited to create recipes with the warmer days in mind.
This fun gnocchi recipe was created simply with what I had in the fridge at the time. It’s quick-cooking, fun, and of course, delicious. Plus, raise your hand if you have multiple bags of Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi stashed away in your freezer?
If not cauliflower gnocchi, raise your hand if you have a ton of cauliflower, fresh or frozen, in your fridge?
Yeah, I’m guessing there are a lot of us. Cauliflower is having a true cooking “moment” and it seems as though we’re all a little obsessed. So, yes, I’m jumping on the cauliflower gnocchi bandwagon with this recipe.
But adding in all the flavor I can find. Along with plenty of creamy whipped goat cheese. Because when life gives you tubs and tubs of homemade goat cheese, you somehow find creative ways to use it. So, whipped goat cheese plus cauliflower gnocchi it is…and it’s delicious!
Let’s talk about this cauliflower gnocchi.
In full disclosure, I’ve never had the Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi before. We don’t have a Trader Joe’s around here, so I’ve never had the opportunity to buy it. That said, homemade gnocchi is pretty easy to make, so I simply made my own and added in plenty of parmesan cheese too.
I’m going to leave it up to you guys when it comes to deciding whether to make the gnocchi yourself or use TJ’s frozen gnocchi. Yes, my homemade recipe is good, but I can appreciate a quick store-bought gnocchi too. So do what works best for you and your time frame.
Either is going to be great when tossed with the fried zucchini and a bit of oily buttery sauce.
Now, on to that zucchini.
Before you do anything, make some breadcrumbs. Are these needed? Nope. But are they so delicious? YES. So pan toast the Panko breadcrumbs with garlic, parmesan, and basil. It’s very simple but adds a nice texture to the top of the gnocchi.
For the zucchini, I kept it pretty simple…ish.
The flavor comes from lots of shallots and cooking the zucchini at a high heat to give it a crisp on the outside, but soft on the inside texture. The zucchini turns buttery in the skillet and when seasoned with just a little salt, pepper, and fresh lemon, it becomes quite addicting. But that’s coming from me, the girl who loves zucchini.
Once the zucchini is pan fried, toss the gnocchi with a little butter too. As the butter cooks, it browns and then clings directly to the gnocchi leaving a subtle, nutty, buttery flavor throughout the dish. It’s not a heavy butter flavor, but lighter, which is nice for springtime.
At this point, the dish is pretty much done.
Well, almost, first whip the goat cheese.
You all know I like to add in that “extra special” finishing touch to all of my recipes.
Enter in whipped goat cheese. If you’re new to whipped goat cheese, it’s just what it sounds like. Goat cheese that’s been whipped in the food processor. It’s so creamy, light, and airy, and makes for the BEST base for gnocchi or pasta of any kind. When the warm, nutty, buttery, gnocchi is spooned over the light, creamy whipped goat cheese, the cheese melts into a sauce, mixing with the zucchini and gnocchi.
Oh my…SO GOOD!
To recap, this cauliflower gnocchi is…
…extra soft and pillowy.
…has hints of lemon and fresh herbs throughout.
…is made healthier with the addition of cauliflower.
…tossed in an addicting zucchini “sauce”.
…spooned overtop whipped goat cheese.
…and topped with crispy, garlicky breadcrumbs
Every last bite is mouth-watering. And that’s really all you need to know…enjoy some springtime gnocchi!
Looking for a few other gnocchi ideas? Try these…
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Herbed White Wine Pan Sauce
Skillet Baked Creamy Pesto Spinach and Artichoke Gnocchi
Sunday Night Gnocchi Bolognese Bake
Lastly, if you make this cauliflower gnocchi with crispy zucchini and whipped goat cheese, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Cauliflower Gnocchi with Crispy Zucchini and Whipped Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 pound cauliflower or potato gnocchi, homemade or store-bought
- 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 zucchini or yellow summer squash, thinly sliced
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon juice
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces goat cheese or feta cheese
- fresh basil, dill, and or chives, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, the garlic, the breadcrumbs, and basil. Cook, stirring occasionally until the breadcrumbs are toasted all over, about 3 minutes. Add the cheese and cook another 2 minutes, until fried. Remove the breadcrumbs from the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Set the breadcrumbs aside.2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the gnocchi until they float to the top and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Drain.3. Place the skillet back over medium heat. Add the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil and the shallots. Cook until the shallots begin to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add the zucchini and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until the zucchini has caramelized and is golden brown, 5-8 minutes. Add the butter, the thyme, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the butter begins to brown, 3-4 minutes. Drop the gnocchi into the sauce, gently tossing to combine. Remove from the heat. 4. To make the goat cheese, combine the goat cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and the lemon juice in a food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy. The cheese can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. 5. Spread the goat cheese into the bottom of each individual serving bowl. Spoon the gnocchi and sauce over the cheese. Top with breadcrumbs and herbs. Scoop the gnocchi up with the goat cheese and the sauce. EAT and ENJOY.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Cauliflower Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups cauliflower florets, (about 16 ounces)
- 3/4-1 cup all-purpose flour, use more as needed, (or use GF flour blend)
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook until tender, 10 minutes. Drain well. Lay the cauliflower on a kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess liquid. 2. Add the cauliflower to a food processor, pulse until smooth (or simply mash well with a fork). Add the cups of flour, parmesan, and salt. Stir the mixture until just combined. If the dough seems wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time, until it can be formed into a ball. The dough should be sticky.3. Generously flour a clean counter and scrape the dough out onto it. Cut the dough into four equal sections. Working with one section of dough at a time, roll the dough into a rope about 1 inch thick and cut into bite-size pieces. Repeat this process with the other sections of dough. Place the gnocchi on a baking sheet that has been dusted with flour. At this point, the gnocchi can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 1 day and then boiled just before you are ready to eat. Or boiled right away.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Hi
I just made this dish. It was absolutely delicious. I didn’t prep and it definitely took longer to make. Lots of great flavors and all my favorite ingredients. I did use the Trader Joe’s gnocchi. You have to let it get nice and crispy in the pan before adding it to the zucchini. Love all of your recipes. Thank you..
