If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines pillowy soft gnocchi with vibrant, herbaceous pesto, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that turn a simple meal into something truly special. Whether you use store-bought pesto or whip up your own, this recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients coming together with ease and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pesto Gnocchi Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the fluffy gnocchi providing a comforting base, to the pesto’s fresh basil flavor that brings brightness, and the Parmesan cheese adding just the right amount of savory depth.
- 1 pound store-bought gnocchi: Quick to cook and wonderfully soft, they’re the perfect foundation for this dish.
- 1/3 cup store-bought or homemade pesto sauce: This vibrant green sauce bursts with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil, making every bite deliciously fresh.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the gnocchi to a beautiful golden color and enriches the flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that enhances every mouthful.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and elevating the overall taste.
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and an aromatic touch to the final presentation.
How to Make Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a lively boil. This is key to seasoning the gnocchi as they cook. Gently drop in the gnocchi and cook them following the package guidance, usually about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they magically float to the surface, soft and dreamy.
Step 2: Drain and Set Aside
Once the gnocchi are floating, carefully scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set them aside while you prepare the skillet. Keeping them warm at this stage ensures they won’t clump together later.
Step 3: Prepare the Pesto Sauce in the Skillet
Heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Adding the gnocchi to the skillet now lets them toast gently until a delicate golden crust forms, adding an irresistible texture contrast to their softness.
Step 4: Combine Gnocchi with Pesto
Lower the heat slightly and pour the pesto sauce over the sautéed gnocchi. Take time to toss everything together, ensuring each gnocchi pillow is generously coated in that vibrant, aromatic sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes so the pesto warms through without losing its fresh flavor.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Cheese
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet and toss gently one last time. The cheese melts slightly, adding a creamy layer that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For an extra touch of freshness and color, scatter a few fresh basil leaves on top. And just like that, your Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with fresh basil leaves is a simple yet elegant way to add fresh fragrance and a burst of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. A little extra grated Parmesan on the top works wonders too, especially for cheese lovers.
Side Dishes
This Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can give you a balanced plate. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also compliments the herbal notes and absorbs any leftover sauce eagerly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls instead of a big serving dish. Drizzle an extra spoonful of pesto or olive oil over the top for a glossy finish. For a party, you can turn them into bite-sized appetizers by skewering gnocchi and basil leaves alternating on toothpicks, giving your guests vibrant, handheld bites of delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors deepen a bit overnight, making for an equally delicious quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While gnocchi frozen raw generally fare well, pesto sauce can sometimes lose vibrancy after freezing. If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to store the pesto and gnocchi separately, using airtight containers or freezer bags, for up to one month.
Reheating
Warm leftover Pesto Gnocchi Recipe gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Adding a splash of water or a little olive oil helps keep the gnocchi soft and prevents the pesto from drying out, ensuring your meal tastes freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi for this Pesto Gnocchi Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have time, homemade gnocchi add an even fluffier texture and a wonderful homemade touch; just follow the same cooking method and enjoy the extra love in every bite.
Is it necessary to sauté gnocchi after boiling?
Sautéing the gnocchi after boiling adds a slight crispness that contrasts beautifully with their tender interior, but if you prefer them soft throughout you can skip this step and toss them directly with pesto.
What if I don’t have fresh basil for garnish?
No worries at all! The dish will still shine with pesto’s basil flavor inside. You can substitute with a sprinkle of microgreens or even a dash of chili flakes for a spicy twist.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, swap the Parmesan cheese for a vegan alternative or nutritional yeast, and make sure your pesto uses no cheese to keep it plant-based but intensely tasty.
How long does it take to prepare this Pesto Gnocchi Recipe?
This dish is impressively quick, typically ready in about 20 minutes including boiling and sautéing, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
This Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is such a delightful way to bring fresh, comforting flavors to your dinner table without fuss or stress. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile—giving you all the good vibes you want from a homemade meal. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one of your cozy favorites to share with friends and family.
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Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy Pesto Gnocchi recipe features tender gnocchi sautéed in olive oil and tossed with flavorful pesto sauce, finished with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for a quick, satisfying Italian-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 pound store-bought gnocchi
Pesto Sauce
- 1/3 cup store-bought or homemade pesto sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnishes and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Boil the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Drain: Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they are lightly browned and have a slightly crispy texture on the outside.
- Add Pesto Sauce: Pour the pesto sauce into the skillet with the gnocchi, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Heat Through: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, to allow the gnocchi to absorb the pesto flavors and the dish to heat through thoroughly.
- Season: Season the pesto gnocchi with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi and toss lightly to combine the cheesy flavor evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can use either store-bought or homemade pesto depending on your preference.
- For extra texture, you can crisp the gnocchi longer while sautéing.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
- Fresh basil adds a nice aromatic freshness but is optional.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
