• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Veggie Desserts
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegan Cake and Desserts
    • Vegan Dinner
    • Vegan Breakfast
    • Vegan Guides
  • Cookbook
    • About My Cookbook
    • Buy Veggie Desserts + Cakes
  • About Me
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Press
    • Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram Posts
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About Me
  • Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    Easy Sweet Potato Gnocchi

    Published: Mar 22, 2017 · Modified: Jul 29, 2020 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe
    Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Spinach Sauce | Vegan | VeggieDesserts Blog

    Sweet potato gnocchi is delicious! It's very easy to make with 3 ingredients and 30 minutes. It's a tasty, easy dinner recipe.

    Plates of homemade gnocchi and spinach sauce.

    Easy homemade gnocchi

    Gnocchi is surprisingly simple to make at home and is a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.

    This recipe is super easy to whip up with just a few affordable ingredients and minimal prep. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes.

    I made mine with mashed sweet potatoes as I love the flavour and sweetness that it brings.

    It really is a matter of just mixing three ingredients together, then rolling it out and cutting it.

    Boil for a few minutes and presto - gnocchi from scratch!

    You can adapt this recipe with normal potatoes or even purple potatoes.

    Try adding herbs or spices for a bit of variety! You could even make it with this easy instant pot mashed potato.

    Making sweet potato gnocchi.

    Ingredients and kitchen utensils

    There are only a few ingredients and kitchen utensils that you will need to make sweet potato gnocchi.

    Ingredients:

    Sweet Potatoes – or substitute normal potatoes

    Flour - all-purpose plain flour

    Salt – I like using a nice sea salt

    Water – Use filtered water for the best results.

     

    Kitchen Utensils:

    Potato Peeler – You will need this to peel the sweet potatoes

    Knife – A sharp knife to cut the potatoes into chunks, and to cut the gnocchi pieces.

    Pot – A large pot big enough to hold the sweet potatoes and boiling water and also to cook the sweet potato gnocchi in.

    Mixing bowl – to mix the mashed sweet potatoes, flour and salt.

    Countertop or large cutting board – you'll need space to roll out the gnocchi.

    Fork - to get the classic lines on the gnocchi.

     

    Table of dinner with soup, gnocchi and cake.

    I packed quite a lot of vegetables into this meal, as I always try to do. Using sweet potatoes brings extra nutrients to the gnocchi and a quick spinach sauce gives it flavor and veg!

    Recently, it has been in the press that we should be aiming for 10 portions of fruit/veg a day, rather than the current government guidelines of 5.

    I've had this in mind a lot recently and although it's not always achievable, there are plenty of ways to make it easier.

    By stocking up on frozen and fresh fruit and veg, I love that I can just use what I need and it won't wilt or go off.

    Are sweet potatoes healthy?

    Sweet potatoes are full of antioxidants and dietary fiber and antioxidants. They are also a good source of Vitamin A, B vitamins, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Calcium and Iron.

    Standard white potatoes have slightly less sugar than sweet potatoes, but sweet potatoes are higher in both Vitamins A and C.

    Skillet of spinach and onions.

    Spinach sauce

    I always want green at every meal, plus I needed something to cut through the richness of the gnocchi.

    So, I used onions, garlic and spinach to quickly make this creamy spinach sauce. It's the sort of sauce that can be used in many dishes.

    It's very versatile and I always have my freezer stocked with the ingredients when fresh aren't available.

    You could also try serving this homemade gnocchi on Caponata all Siciliana.

    Homemade sweet potato gnocchi on a plate with spinach sauce.

    Sweet potato recipes

    Looking for more recipes to use up sweet potatoes? Try my Carrot Sweet Potato Soup, Sweet Potato Frittata, Collard Green Wraps with Sweet Potato or Spiralized Sweet Potatoes.

    Or how about dessert?

    Maple Parsnip Cake with Sweet Potato Frosting.

    Recipe

    Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out for you!
    Leave a comment and star rating below and share a picture with the hashtag #veggiedesserts. I love seeing your recreations of my vegetarian and vegan recipes.

    Follow me on Instagram * Twitter * Facebook * Pinterest * Youtube

    Making sweet potato gnocchi.

    Easy Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Creamy Spinach Sauce

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    This sweet potato gnocchi recipe is super easy to whip up with just a few affordable ingredients and minimal prep. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes.
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    SaveSaved!
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Main Meals
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4
    Calories 416 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    For the Sweet Potato Gnocchi

    • 1 lb (3 medium) sweet potatoes or 2 cups/500g mashed sweet potatoes
    • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (plain flour) plus extra for dusting
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt

    For the Creamy Spinach Sauce

    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • ½ onion chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 2 cups spinach
    • 1 tablespoon plain yogurt or sour cream or soya cream
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • Salt and pepper

    Instructions
     

    For the sweet potato gnocchi

    • Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into 1" cubes. Add to a pot of boiling water and boil until soft, about 12 minutes.
    • Heat the mashed sweet potato in a pot to remove excess moisture. If there are still any lumps in the mashed potato, mash it again until smooth. Allow the potato to cool.
    • In a large bowl, mix the mashed potato with half of the flour, and the salt, and mix well. Add more flour, a little at a time, to get a thick dough consistency. You may not need all of the flour. Knead the dough well to ensure the flour is all incorporated.
    • Divide the dough into four equal pieces and on a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a long thin strip - about ½ inch thickness. Make a cut every 3cm, to create equal bite-sized pieces.
      Making sweet potato gnocchi.
    • Lightly dust each piece with flour, and press on them gently with a fork to create small indentation marks. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.

