Vegan Italian Asparagus & Spinach Gnocchi
Are you getting as excited for the bright, fresh flavors of spring and summer as I am? Today, I’m thrilled to share a vibrant, plant-based meal that perfectly captures the season: my vegan Italian asparagus and spinach gnocchi!
This dish is packed with fresh green vegetables beautifully roasted with garlic and Italian herbs. We’re using chickpeas for a hearty vegan protein boost, paired with tender potato or whole wheat gnocchi (and you can easily swap in gluten-free gnocchi if you prefer). Not only is this dinner incredibly easy to whip up, but it’s also wonderfully budget-friendly at just around $1.88 per serving! Plus, it’s a fantastic weight-loss-friendly option, coming in at around 380-415 calories depending on your oil usage, and it’s totally 21 Day Fix approved.
Nutritional Benefits of This Vegan Gnocchi Dish
When prepared with 3 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil, this wholesome vegan meal provides about 415 calories and 14 grams of protein per serving. It’s wonderfully rich in B-vitamins, vitamins A and K, iron, zinc, and offers a solid 11 grams of dietary fiber.
While I personally love using classic potato gnocchi here, whole wheat gnocchi is a fantastic alternative—just be sure to peek at the ingredient list before purchasing. Whole wheat varieties typically offer a bit more protein, though slightly fewer B-vitamins.
If you have higher energy needs (like active individuals or bodybuilders), I highly suggest doubling your portion. A double serving will fuel you with roughly 712 calories and a satisfying 29 grams of protein!
21 Day Fix: For those using the portion control system, one serving of this meal (at 415 calories) counts as 1 yellow, 2 green, 1/2 red, and 2 teaspoons.
Budget Breakdown for This Plant-Based Meal
Eating healthy doesn’t have to break the bank! Here is the approximate cost breakdown for the ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas: $0.58
- 16 oz. package of gnocchi: $2.50
- 1 bundle (about 4 cups) of asparagus: $2.97
- 2 cups of frozen peas: $0.50
- Oil and seasonings: $0.40
- 2 cups of fresh spinach: $0.60
This brings the total to an incredibly affordable $1.88 per serving! Keep in mind that these prices can fluctuate depending on your local store and the current season. I purchased my ingredients during a March grocery run using Walmart’s convenient pickup service. Note that these calculations are based strictly on the amounts used in the recipe, not the bulk purchase price—so any extra ingredients you buy can easily be repurposed for other delicious meals!
👩🍳 Sarah’s Kitchen: Vegan Italian Asparagus & Spinach Gnocchi
• You’ll get roughly 415 calories per serving if using 3-4 T olive oil, but you can avoid the oil completely if preferred!
• Need more calories? Double up on the serving size! 2 servings will give you 711 calories and 28.7 g of protein.
Nutrition Facts
Community Reviews
Sarah’s Budget Tips
- Buy Frozen: Frozen peas and spinach are often much cheaper than fresh and retain all their nutrients!
- Repurpose Leftovers: If you have extra asparagus or spinach from your bundles, toss them into a breakfast scramble or a side salad the next day to stretch your dollar further.
- Bulk Dry Goods: Buying dried chickpeas and boiling them yourself is even cheaper than canned if you want to push that $1.88 cost down even more!
