The Perfect Pesto Gnocchi Recipe: Cozy Italian Magic in Minutes

Pesto gnocchi revamps ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that dances across your palate.

Soft potato dumplings nestled in fragrant herb sauce create an Italian-inspired symphony of taste and texture.

Robust herbal notes blend seamlessly with rich, creamy elements that promise delightful complexity.

Mediterranean flavors merge effortlessly in this simple yet sophisticated dish that elevates home cooking.

Each carefully crafted morsel carries the essence of traditional comfort food with a modern twist.

The harmonious combination promises a memorable dining experience that speaks directly to your soul.

Tips for Getting the Sauce Just Right

• Crisp Up Gnocchi Perfectly: Pat gnocchi completely dry before pan-frying to achieve golden, crunchy edges without steaming.
• Choose Quality Pesto: Select fresh, high-quality basil pesto with vibrant green color for maximum flavor intensity.
• Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium-high heat initially to create crispy exterior, then lower temperature to prevent burning while mixing pesto.
• Enhance Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Season Strategically: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to balance pesto's robust flavor with gnocchi's delicate texture.

Best Way to Store and Warm Pesto Gnocchi

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover pesto gnocchi into an airtight container and seal carefully. Refrigerated meals will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly at or below 40°F. Keep the container tightly closed to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm your gnocchi in a skillet over medium-low heat for best results. Splash a tablespoon of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and help restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently for even heating, which takes about 3-5 minutes until the dish reaches your desired temperature.
• Microwave Option: Place gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute warmth evenly.

Pairing Ideas for Pesto Gnocchi

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Italian white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino that cuts through the rich, herby pesto and complements the potato gnocchi's creamy texture.
• Enhance with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding a zesty, peppery counterpoint that refreshes the palate.
• Match with Lemony Roasted Vegetables: Prepare roasted zucchini or asparagus with lemon zest and olive oil to provide a fresh, tangy side that harmonizes with the pesto's herbal notes and gnocchi's soft warmth.
• Finish with Chilled Prosecco: Serve a cold glass of sparkling Prosecco to cleanse the palate, its light bubbles and subtle sweetness creating a delightful contrast with the savory gnocchi.

Gnocchi Variations That Add a Twist

• Spicy Herb Adventure: Replace basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto and add red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Magic: Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese, incorporate chopped kalamata olives, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
• Green Protein Power: Mix in sautéed spinach and grilled chicken strips, using a lighter pesto made with kale and almonds for added nutrition.
• Mushroom Umami Blend: Sauté mixed wild mushrooms before adding gnocchi, then use a truffle-infused pesto and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for an earthy flavor profile.

Why Pesto Gnocchi Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Quick and Crispy Delight: Transforms boring gnocchi into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort, creating golden-brown potato pillows that crunch beautifully when pan-fried.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Combines rich basil pesto and sharp Parmesan cheese to deliver an intense, herbaceous punch in just minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving gourmet taste without complicated techniques.
• Nutritionally Balanced Meal: Offers a well-rounded plate with balanced macronutrients – providing 10g protein, moderate carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying dinner option that feels indulgent yet nourishing.
• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Requires only 10 minutes from start to finish, ideal for those seeking delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen, proving gourmet cooking can be quick and accessible.

What to Buy for a Quick Pesto Gnocchi Dish

• Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy pasta made from potatoes that serves as the base of the dish.
• Basil Pesto: Vibrant green sauce with herbal flavor that coats and adds richness to the gnocchi.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides depth and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that adds a sharp, warm flavor to the pesto gnocchi.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil used to create a crispy exterior on the gnocchi and provide a rich base for cooking.

How to Make Soft, Saucy Pesto Gnocchi

Step 1: Boil Gnocchi

Fill a pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add of potato gnocchi and cook for 2-4 minutes until they float to the top of the water.

Step 2: Drain Completely

Transfer gnocchi to a colander and shake off all excess water, ensuring they’re well-drained.

Step 3: Prepare Skillet

Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in of olive oil and let it warm for about 1 minute.

Step 4: Create Crispy Exterior

Add drained gnocchi to the hot skillet. Pan-fry for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to create a golden, crispy surface.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boosters

• Basil pesto
• 1 small clove of pressed garlic

Stir ingredients thoroughly to coat the gnocchi evenly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Mix everything together until well combined and heated through. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the delicious, crispy gnocchi.

Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky Italian gnocchi nestled in a verdant basil pesto sauce creates a luxurious pasta experience. Mediterranean herbs and creamy potato dumplings dance together, delivering comfort and elegance in each forkful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) potato gnocchi, uncooked
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) basil pesto
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 small garlic clove, pressed
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, carefully adding 450 grams () of potato gnocchi to the bubbling liquid.
2. Cook the gnocchi for 2-3 minutes, watching for them to float to the water’s surface, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
3. Meticulously drain the gnocchi in a colander, gently shaking to remove excess moisture.
4. Select a heavy-bottomed skillet and heat it over medium-high temperature, pouring 30 milliliters () of extra virgin olive oil into the pan.
5. Once the oil shimmers and appears slightly translucent, introduce the drained gnocchi to the skillet in a single layer.
6. Allow the gnocchi to develop a golden-brown, crispy exterior by pan-frying for approximately 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even caramelization.
7. Reduce the heat to low and introduce 60 milliliters (¼ cup) of fresh basil pesto, stirring to coat the gnocchi completely.
8. Mince or grate one small garlic clove and fold it into the mixture, releasing its aromatic essence throughout the dish.
9. Sprinkle 30 grams (¼ cup) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi, gently mixing to distribute evenly.
10. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors to your preference.
11. Transfer to serving plates immediately, ensuring the gnocchi remain warm and invitingly fragrant.

Notes

• Crispy edges transform ordinary gnocchi into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal kitchen effort.
• Quickly pan-frying potato dumplings creates irresistible golden-brown surfaces that crunch beautifully.
• Fresh basil pesto delivers intense herbaceous flavor, elevating this simple weeknight meal from basic to spectacular.
• Grated Parmesan cheese adds salty richness and helps bind the sauce, creating a luxurious coating for each pillowy dumpling.
• Pressing fresh garlic directly into the skillet releases aromatic oils that infuse the entire dish with deep, complex taste.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling, Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg