Name: Healthy Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes (roasted and mashed, about 1 1/2 cups); 1 to 1 1/4 cups flour (whole wheat, all-purpose, or gluten-free); 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for pan-searing); Optional: 1/4 tsp garlic powder, pinch of black pepper, pinch of nutmeg

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Healthy Sweet Potato Gnocchi is a soft, pillowy, and nutrient-rich take on the classic Italian pasta. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this homemade gnocchi is naturally sweet, lightly savory, and perfect for pairing with all kinds of sauces—from light olive oil and herbs to creamy dairy-free options. It’s a cozy, comforting dish I love making when I want something homemade and satisfying, without feeling heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this gnocchi feels both indulgent and healthy at the same time. Sweet potatoes give it a natural sweetness and vibrant color, while the minimal ingredient list keeps it clean and simple. It’s gluten-free friendly, easy to make in batches, and super versatile. Whether I serve it with veggies, pesto, or sautéed garlic and spinach, it always turns out delicious. Healthy Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sweet potatoes (roasted and mashed)
Flour (whole wheat, all-purpose, or gluten-free)
Salt
Olive oil (optional, for pan-searing)
Optional add-ins: garlic powder, black pepper, or a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor

Directions

I roast the sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) until soft—about 45 minutes—then let them cool, scoop out the flesh, and mash until smooth.
In a large bowl, I combine the mashed sweet potato with salt and gradually add flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
I turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently, adding more flour if needed, just until it’s no longer too sticky.
I divide the dough into sections, roll each into a long rope, and cut into bite-sized pieces. I gently press each piece with a fork for the classic gnocchi shape.
I bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi in batches. Once they float to the top (about 2–3 minutes), I remove them with a slotted spoon.
Optional: I pan-sear the cooked gnocchi in a bit of olive oil for 3–4 minutes until golden and slightly crispy on the outside.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 2–3 servings. It takes about 15 minutes to prep the dough (after roasting) and 10 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in around 1 hour total, including baking the sweet potatoes.

Variations

I serve it with browned butter and sage, vegan pesto, or tomato sauce for different flavor profiles.
Sometimes I mix in a little ricotta (or dairy-free alternative) for extra softness.
I add chopped spinach or herbs to the dough for color and flavor.
For a protein boost, I pair it with sautéed chickpeas or grilled chicken.

Storage/Reheating

I store uncooked gnocchi in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it in a single layer before transferring to a container. Cooked gnocchi lasts 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, I sauté leftovers in a pan with a bit of oil until warm and crispy. Healthy Sweet Potato Gnocchi

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potato?

Yes, but I make sure it’s very thick and not watery. I may need to use more flour to get the dough to the right consistency.

Is this gluten-free?

It can be—just use a gluten-free flour blend. I avoid using coconut or almond flour, which won’t hold together well.

Why is my dough too sticky?

Sweet potatoes vary in moisture. I add flour a little at a time until the dough is soft and just workable without overdoing it.

Can I freeze sweet potato gnocchi?

Yes, I freeze uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. I cook it straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the boiling time.

What sauce goes best with this gnocchi?

I love it with sage butter, pesto, garlic olive oil, or a light cashew cream sauce. The sweet flavor pairs well with both savory and herby sauces.

Conclusion

Healthy Sweet Potato Gnocchi is a simple, delicious way to bring homemade comfort food to the table with a nutritious twist. Soft, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, it’s a meal I can enjoy any time—whether I keep it light or dress it up with sauces and veggies. Once I try it, it’s hard to go back to store-bought pasta.