Because love isn’t just sweet-it’s savory too!
If you’re looking to wow your Valentine with a homemade dinner that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, Pink Gnocchi with Garlic Thyme Butter Sauce is the perfect dish.
Not only does its stunning pink hue scream romance, but the dish itself is surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to impress.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a total newbie in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you step-by-step.
Plus, I’ll throw in some tips to make your gnocchi soft, pillowy, and restaurant-quality.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and turn your kitchen into a love-filled haven!
Why This Pink Gnocchi with Garlic Thyme Butter Sauce Recipe Works for Valentine’s Day
- Romantic Aesthetics: The pink color, achieved naturally with beet puree, gives this dish a festive and unique touch.
- Comfort Food Meets Gourmet: Gnocchi is cozy and comforting, but the addition of a garlic-thyme butter sauce elevates it to fine dining status.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need a long shopping list for this one—most ingredients are pantry staples!
- Customizable: Vegan? Swap the butter for plant-based alternatives. Gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour.
Choose Your Gnocchi Type For Quick And Easy Preparation:
Classic Gnocchi | Vegan Gnocchi | Gluten-Free Gnocchi
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Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Pink Gnocchi with Garlic Thyme Butter Sauce Recipe For Valentine’s Day
For the Gnocchi:
- 2 medium-sized potatoes (russet or Yukon gold, boiled and peeled)
- 1 small beet (boiled and peeled)
- You’ll need about one and a half cups of all-purpose flour, with extra on hand for dusting.
- 1 egg (or 2 tbsp aquafaba for vegan gnocchi)
- ½ tsp salt
For the Garlic Thyme Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Either 1 tsp of fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp of dried thyme both works well.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan or nutritional yeast for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Pink Gnocchi with Garlic Thyme Butter Sauce for Valentine’s Day
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes and Beet
Boil the potatoes and beet separately until fork-tender.
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel and mash them to a smooth consistency in a large mixing bowl.
Separately, puree the beet in a blender or food processor until smooth. (Tip: Add a tablespoon of water if it’s too thick.)
Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough
Combine the mashed potatoes, beet puree, egg (or aquafaba), and salt in a bowl (Mix until well incorporated).
Gradually add the flour, a little at a time, kneading gently.
You’re aiming for a soft dough that’s slightly sticky but holds its shape.
With all that said, make sure not to overwork the dough as overworking the dough develops too much gluten, which makes the gnocchi tough; avoid this by handling the dough gently.
Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi
Next up, form four equal portions of dough, and then roll each portion out into a ½-inch-thick rope.
Post which, cut the ropes and after cutting the ropes into 1-inch pieces, roll each piece over the back of a fork or gnocchi board to give them a textured surface. (Optional, but it helps the sauce cling!)
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
- Place a large pot of water on the stove, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the gnocchi in batches, ensuring the water stays at a gentle boil. They’ll sink initially and float to the top when cooked (about 2-3 minutes).
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked gnocchi and set them aside on a plate.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Thyme Butter Sauce
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and thyme followed by sauteing until they become fragrant (about 1 to 2 minutes of sauteing should suffice).
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece in the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (Taste and adjust the seasoning until the desired flavor is achieved).
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Plate the gnocchi and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet followed by sprinkling it with freshly grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy the “oohs” and “ahhs” from your Valentine!
Pro Tips for Perfect Pink Gnocchi
- Beet Tinting: If you prefer a more subtle pink, reduce the amount of beet puree slightly.
- Light Hand with Flour: Adding too much flour will make the gnocchi dense. Stick to just enough to bring the dough together.
- Texture Consistency: For extra pillowy gnocchi, pass the boiled potatoes through a ricer instead of mashing.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pink Gnocchi with Garlic Thyme Butter Sauce Recipe?
From the vibrant pink hue of the gnocchi to the comforting aroma of garlic and thyme sizzling in butter, every step feels like crafting a masterpiece.
Cooking this recipe is an experience that connects you to the joy of creating something meaningful.
Whether it’s for your Valentine, family, or yourself, this dish speaks the language of love in every bite.
Bonus Idea: Add a Twist!
Want to customize your pink gnocchi? Try these variations:
- Add Goat Cheese Filling: Make a small indent in the gnocchi and fill with a dollop of goat cheese for a creamy surprise.
- Top with Crispy Sage Leaves: Fry a few sage leaves in butter for a crunchy, aromatic garnish.
Final Thoughts
Cooking doesn’t have to be intimidating, and this Pink Gnocchi with Garlic Thyme Butter Sauce proves that even restaurant-worthy dishes can be made right at home.
By using natural beet coloring and simple techniques, even novice cooks can create a restaurant-worthy Valentine’s Day meal that’s visually stunning and deeply delicious.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a partner, friends, or just treating yourself (because self-love matters!), this dish is guaranteed to make the day extra special.
