Flavor-packed creamy pesto gnocchi is quick and easy-to-make midweek comfort meal. Made with fresh homemade basil walnut pesto and store-bought gnocchi, it takes 20 minutes or less(if pesto is made ahead) to whip up this dish.
You can pesto at home in just 5 minutes. To make pesto use any nut you have in hand. Pine nuts are traditionally used to make pesto you can also use walnuts, almonds, cashews, or pistachios whichever you have in hand. Basil walnut pesto is all time favorite and I make it quite often to use it in this recipe and this one.
Cook Gnocchi-
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to boiling water.
Once the water starts boiling, add gnocchi (use fresh homemade or store-bought).
Cook gnocchi as per packet instructions. Gnocchi cooks much quicker than pasta, in 1 or 2 minutes it’ll start floating.
Pesto Gnocchi-
While the gnocchi is cooking, add fresh pesto and cream to a skillet. Stir together. Allow it to just heat up(a minute or two), DO NOT BOIL. Pesto will oxidize and lose its bright vibrant color if overheated.
Soon as gnocchi begins to float, drain it out of hot water and add it directly to the skillet with pesto cream.
Reduce heat to lowest temperature.
Add salt and pepper to taste along with sun-dried tomato. Stir until thoroughly coated.
Add a splash of pasta-cooked water to emulsify the sauce if needed.
Remove pan from heat.
Add freshly grated lemon zest and Parmesan cheese (grated or shaved).
Stir together and serve immediately.
Pesto gnocchi is best when served immediately hot. As it sits, the sauce will thicken.
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Notes
Nutritional Info – Please keep in mind that nutritional information provided is only a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.