Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
Creamy Pesto Gnocchi is a quick and satisfying pasta dish made with pillowy gnocchi tossed in a rich, herby pesto cream sauce. It’s ready in just 20 minutes and perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal that’s easy to customize.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, spinach, or fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (typically 2–3 minutes or until they float). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes, spinach, or fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use pan-fry-ready gnocchi if skipping the boiling step.Make it vegan by using plant-based pesto, cream, and cheese.Add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra protein.Stir in vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for added nutrition.For a baked version, top with cheese and broil until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Find it online: https://cookibly.com/creamy-pesto-gnocchi/
