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