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High-Protein Vegan Tofu Gnocchi with Italian-Style Tomato Sauce

This delicious high-protein vegan recipe transforms tofu into soft, pillowy gnocchi served with a rich and flavorful Italian-style tomato sauce.
It’s an easy, homemade alternative that’s packed with plant-based protein and perfect for a comforting yet nutritious meal.
Total Time 1 hour
Course Pasta
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

Gnocchi

  • 10 ½ oz firm tofu drained
  • 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of onion granules optional

Tomato Sauce

  • 1 small-medium carrot diced
  • ½ celery stalk diced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2–3 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 1 sprig sage optional
  • 1 can (14 oz) chopped tomatoes
  • Splash of vegetable stock
  • Small handful of basil plus extra to serve
  • 3–4 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Plant-based Parmesan-style cheese to serve

Instructions
 

Prepare the Gnocchi Dough

  • Blend the tofu and nutritional yeast in a food processor until smooth.
  • Transfer to a mixing bowl and gradually incorporate the flour, then add oil, salt, and optional onion granules. Mix with a fork, then use your hands to form a dough.

Shape the Gnocchi

  • Lightly flour a surface to prevent sticking. Knead the dough until smooth and uniform.
  • Divide into two or three portions and roll each into a long rope, about ½ inch thick.
  • Cut the ropes into small gnocchi pieces, about 1 inch in size.
  • Place on a floured tray, ensuring they don’t touch.

Make the Tomato Sauce

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the carrot, celery, onion, garlic, rosemary, and optional sage for 5–8 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
  • Remove the rosemary and sage, then stir in the chopped tomatoes and a splash of vegetable stock. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the basil and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Finish with nutritional yeast and mix well.

Cook the Gnocchi

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi in batches, stirring to prevent sticking.
  • Once they float to the surface (about 1 minute), use a slotted spoon to transfer them directly into the tomato sauce.
  • Let the gnocchi absorb the sauce for a couple of minutes before serving.

Serve

  • Plate the gnocchi and top with additional basil and plant-based Parmesan-style cheese. Enjoy warm!

Notes

Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with 1 ½ cups chickpea flour.
Storage: Store cooked gnocchi in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze uncooked gnocchi (separated) and sauce for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Protein: 38g
Keyword Dairy-free gnocchi with tomato sauce, Easy tofu gnocchi, Gluten-free tofu gnocchi option, healthy vegan comfort food, High-protein vegan gnocchi recipe, high-protein vegan recipes, Homemade plant-based gnocchi, Protein-packed vegan pasta, Simple vegan gnocchi from scratch, Vegan Italian recipes
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