Stovetop Lentil Broccoli Gnocchi (vegan)

This 5-ingredient, plant-based meal can be ready in under 30 minutes. Stovetop Lentil Broccoli Gnocchi is plant-based, hearty, and wholesome. The whole family will love this simple meal.

This is a great weekday meal option for a busy mom with little time to focus on healthy meals. Fresh veggies, cooked pillowy gnocchi, and delicious marinara sauce combine perfectly and easily. 

Why You Will Enjoy This Vegan Meal

It’s tasty. The best way to get your family to eat healthy is to make delicious meals. Fortunately, this vegan recipe is so easy to make. It will definitely impress your family.

It’s healthy. This gnocchi dish is made from simple ingredients that are wholesome and healthy. If serving healthy dinners is a priority for you, you have come to the right place. 

It’s a main dish. Who has time to make several side dishes along with a main dish on busy weeknights? That’s why one-pot recipes are my jam! Make this vegan gnocchi recipe over the stove in one pot. 

It’s hearty. With protein-packed lentils and filling potato gnocchi, this healthy dinner will fill you up and give you energy! Make this hearty meal as part of your meal planning lineup for the week.

It’s simple to make. The best part of this dish is that it’s a quick and easy meal that can be placed on the dinner table within 30 minutes or less. Easy vegan dinner recipes are my jam!

How Are Lentils Healthy?

There are many health benefits to eating lentils. A good protein source, especially for vegans, these small but mighty seeds are a cheap alternative to meat. They have been around for ages but it wasn’t until recently that the health benefits were understood. They also help protect against disease, lower blood pressure, improve heart health, boost energy, and support the digestive system.

A Vegan Trader Joe’s Meal

If you are lucky enough to have a Trader Joe’s grocery store near you, you will be able to easily grab these 5 simple ingredients in one stop. Trader Joe’s makes it easy for a busy mom. Don’t worry if you do not have Trader’s near you. You can simply find everything at your local supermarket or natural store. 

The Ingredients

Marinara sauce: Grab a jar of your favorite marinara sauce. It’s all about the marinara sauce when it comes to flavor so choose wisely. I prefer tomato garlic varieties which offer a lot of flavor. Alternatively, you could add some extra basil, onion, and fresh garlic to this marinara for additional flavor.

Brown lentils: The easiest way to cook with these seeds is to find a cooked package. I find them in the cold produce section of Trader Joe’s. I have not tried this recipe with other colored lentil varieties. 

Broccoli florets: Another time savor is purchasing a bag of broccoli florets. I like to pick this up from Trader Joe’s. Otherwise, a large head of broccoli will work. 

Gnocchi: Simply purchase a bag of uncooked gnocchi to throw into the saucepan. Gnocchi is like pasta but with a thicker, more chewy consistency, in my opinion 

Nutritional Yeast: With many nutritional benefits, this plant-based cheese alternative is the perfect cheese swap. Its cheesy taste works well with gnocchi. 

Avocado oil or spray: You will want to add a drizzle of this oil to the broccoli along with salt and black pepper to roast to perfection. I prefer to use avocado spray for this recipe as it assures that I do not overdo the oil serving.

The Instructions

Step one: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. 

Step two: Wash the broccoli florets and chop them into smaller pieces as needed. Add them to a lined cookie sheet. Drizzle avocado oil, and sprinkle salt and pepper over the top. Toss it all up and then spread the florets into a single layer. Try to not have the pieces touching. Roast in the oven for 14 minutes. For best results, turn the oven to broil and roast the broccoli for one additional minute. Remove the pan from the oven and set it aside. 

Step three: Add the lentils, marinara sauce, and gnocchi to a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture for about 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi is completely cooked, and stir every minute or so. Make sure to stir it enough so that the bottom does not burn.

Step four: Remove the pot from the heat. Add the nutritional yeast and roasted broccoli. Gently stir it, add the lid, and allow it to sit for 1-2 minutes and then serve immediately. 

Optionally: Add additional nutritional yeast and minced fresh basil over each serving. 

Now go pour yourself a glass of red or white wine (if you are into that), turn on the relaxing music, and thoroughly enjoy this comforting vegan Italian meal.

How to Store Leftovers

Once the mixture has come to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply add your desired serving to a microwave-safe bowl and heat, covered, for 1 minute and 30 seconds, stirring halfway. 

Tips + Modificaitons

The key to the best-tasting dish is to flavor it to your liking. Add more or less salt and pepper until you have reached your desired taste. Feel free to add in fresh herbs, dried Italian seasoning, or fresh garlic as well. If you are a cheese lover, top your hot serving with shredded mozzarella. Make it your own.

If you are feeling it, make your marinara sauce from scratch or up your game with homemade gnocchi. Store-bought gnocchi is just as good, though!

Other Easy Vegan Meals to Try

My Grandma’s Simple Bruschetta Recipe

Vegan Roasted Bell Pepper and Veggie Pasta

Apple Endive Salad with Maple Candied and Sage Vinaigrette

Enjoy!

XOXO

Michelle