Wholesome Cauliflower Gnocchi Carbonara: A Delicious & Arthritis-Friendly Dinner Recipe
I’m thrilled to share a special collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation. This rich and creamy carbonara, featuring wholesome cauliflower gnocchi, is an ideal meal for anyone seeking quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner options—especially those managing arthritis. It’s a fantastic addition to your recipe collection!
This post is sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation. All thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% my own.
My Personal Connection to Arthritis: Raising Awareness
Returning to work with the Arthritis Foundation is a privilege. You might recall my Indian Lentil Soup recipe from last year, another initiative we collaborated on. Arthritis is a condition that profoundly impacts my family, and I know it touches many of your lives too, as it affects a staggering 1 in 4 people in the United States. It’s an issue far more prevalent than most realize. My wonderful mom is one of over 54 million Americans who live with arthritis daily, which is why I’m seizing this opportunity to spread awareness and offer valuable insights.
The Arthritis Foundation is currently urging individuals with arthritis to make their voices heard by participating in their new Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment. This crucial initiative aims to reshape the future of arthritis care, research, and support. I’m incredibly enthusiastic to share more about this groundbreaking assessment, alongside this fantastic carbonara recipe that can genuinely benefit people living with arthritis.

Live Yes! INSIGHTS: Empowering the Arthritis Community
My mom recently completed the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, and she found it to be an invaluable platform for sharing her daily experiences. The questions delved into her symptoms, pain levels, and how arthritis impacts her physical function and mobility. The assessment took her just ten minutes, but its potential impact is monumental. The data collected will provide decision-makers with a clear picture of the realities of living with arthritis. This will ultimately help to dismantle barriers to care, accelerate vital research, and foster the creation of resources that will truly transform people’s lives.
Did you know that more children and adults in America live with arthritis than with breast cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and autism combined? This statistic is truly astounding and highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and support. The Arthritis Foundation is at the forefront of this effort, advocating for better understanding and more effective solutions.

Living with Arthritis: Daily Challenges and the Need for Support
My mom has battled arthritis in her hands for as long as I can remember. Over the years, the condition has progressed, making even the simplest daily tasks incredibly challenging, especially in the kitchen. Opening a water bottle, using a traditional can opener, or twisting open jars have become difficult feats. Thankfully, my dad is always there to lend a helping hand. This personal experience underscores the widespread impact of arthritis on everyday life.
The projections for arthritis in the future are equally sobering. By 2040, the number of U.S. adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis is expected to reach 78.4 million. Because arthritis is such a personal issue for my family, I am passionate about sharing information and raising awareness. There is so much to educate the public about as we collectively strive towards finding a cure. Astonishingly, 93% of Americans are unaware that arthritis is the leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S. Less than 10% of Americans know that arthritis is the #1 cause of long-term disability. Yet, according to the CDC, 8 million working-age adults (18-64) report that their ability to work is limited because of their arthritis. These figures underscore the critical need for greater understanding and support for those affected.

Dietary Strategies for Arthritis Management: A Personal Success Story
This past summer, my mom decided to overhaul her diet. She eliminated all added sugar and significantly reduced her fruit intake. The results were remarkable: a significant reduction in her daily pain. This experience powerfully demonstrated the profound impact that dietary choices can have on managing arthritis symptoms. Inspired by her success and her love for Italian cuisine, I’m excited to share a healthier version of one of her absolute favorite dishes.
My mom is an ardent fan of Italian food. Whenever asked what she’d like for dinner, pasta and Italian dishes are always her first suggestion. However, traditional pasta is often high in carbohydrates and sugar, which she is now actively trying to avoid as part of her arthritis-friendly diet. This is where cauliflower gnocchi comes to the rescue! With less than 1 gram of sugar, cauliflower gnocchi makes an excellent and incredibly satisfying substitute. Now, my mom can enjoy her beloved carbonara sauce in a much healthier way, without compromising on flavor or texture. This clever swap allows her to indulge in her favorite comfort food while adhering to her beneficial dietary changes.

Why Cauliflower Gnocchi Carbonara is a Game-Changer
The impact of diet on arthritis cannot be overstated, and I am genuinely delighted to create this gnocchi carbonara recipe that perfectly aligns with my mom’s new eating habits. She no longer has to miss out on her favorite foods due to dietary restrictions. This gnocchi carbonara is not only delicious but also incredibly quick to prepare, taking just about 15 minutes from start to finish. This makes it an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome and satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. The entire family is sure to love this flavorful and health-conscious twist on a classic Italian dish.
Beyond its culinary appeal, this recipe embodies the spirit of World Arthritis Day, which falls on October 12th. If you or someone you know is living with arthritis, please strongly encourage them to take the 10-minute Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment. A few minutes of your time can contribute to a profound and lasting change in the fight against this disease. Simply visit Live Yes! INSIGHTS to begin. By participating, you become part of a movement that is transforming lives today and shaping a brighter future for the 54 million individuals affected by arthritis.
Connect and Thrive with the Live Yes! Network
Live Yes! INSIGHTS is an integral component of the Arthritis Foundation’s broader Live Yes! Network. This network is dedicated to providing personalized help and comprehensive support to adults managing all types of arthritis and rheumatic conditions, as well as parents or guardians of children living with arthritis. Its programs offer invaluable opportunities for connection, education, and empowerment.
Through initiatives like Live Yes! Connect Groups, an Online Community, and various conferences, members can engage with others who truly understand their experiences. It’s a robust support system where you can openly discuss medical issues, share frustrations, exchange practical tips, and discover life hacks that help you navigate daily challenges. Connecting with a community that understands what you’re going through is incredibly empowering and can lead to a more fulfilling life despite the complexities of arthritis. The network fosters a sense of belonging and provides resources that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.


Cauliflower Gnocchi Carbonara
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Ingredients
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
 - 1 13 oz package frozen cauliflower gnocchi
 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
 - 2 egg yolks
 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
 - salt and pepper to taste
 
Instructions
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Saute garlic for 1-2 minutes in a little bacon grease or olive oil
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Cook cauliflower gnocchi according to the package directions
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In a liquid measuring cup combine heavy cream, egg yolk, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined and smooth.
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Once the gnocchi is cooked remove pan from heat and pour in cream mixture and add cooked bacon. Mix well until the sauce is silky and smooth.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve immediately.
 
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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