Cauliflower Gnocchi And Meatballs Is A Thing And You Need It In Your Life (2024)

Cauliflower Gnocchi And Meatballs Is A Thing And You Need It In Your Life (1)

Trader Joe’s is famous for creating products that garner cult followings, and cauliflower gnocchi definitely falls into that category.

Trader Joe's pretty much started the current trend of making carb-conscious versions of, well, everything out of cauliflower. If you ask me, they pretty much put cauliflower pizza crust on the map.

However, few (if any) of their ingenious cauliflower creations have hit the food world quite as hard as cauliflower gnocchi.

Typically made from potatoes and flour, traditional gnocchi contains about 230 calories and 50 grams of carbohydrates per one-cup serving. TJ's cauliflower gnocchi—which is made with cauliflower and cassava flour—though, contains just about 140 calories and 22 grams of carbs per cup. (It also provides an impressive six grams of filling fiber and just so happens to be gluten-free.)

TBH, it sounds too good to be true—but I can personally attest to the fact that it tastes a whole lot like the pillowy, starchy OG gnocchi we all know and love.

If you’re not on the cauliflower gnocchi train yet, go pick yourself up a bag (or five...they sell out fast).

Once you've got your freezer well-stocked, bring that better-for-you gnocchi to life with one of the following recipes. (yes, there's so much more you can do with it than top it with plain old tomato sauce.) Though many of these recipes call specifically for TJ's cauliflower gnocchi, or at least recommend trying it, some of the recipes below were made originally with traditional gnocchi. Try subbing in TJ's creation for flawless (and lower-carb) results.

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1

Creamy Cauliflower Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Spinach

Cauliflower Gnocchi And Meatballs Is A Thing And You Need It In Your Life (2)

This veggie-packed dish pairs perfectly-gooey gnocchi with a dairy-free cream sauce made from coconut milk.

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Per serving: 388 calories, 25 g fat (15 g sat), 544 mg sodium, 32 g carbs, 8 g sugar, 14 g fiber, 32 g protein

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2

One-Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato and Chicken Gnocchi

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This hearty dish gets bright flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, plus filling protein from chicken. It's an easy go-to on busy weeknights.

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Per serving (using potato gnocchi): 393 calories, 10.5 g fat (3.7 g sat), 54 g carbs, 4.5 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 12.6 g protein

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3

Cauliflower Gnocchi with Onions, Peas & Turkey Bacon

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If you end up with leftovers of this tasty gnocchi, heat ‘em up and throw an egg on top for breakfast.

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Per serving: 469 calories, 28 g fat, 39 g carbs, 6 g sugar, 11 g fiber, 13 g protein

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4

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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Soup season hack: Swap pasta and dumplings for cauliflower gnocchi, like in this recipe.

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Per serving (using potato gnocchi): 282 calories, 5.3 g fat, 955 mg sodium, 38.5 g carbs, 6.3 g sugar, 0.7 g fiber, 19.4 g protein

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5

Parmesan-Lemon Cauliflower Gnocchi

Cauliflower Gnocchi And Meatballs Is A Thing And You Need It In Your Life (6)

If you're feeling fancy, the Parmesan and lemon here make a sophisticated pair.

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Per serving: 424 calories, 28 g fat (3.6 g sat), 665.2 mg sodium, 30 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 8.3 g fiber, 7.3 g protein

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6

Cauliflower Gnocchi and Meatballs

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Sorry spaghetti, but meatballs have a new, no-slurping-required best friend.

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Per serving: 337 calories, 18 g fat, 31 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 20 g protein

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7

Cauliflower Gnocchi in Asiago Mushroom & Spinach Sauce

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If you like mushroom risotto, this mushroom gnocchi is about to rock your world.

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Per serving: 461 calories, 22 g fat (13 g sat), 255 mg sodium, 92 g carbs, 5 g sugar, 5 g fiber, 23 g protein

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8

Paleo Cauliflower Gnocchi Casserole

Cauliflower Gnocchi And Meatballs Is A Thing And You Need It In Your Life (9)

This creative, decadent baked gnocchi is packed with hearty coconut milk, broccoli, and chicken sausage.

