Dreamy Homemade Pesto Gnocchi Recipe: Pure Italian Comfort

Soft, pillowy gnocchi dancing in a vibrant pesto gnocchi recipe creates an irresistible Italian masterpiece that melts hearts.

Fragrant basil and rich parmesan swirl together in a sauce that hugs each tender potato dumpling.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular meals like this one.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference when crafting this classic comfort dish.

Restaurants charge premium prices for something you can easily whip up in your own kitchen.

The combination of handmade gnocchi and homemade pesto delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Let’s find out this delightful plate and savor every luxurious, herbaceous bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

• Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy pasta made from potatoes, providing a hearty and comforting foundation for the dish.
• Olive Oil: High-quality, cold-pressed oil that adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce coating.

• Basil Pesto: Vibrant green sauce bursting with fresh herb notes, delivering intense aromatic Mediterranean flavors.
• Garlic: Tiny powerhouse that adds deep, pungent undertones and elevates the entire dish's taste profile.

• Parmesan Cheese: Aged, sharp Italian cheese that brings salty, nutty complexity and creamy texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that balances and amplifies all underlying flavors, allowing each ingredient to shine.

Pesto Gnocchi Prep Tools You’ll Want Handy

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling gnocchi with plenty of water.
• Colander: Essential for draining gnocchi completely.
• Medium skillet: Ideal for pan-frying and creating crispy gnocchi.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Needed for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
• Garlic press or microplane: Helps mince or grate fresh garlic smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate amounts of pesto and cheese.

How to Cook the Perfect Pesto Gnocchi Bowl

• Boiling Water Bath

Drop potato gnocchi into a pot of bubbling water. Wait a few moments until the little dumplings float up, signaling they’re perfectly cooked.

• Draining Preparation

Carefully strain the gnocchi, shaking off any clinging water droplets to ensure a crisp cooking experience.

• Skillet Sizzle

Warm a pan with a splash of olive oil, creating a golden cooking surface that will transform the gnocchi.

• Crispy Transformation

Toss the gnocchi into the heated skillet, letting them dance and develop a delightful golden-brown exterior.

• Flavor Fusion

Introduce vibrant basil pesto and a whisper of crushed garlic, stirring gently to coat each gnocchi with rich, herbal goodness.

• Cheese Finale

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi, adding a salty and creamy touch. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the flavors. Serve immediately while the dish is steaming and inviting.

Flavorful Gnocchi Tips and Swaps to Try

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for the most tender and fluffy homemade gnocchi with the best texture and flavor.
• For extra golden-brown edges, let gnocchi sit undisturbed in the skillet for 30-45 seconds before gently stirring to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Boost the meal's nutritional value by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a heartier dish that fills you up.
• Introduce roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini to increase vegetable content and add vibrant colors and nutrients to the plate.
• Experiment with different cheese options like pecorino romano, aged asiago, or creamy goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles that complement the pesto's richness.

Best Ways to Present Pesto Gnocchi

• Rustic Italian Dinner Plate: Arrange the crispy pesto gnocchi on a warm ceramic plate, creating a beautiful mountain of golden-brown pillows nestled with vibrant green pesto sauce.
• Herb Garnish Delight: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil leaves and extra Parmesan shavings on top for a burst of color and added flavor complexity that elevates the entire dish.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich, herbal pesto gnocchi with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy texture and enhances the garlic and basil notes.
• Mediterranean Side Companion: Serve alongside a simple mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the gnocchi and provide a refreshing contrast.

Storage and Meal Planning for Pesto Gnocchi

• Quick Refrigeration Guide: Store leftover pesto gnocchi in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the dish fresh and maintaining its delightful texture.
• Reheating Recommendation: Warm the gnocchi gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking and restore the original crispy edges.
• Freezing Strategy: Package cooled gnocchi in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent clumping, and store for maximum 2 months for best quality.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare the gnocchi base in advance and keep components separately – cooked gnocchi, pesto, and cheese – to assemble quickly during busy weeknights, ensuring a speedy and delicious meal solution.

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade pesto gnocchi delivers comforting Italian flavors with pillowy potato dumplings and fresh basil sauce. Delicate gnocchi pairs perfectly with herbal pesto, creating a simple yet elegant meal savored by home cooks worldwide.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) potato gnocchi, uncooked
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters or 2 fl oz) basil pesto
• ¼ cup (25 grams or 1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters or 1 fl oz) olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, pressed
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil, carefully introducing potato gnocchi into the roiling liquid.
2. Cooking Technique: Simmer gnocchi until they effortlessly float to the surface, indicating perfect doneness, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Oil Heating: Meanwhile, warm extra virgin olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers with a translucent glow.
4. Crispy Transformation: Drain gnocchi and transfer to the heated skillet, arranging in a single layer to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior through strategic pan-frying.
5. Flavor Infusion: Reduce heat and incorporate fresh basil pesto, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese, gently stirring to create a harmonious coating that envelops each pillowy morsel.
6. Final Seasoning: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences and ensuring every gnocchi is impeccably seasoned.
7. Serving Presentation: Immediately plate the aromatic, crisp-edged gnocchi, preserving their warmth and inviting appearance for an irresistible culinary experience.

Notes

• Boil with Precision: Use salted water and watch gnocchi carefully, as they float when perfectly cooked, typically within 2-3 minutes.
• Crisp Technique: Ensure a golden-brown exterior by pan-frying gnocchi in a single layer, turning occasionally for even caramelization.
• Pesto Coating: Reduce heat when adding pesto to prevent burning and maintain the sauce’s vibrant flavor and smooth consistency.
• Cheese and Garlic Finale: Add freshly grated Parmesan and minced garlic off direct heat to preserve their delicate aromatics and prevent bitterness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg