Description
Pesto Gnocchi
Looking for a quick, comforting dinner? This Pesto Gnocchi is a dream come true! With just 6 simple ingredients, this dish comes together in one pot, ready in under 15 minutes. Creamy, cheesy, and deliciously pillowy gnocchi coated in a fragrant pesto sauce—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy meatless dinner. Easily customizable with gluten-free or dairy-free options, and pairs beautifully with added proteins like chicken or bacon.
1/3 cup pesto
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 cup half and half or heavy cream
1/3 cup vegetable or chicken broth
16 oz potato gnocchi
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt, to taste
1/2 tsp pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh basil, extra parmesan for garnish
Directions:
1. Sauté pesto and garlic in a skillet over medium heat for 1 minute.
2. Add broth, cream, and bring to a simmer. Stir in gnocchi.
3. Cover and cook for 5 mins, then uncover and cook for another 3-4 mins.
4. Stir in parmesan, season, and serve.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Kcal: 490
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. Start by gathering all your ingredients and a large skillet with a lid. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the pesto and minced garlic, sautéing for one full minute until fragrant. This step wakes up the flavors in the pesto. Next, carefully pour in the broth and cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—small bubbles around the edge of the pan. Now, add the entire package of gnocchi, stirring gently to ensure each piece is coated in the sauce. Cover the skillet with the lid and let it cook for exactly 5 minutes. Uncover, stir, and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish can be dressed up or down. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes or asparagus. To add protein, top with grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta. For a restaurant-style finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese.
How-to Summary
Sauté pesto and garlic. Add broth and cream, then simmer. Stir in gnocchi, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover and cook for 3-4 more minutes until sauce thickens. Off heat, stir in parmesan, season, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Gnocchi is best served fresh, as it can become gummy upon reheating. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for 1-2 days, cooking the gnocchi fresh when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of half-and-half? For a lighter version, use whole milk or a milk-alternative like oat milk, though the sauce will be less creamy. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk.
Is there a way to make it crispier? For a crispy texture, pan-fry the cooked gnocchi in a separate skillet with a little oil after following the main recipe, or broil the finished dish for 2-3 minutes.
Can I use homemade pesto? Absolutely! Fresh homemade pesto will elevate the flavor significantly. Just ensure it’s at room temperature before adding it to the pan.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously after adding the cream, as this can cause it to separate or curdle. Maintain a gentle simmer. Do not stir the gnocchi too aggressively while cooking, as they can break apart. Resist the urge to add the parmesan cheese while the skillet is still on high heat, as this can cause it to clump instead of melting smoothly into the sauce.
Conclusion
This Pesto Gnocchi recipe is the ultimate solution for a delicious, satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and time. Its simplicity, combined with the rich, comforting flavors of pesto and parmesan, makes it a reliable favorite. Easily adaptable to various dietary needs and perfect for customizing with your favorite add-ins, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a regular in your weekly dinner rotation. Enjoy the creamy, pillowy goodness!