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Per serving: 317 calories, 22 g fat (15 g sat fat), 638 mg sodium, 18 g carbs, 6 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 13 g protein

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9

Cauliflower Gnocchi With Asparagus, Bacon & Garlic Cream Sauce

Cauliflower Gnocchi And Meatballs Is A Thing And You Need It In Your Life (10)

Another weeknight savior, this filling recipe requires just seven ingredients and comes together in 30 minutes.

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Per serving: 385 calories, 21.1 g fat, 1136 mg sodium, 33.4 g carbs, 1.5 g sugar, 8.7 g protein

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10

Sheet Pan Cauliflower Gnocchi With Chicken Sausage & Broccoli

Sheet pan dinners are great when you want to just throw something in the oven and forget about it. This one takes just four ingredients!

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Per serving: 498 calories, 20 g fat (4 g sat), 2303 mg sodium, 37 g carbs, 8 g sugar, 9 g fiber, 25 g protein

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11

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi

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Did cauliflower gnocchi just become a game day app? Yes, they did. If you have an air fryer, you absolutely must try this.

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Per serving: 140 calories, 3 g fat (0.5 g sat), 460 mg sodium, 22 g carbs, less than 1 g sugar, 6 g fiber, 2 g protein

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12

Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Italian Sausage

Cauliflower Gnocchi And Meatballs Is A Thing And You Need It In Your Life (13)

Swap cauliflower gnocchi for regular gnocchi in this fall-themed, squash-filled dish.

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Per serving (using potato gnocchi): 428 calories, 19 g fat (10 g sat), 49 g carbs, 6 g sugar, 6 g fiber, 19 g protein

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13

Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Skillet

Cauliflower Gnocchi And Meatballs Is A Thing And You Need It In Your Life (14)

Think chicken parm can't get any better? Go ahead and add cauliflower gnocchi to the mix.

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Per serving (using potato gnocchi): 563 calories, 21 g fat (6.5 g sat), 1291 mg sodium, 44 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 49 g protein

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14

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi

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Want something simple with a side of cheese? This quick dish is like adult mac.

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Per serving (using potato gnocchi): 468 calories, 20 g fat (8 g sat), 759 mg sodium, 64 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 9 g protein

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15

Cheeseburger Gnocchi

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Cheeseburger. Gnocchi. Need I say more?

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Per serving (using potato gnocchi): 455 calories, 20.1 g fat, 907.7 mg sodium, 44.8 g carbs, 8 g sugar, 24.9 g protein

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16

Gnocchi in Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

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Use cauliflower gnocchi and swap whole milk in for cream to lighten up this seriously decadent dish.

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Per serving (using potato gnocchi): 988 calories, 62 g fat (29 g sat), 1823 mg sodium, 72 g carbs, 17 g sugar, 10 g fiber, 36 g protein

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17

Pan-Fried Caprese Gnocchi With Burrata & Beans

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This Caprese gnocchi is best in the summertime when tomatoes are in season, but really it works any time of year.

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Per serving (using potato gnocchi): 429 calories, 20 g fat (8 g sat), 495 mg sodium, 52 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 5 g fiber, 16 g protein

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18

Italian Asparagus & Spinach Gnocchi

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Come springtime, whip out a bag of cauliflower gnocchi and make this fresh-flavored recipe, pronto.

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Per serving (using potato gnocchi): 415.5 calories, 19.2 g fat (6 g sat), 526.9 mg sodium, 50.1 g carbs, 9.5 g sugar, 11.7 g fiber, 14.3 g protein

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19

Easy Vegetable Gnocchi

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Swap whatever vegetables you have on-hand into this easy, vegan recipe.

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Per serving (using potato gnocchi): 308 calories, 8.4 g fat, 561.8 mg sodium, 52.3 g carbs, 4.2 g sugar, 7 g protein

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20

Baked Gnocchi with Vegetables

Cauliflower Gnocchi And Meatballs Is A Thing And You Need It In Your Life (21)

Top this dish's crispy gnocchi and caramelized veggies with a healthy dose of Parmesan cheese and you'll be in heaven.