Thank you so much Robin! I am really glad you enjoyed this and I hope you continue to enjoy others of mine as well! xTieghan
Where are these gorgeous pasta bowls from? I’ve been looking for a similar shallow/textured bowl and haven’t had any luck!
Hi Chelsea,
I got these from a potter so I don’t have a link, try checking Etsy for something similar! xTieghan
WOW! This is a restaurant quality dish, definitely something I’ll be making when I need to impress! I made the gnocchi the night before (had to add quite a bit more flour to be able to roll out the dough without sticking), so soft and fluffy!. I love TJ’s version too, but it after making my own it’ll be hard to go back.
Thank you so much Emily!! That is so great to hear! xTieghan
This dish is great! I made it two nights in a row. first night with store bought gnocchi , second night with homemade. homemade much better! of course. My husband said i can make this one again
Love to hear that!! Thank you so much Laura! xTieghan
How do you make the gnocchi?
Hi Alexandra,
The full recipe on how to make the gnocchi is attached above. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I’m hoping to use Trader Joe’s frozen Cauliflower gnocchi, could that work?
Hi Lexi! I have not tried them, but I think it will work great! From other people that have made this, they do not suggest boiling them because they get a bit gooey. I hope you love this recipe. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I made this recipe last night with TJs cauliflower gnocchi, and it was INCREDIBLE! Instead of boiling, I pan seared the gnocchi for about 10 minutes over medium heat with no oil or anything in the pan. This recipe is completely worth all of the prep work/chopping. Would be a perfect savory appetizer or side when we’re all allowed to have dinner parties again.
Well done Tieghan! So glad I discovered you during the never ending quarantine.
I am glad you found my blog as well! Thank you so much for trying this! I hope you continue to love others of mine as well! xTieghan
This sounds great! I also started to envision a pizza made with all of these ingredients – except the gnocchi – whipped goat cheese as a base, and the veggies/toppings added.
Thank you so much Tom! xTieghan
Would really love to make this right now but I only have bread flour. Would that work?
Hi Krizia,
Yes bread flour will work. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I made this recipe tonight and it was amazing. I think he was lying but my husband said that he would expect to taste something like this from a Michelin star restaurant. While making the gnocchi, i was having a hard time making it not as sticky so I called my husband and asked him to go to the store and pick up gnocchi. He convinced me to just make another pasta with the rest of the ingredients but I charged on and kept adding flour, and it all worked out! Was definitely worth it!
I may be one of your biggest fans as I’ve been making at least one of your recipes daily and they taste amazing. I’m so glad I discovered you and thank you for being so creative and sharing your recipes. I have both books and I love them!
Hi Marj! I am so happy to hear that this recipe turned out so well for you! I hope you continue to enjoy my recipes and posts! Thank you! xTieghan
Absolutely fantastic woah!! Wouldn’t change a thing it was just so delicious. In fact, the next day I made a double batch of the cauliflower gnocchi to store in the freezer because it was THAT good. THANK YOU!! Going to try your sweet potato gnocchi too, So excited
Thank you so much Gillian! I am so glad this turned out so well for you!! xTieghan
I made this last night, and it was just as delicious as it looks in your pictures! I scaled down a little since the TJ’s gnocchi is 12oz. I forgot my shallot so I used some diced sweet onion instead and omitted the thyme because I didn’t want to buy another fresh herb in addition to the basil, dill and chives. I’m usually not a fan of zucchini, but when it’s combined with all these awesome ingredients, I really enjoyed it.
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much Stephanie! xTieghan
Made this recipe with TJ’s cauliflower gnocchi. Everything else in the recipe tasted great, but the gnocchi were slimey when boiled. If using TJ’s gnocchi, would recommend using the preferred sautéed method on the bag.
Thank you Luke! I am glad this turned out well for you! xTieghan
I had to swap some things out because of the pandemic (like onion instead of shallot, alfredo sauce instead of goat cheese) and it was still incredible. My husband loved this recipe. I adapted it to be vegan and it was a really easy recipe for swaps and adaptation.
Love to hear that! Thank you so much for trying this one, Leslie! xTieghan
Nevermind – just saw! Thanks again.
Thank you Christina! I hope this turns out amazing for you! xTieghan