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Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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