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Per serving (using potato gnocchi): 183 calories, 10.7 g fat, 126.3 mg sodium, 20.2 g carbs, 3.3 g sugar, 1.7 g fiber, 3 g protein

Cauliflower Gnocchi And Meatballs Is A Thing And You Need It In Your Life (2024)

FAQs

Is cauliflower gnocchi actually healthy? ›

Yes, cauliflower gnocchi can be a healthier choice because it uses a vegetable that's less starchy than potatoes, says Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, Nutrition Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. "Non-starchy veggies are lower in carbs but often higher in fiber, which can help you stay fuller, longer," she says.

What are cauliflower gnocchi made of? ›

This version, however, is made with about 75% cauliflower, as well as cassava flour, potato starch, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt. No wheat, sugar, dairy, or eggs are included here, and that translates to fewer carbs, with significantly less fat & calories than potato-based varieties.

What sauce to eat with cauliflower gnocchi? ›

The best way to cook Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi is pan-frying them! I love them with caramelized onions and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi with caramelized onions, sausage, and a creamy Parmesan sauce makes for an indulgent, gluten free meal.

How many carbs are in cauliflower gnocchi? ›

Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (1 cup) contains 22g total carbs, 16g net carbs, 3g fat, 2g protein, and 140 calories.

Is gnocchi more unhealthy than pasta? ›

Nutritional Value

Believe it or not, regular pasta is actually more carb-heavy than gnocchi, coming in at around 2 times the amount of carbs per serving. Gnocchi is also notorious for having a lot more sodium, with over 200 grams of it per serving. Regular pasta doesn't have nearly as high of a sodium content.

Is gnocchi good or bad for you? ›

Similar to pasta, gnocchi is high in carbohydrates and low in protein. Although both are carbohydrate-heavy foods, it has been shown that regular pasta may have less of an effect on blood sugar levels. One publication points to the fact that pasta doesn't raise blood sugar after a meal to the level that potatoes do.

What do Italians eat gnocchi with? ›

A very popular way to serve gnocchi is with tomato, basil and mozzarella. This simple trio is at the base of the famous Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, in the Sorrento style, where the gnocchi are baked and the melted mozzarella binds the sauce and the gnocchi with cheese strings.

How long does cauliflower gnocchi last in fridge? ›

To store: Store leftover cauliflower gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Why are my cauliflower gnocchi mushy? ›

DON'T follow the directions on the package and steam or boil the cauliflower gnocchi. They'll end up mushy and soggy.

Can you microwave cauliflower gnocchi? ›

You don't need an air fryer or any other fancy appliance, but you will put these through the kitchen trio: microwave, stovetop, oven. The cauliflower gnocchi is going to be frozen. To cook them evenly, you'll want to microwave (not on the defrost setting) them first.

How much does Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi cost? ›

Lastly, I cooked Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi. The gnocchi was frozen and cost $3.29.

Is gnocchi healthy for weight loss? ›

Both versions of pasta are pretty high in carbohydrates and lacking in significant amounts of other nutrients, unless the pastas are enriched. If you're looking to swap the pasta for something healthy, gnocchi may not be the best option.

Is cauliflower actually healthy? ›

When it comes to nutrition, cauliflower is a superstar. It's high in vitamins C and K, and is also a good source of folate, which supports cell growth and is essential during pregnancy. Cauliflower is fat-free and cholesterol-free. And it's low in sodium.

Do cauliflower gnocchi count as vegetables? ›

Because the veggie-based dish doesn't have wheat, sugar, dairy, or eggs, the cauliflower gnocchi carries all of the comforting goodness of classic gnocchi with less carbs, fat, and calories.

Is cauliflower healthier than pasta? ›

Regular pasta is typically made from refined wheat flour, which means it lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grains. On the other hand, cauliflower pasta is a low-carb alternative that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

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