Gnocchi with Asparagus in Lemon Cream Sauce

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

There is a short list of ingredients for this recipe and it comes together in less than 30 minutes making it a great option for a weekday dinner.

The full ingredient list and measurements are listed in the printable recipe below.

• Gnocchi is a dumpling usually made from potatoes as well as eggs and flour. It cooks quickly and becomes pillowy soft if cooked correctly. It is typically found with the dried pasta in your grocery store, although you may find some in the frozen section as well.
• You can usually find Asparagus all year round at most supermarkets but it is at its peak in April through May. The bottom part of an asparagus spear can be woody and should be cut off prior to cooking. Cut and discard the bottom inch or so just where the “white” section of the spear turns green.
• Beetroot Powder is considered a superfood and might be found in health food stores, but is definitely available online. You could eliminate it from the dish, but because of the earthy notes and beautiful color, it really is one of the signature ingredients.
• We recommend using cocktail Tomatoes cut into quarters. They have thicker skin so they hold on to their “meaty” texture when cooked.
• Parmigiano Reggiano is the Champagne of cheeses and anything labeled as such requires certification of being from specific provinces in Italy using a specific recipe and method based on Italian law. If necessary, you can substitute cheese labeled ‘Parmesan’, an imitation version that lacks Parmigiano Reggiano’s nuttier, richer flavor. Parmesean will also taste saltier, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.
• We recommend a low-sodium Vegetable Stock so you can control the amount of salt in the final dish.
• We recommend only using Heavy Cream due to its high-fat content. The acid from the lemons can make milk curdle or become grainy due to the changes in pH. Heavy cream is more viscous due to its higher fat content and a smaller amount of water, so when lemon juice is added it guarantees a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Lemon adds acid and brightness to the dish. You can add more or less lemon zest depending on your preference.

How to Make Gnocchi with Lemon Cream Sauce

Here are the quick step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions with the exact ingredients in the recipe card below.
_{This post may contain paid affiliate sales links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclaimer policy for details.}

Pro-tip: Gnocchi is pillowy soft so don’t overcook the asparagus. The asparagus should be tender but retain some crispness.

1. Sauté the Asparagus: In a large skillet over medium-high heat olive oil. Then add the shallots and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring often. Add the asparagus and let it continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Finally, add garlic for the last 30 to 60 seconds, making sure it doesn’t burn which would add a bitter flavor.

2. Add the Stock and Cream: Add the vegetable stock and lemon juice to the skillet with shallots, asparagus, and garlic. Bring it to a boil and then add the heavy cream, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the Gnocchi: Bring the liquids back to a simmer then add gnocchi and lemon zest. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi is almost tender.

4. Add the Cheese and Tomatoes: After the gnocchi has had a chance to cook reduce the heat to medium-low then stir in grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Add the tomatoes once the cheese has been fully incorporated and melted.

5. Plating: Serve with an additional sprinkling of grated Parmigiano Reggiano, a garnish of lemon zest, and a dusting of beetroot powder, if desired.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• Cut off the woody end of the asparagus or peel off the skin from the bottom part of the asparagus spears with a vegetable peeler. Asparagus should be cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Do not pre-cook the gnocchi. The cooking time might have to be adjusted since fresh gnocchi will take less time to cook compared to frozen or dried gnocchi.
• We don’t recommend substituting the cream for something like half-and-half or milk since the acid in lemon juice can curdle milk.

Frequently Asked Questions