    For the creamy spinach sauce

    • Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for a few minutes until translucent, then add the garlic and cook, stirring, for a further minute. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts.
      Skillet of spinach and onions cooking.
    • Transfer the spinach mixture, along with the cream and nutmeg, to a food processor or blender and whiz until smooth. Taste and season well.

    Cook the gnocchi

    • When you’re ready to cook the gnocchi, but a large pan of salted water onto the boil. Add the gnocchi pieces, then turn the water down to a simmer.
    • Cook for a few minutes until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon and serve with the spinach sauce.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 416kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 13gFat: 5gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 747mgPotassium: 940mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 32410IUVitamin C: 11.4mgCalcium: 217mgIron: 6mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.
    « Roasted Potato Peelings with Rosemary and Sea Salt
    Vanilla Beet Freakshake »
    • Tweet
    • Share
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amrita

      November 11, 2017 at 6:31 pm

      5 stars
      We made this last night. Realy good. I added some chopped sage herbs to the potatoes (I didn't use frozen, I made the potato fresh). Will made again. DIdn't try sauce.

      Reply
    2. Rosana

      September 28, 2017 at 9:28 am

      5 stars
      This gnocchi was so easy. I don't shop at Iceland often, but I did have some of the frozen sweet potato so I found this recipe online to use it up. It was a bit messy to roll out, but well worth it. Super yummy. I didn't have spinach so skipped the sauce and just had it wiht olive oil and parmesan.

      Reply
    3. Anna Johnston

      June 21, 2017 at 3:32 am

      5 stars
      Yum.... what a colourful spread you've put together. Sweet Potatoes are in season & cheap as chips here where I live so I'm absolutely going to give this recipe a go. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    4. Heidi Roberts

      March 31, 2017 at 9:14 pm

      5 stars
      Isn't it amazing the sort of frozen food you can get these days! I love your home made gnocchi

      Reply
    5. GiGi

      March 29, 2017 at 2:30 pm

      5 stars
      Whenever I see gnocchi... I always think about how badly everyone seems to BUTCHER is on the show Top Chef. Yours however looks like something Tom & Padma would OOOOOHHH and AHHHHHH over!

      Reply
    6. Ola

      March 23, 2017 at 4:09 pm

      My first reaction upon seeing the photo was "Hmmmm...good"! I love spinach and anything pasta-like mixed together. I think I might try my hand at this dish

      Reply
    7. Jane

      March 23, 2017 at 3:37 pm

      5 stars
      Mmmmm, I love the look of your gnocchi Kate and what a genius idea using ready prepped mashed sweet potatoes for it!
      Jane x

      Reply
    8. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy

      March 23, 2017 at 12:51 pm

      5 stars
      I have only made gnocchi once, with regular potatoes. Loved it, and this recipe certainly sounds delicious. I did have "sweet potato" gnocchi on my "to make" list. Thanks for the great recipe.

      Reply
    9. Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry

      March 23, 2017 at 12:49 pm

      5 stars
      Love the way you have packed the veggies in. Great combination of sweet potato and spinach and so good for you with the iron

      Reply
    10. Elinor Kugler

      March 23, 2017 at 12:16 pm

      5 stars
      I think sweet potatoes and spinach are a match made in heaven! Your gnocchi look gorgeous, and SO inviting! YUM 🙂

      Reply
    11. Pretty

      March 23, 2017 at 11:11 am

      5 stars
      I have never made gnocchi before but going to give this recipe a try as it sounds so good! I try to eat 10 fruit and veg a day but it can be hard mixing it up, it helps being a vegetarian!

      Reply
    12. Claire Jessiman

      March 22, 2017 at 10:56 pm

      Love the idea of adding Coconut Cream to Spinach. Always have a bag of it in my freezer. So convenient to add to all sorts of dishes to bulk them out and add greens.

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 24, 2017 at 10:39 am

        I always have frozen spinach as well. You can make so many dishes with it!

        Reply
    13. Aish Das-Padihari

      March 22, 2017 at 7:38 pm

      5 stars
      Your mom sounds like an amazing person and so is my mom. I would definitely try this recipe.

      Reply
    14. Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy

      March 22, 2017 at 3:37 pm

      5 stars
      What a neat recipe! I always thought it was a bit more harder to make gnocchi! I gotta give this a try soon!

