Craving a comforting yet incredibly quick weeknight meal? Look no further than this creamy pesto gnocchi recipe – a culinary masterpiece ready in a mere ten minutes! Forget lengthy prep times and complicated techniques; this dish is all about simple elegance and bold flavors. Imagine tender potato gnocchi swimming in a luscious, vibrant pesto sauce, enriched with a touch of cream for ultimate decadence. The earthy notes of basil perfectly complement the soft gnocchi, creating a harmonious symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you wanting more.
This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or even a sophisticated appetizer. With minimal ingredients and even less effort, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine? Let's dive into the easy, step-by-step process.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Spoon/Spatula
- Small bowl
- Colander
Ingredients
- Gnocchi
- Heavy Cream: 8 ounces
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pesto: 1/2 cup
- Pine Nuts: 1/4 cup
- Olive Oil: 1 teaspoon
- Parmesan Cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce
- Use a large pan to prevent boiling over as the cream expands.
- Cook the cream sauce, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Check thickness by dripping it off a spoon – it should coat the spoon slightly.
- Stir in the pesto until well combined.
Step 2. Toast Pine Nuts and Cook Gnocchi
- Stay close and reduce heat once they start to brown to avoid burning.
- Season the toasted pine nuts with a pinch of salt.
- Boil gnocchi in salted water (about 1.5 teaspoons salt per quart of water). The water should taste slightly salty. Test the water by letting some cool and tasting it.
- Cook gnocchi until they float to the surface (about 2 minutes). Do not rinse after straining.
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked gnocchi directly to the pesto cream sauce. Gently toss to coat.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Taste the cream sauce frequently to adjust seasoning as needed.
- For a richer flavor in your pesto, add 1/4 of the volume of parsley to your basil.
- Don't over-toast the pine nuts; they can burn quickly.
- Adding a touch of lemon juice or capers to the sauce brightens the rich creaminess.
- Do not rinse the gnocchi after cooking to help the sauce adhere better.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly. Just cook it according to package directions before adding it to the pesto sauce.
2. What kind of pesto should I use?
Use your favorite! Store-bought pesto is perfectly fine, or make your own for a fresher taste. Basil pesto is classic, but you could experiment with other herb variations.
This Creamy Pesto Gnocchi recipe proves that delicious and satisfying meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its vibrant flavors and effortless preparation, it's the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a quick, impressive meal anytime. Enjoy this simple yet elegant dish, and savor every creamy, pesto-infused bite!