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 22, 2017 at 3:43 pm

        It really is surprisingly easy!

        Reply
    15. Diana

      March 22, 2017 at 3:35 pm

      I've tried the chocolate hazelnut marquise cake from Iceland Foods and it's really really good! The gnocchi look so perfect, you're making me really hungry now!

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 22, 2017 at 3:43 pm

        The marquise is divine! And the gnocchi is super easy 🙂

        Reply
    16. Tara

      March 22, 2017 at 3:31 pm

      Yum! Your gnocchi look absolutely perfect! I love how easy the meal is to put together using frozen ingredients. So delicious and good for you too!

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 30, 2017 at 5:07 pm

        Frozen ingredients really does make this a speedy meal!

        Reply
    17. J @ Bless Her Heart Y'all

      March 22, 2017 at 3:22 pm

      5 stars
      Three ingredients to get to all of this deliciousness?!? I'm in! I've never had sweet potato gnocchi but it sounds and looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 22, 2017 at 3:44 pm

        It really is that easy! I hope you give it a try.

        Reply
    18. Julia @ HappyFoods Tube

      March 22, 2017 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      What a great recipe. My mom would make similar spinach sauce when I was a kid. Love the sweet potato gnocchi and can't wait to try making them myself!

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 22, 2017 at 3:44 pm

        I hope you enjoy the sweet potato gnocchi!

        Reply
    19. Ali @ Home & Plate

      March 22, 2017 at 3:04 pm

      5 stars
      Wow that looks delicious. I have never made my own pasta but making gnocchi looks easier than the longer versions. I think the flavors are a great combination and what a delicious way to end the day.

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 22, 2017 at 3:45 pm

        Gnocchi is definitely easier than pasta! I hope you get to try it!

        Reply
    20. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      March 22, 2017 at 2:41 pm

      Gnocchi is one of my favorite things to make homemade!

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 22, 2017 at 3:45 pm

        It's so quick and easy, isn't it!

        Reply
    21. Liv

      March 22, 2017 at 2:40 pm

      Oh wow I am loving this recipe! I just recently made a cream sauce out of cashews but would you believe it I've been vegan for years and NEVER bought any creamed soy ! I will have to make this recipe and try out these products

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 22, 2017 at 3:46 pm

        I hope you enjoy it! I love cashew cream, but some dishes just need something a little lighter - hence creamed soy!

        Reply
    22. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

      March 22, 2017 at 2:22 pm

      5 stars
      I actually have a bag of their sweet potato mash in my freezer so I am so gonna make this. 🙂

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 22, 2017 at 3:46 pm

        I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    23. Lisa | Garlic & Zest

      March 22, 2017 at 2:11 pm

      I've made sweet potato gnocchi and while I love it, it's an endeavor. Even just two pounds of potatoes can turn into a mountain of work! Kudos to you for taking on the dragon!

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 22, 2017 at 3:47 pm

        I found it surprisingly easy to make! Quite theraputic to mash, mix, roll and cut!

        Reply
    24. Chris @thinlyspread

      March 22, 2017 at 1:08 pm

      It's so lovely having Mum nearby, mine moved from the Midlands about 8 years ago and it's been a lifesaver! I've got that very bag of frozen sweet potato (well, not THAT bag, that's yours, but the same stuff from Iceland) in my freezer right now and my lot love gnocchi to that's dinner sorted!

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 22, 2017 at 3:47 pm

        I hope you enjoy it! It's lovely having mum nearby x

        Reply
    25. Hayley Warren

      March 22, 2017 at 12:39 pm

      This sounds amazing! I'll definitely have to try it out!

      Reply
    26. Natasha Mairs

      March 22, 2017 at 12:29 pm

      This looks so nice!! I love spinach and sweet potatos, so would love to try this

      Reply
    27. Andrea @ The Petite Cook

      March 22, 2017 at 12:28 pm

      Oh my! Gnocchi are one of my fav things in the world, and yours look, simply perfection (said from an italian is a true compliment)! I could eat something like this everyday 🙂

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 22, 2017 at 3:48 pm

        A true compliment indeed! You've made my day 🙂

        Reply
    28. Choclette

      March 22, 2017 at 12:03 pm

      Your mum sounds wonderful and so does this gnocchi. What a brilliant idea to have mashed sweet potato readily available. Iceland keep adding such interesting new products to their frozen veggies.

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        March 22, 2017 at 3:49 pm

        Iceland really do have some great products!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Mini Baked Potatoes
    • Easy Lentil Soup

    Spring Recipes

    • How to Make A Fruit Platter (Fruit Tray)
    • Air Fryer Asparagus
    • Easy Strawberry Compote
    • Easy Pea Soup (4 ingredients)

    My cookbook

    Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About me
    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Press
    • Veggie Desserts Cookbook

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up for newsletter updates
    • Travel
    • Giveaways

    Disclaimers

    • Disclosures & Affiliate Policies
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Kate Hackworthy / Veggie Desserts