Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi is pure comfort in a bowl: fluffy, pillowy gnocchi dressed in a lush, pesto-packed cream sauce with a touch of parmesan for that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth finish. The vibrant green hue and herby aroma make it just as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate. Whether you need a cozy weeknight dinner or an easy but impressive dish for friends, this recipe truly delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create Creamy Pesto Gnocchi, but each one plays a crucial role—coming together for rich flavor, velvety texture, and dazzling color. Choose the freshest and best-quality components you can, and you’ll be rewarded with the kind of comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.

• Pesto: This gives the dish its herby, garlicky punch—use a classic basil pesto or your favorite homemade blend for the brightest flavor.
• Heavy or whipping cream: The secret behind the gnocchi’s decadent, silky sauce, pairing perfectly with the pesto.
• Dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds just the right balance; wine gives a grown-up depth, while broth keeps it family-friendly.
• Garlic (minced): Two cloves bring that essential garlicky backdrop, enriching the sauce without overpowering it.
• Uncooked potato gnocchi: Tender, store-bought gnocchi will do, but if you have homemade, the results are even more magical.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce, giving that salty, nutty richness you crave.
• Salt & pepper: Adjust to taste at the end to really fine-tune every bite.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

Step 1: Build the Flavor Foundation

Grab your deepest skillet, and pour in the pesto, heavy cream, white wine (or broth), and minced garlic. Set it over medium heat, and give it a gentle stir—it’s already starting to smell amazing. This is the step where flavors meld into a harmonious sauce base.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi Right in the Sauce

As soon as your sauce is just barely bubbling, stir in the potato gnocchi straight from the package (no pre-boiling necessary!). Cover the pan, and let it cook for 5 minutes. The gnocchi absorb all those fragrant flavors as they soften, making them ultra-tender and tasty.

Step 3: Thicken Up for Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Bliss

After that quick steam, uncover the pan and give everything a good stir. Continue cooking for another couple of minutes. You’ll notice the sauce starts to thicken up beautifully—this happens as the gnocchi release their starch. Keep stirring so the creaminess coats every dumpling.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Adjust

When the sauce looks luscious and thick (but not clumpy), sprinkle in that freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir it in to melt, then taste and adjust seasoning—add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper. If things get a bit too thick, loosen with an extra splash of wine or cream until it’s your ideal consistency. Serve right away for the best experience.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

Garnishes

Brighten each plate with a shower of extra parmesan, a scattering of toasted pine nuts, or a flutter of fresh basil leaves. These fresh, vibrant touches elevate the look and add fun flavors that complement the Creamy Pesto Gnocchi perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and satisfying all on its own, but you can serve it alongside a crisp, lemony arugula salad or some roasted vegetables for extra color and crunch. Crusty bread is also a favorite, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving Creamy Pesto Gnocchi in individual mini-cast iron skillets or pretty shallow bowls. To make it a main event, top with grilled shrimp or slices of roasted chicken, or toss in sautéed cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweet acidity. Don’t be afraid to get playful—half the fun is making it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Pesto Gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but those flavors will intensify, often making the leftovers just as tempting as the first serving!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, portion the cooled gnocchi into a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, as the creamy sauce can sometimes separate if rushed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the gnocchi in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Stir gently and warm through—if you’re microwaving, add a tiny bit of liquid and cover loosely to keep things moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of gnocchi?

Absolutely! While potato gnocchi are the classic choice for Creamy Pesto Gnocchi, you can easily substitute with cauliflower gnocchi or even homemade ricotta gnocchi for a twist in flavor and texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and double-check that your parmesan is vegetarian (some contain animal rennet). The rest of the recipe is already meat-free and naturally suits a vegetarian table.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half and half for a lighter sauce, or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind the creaminess level will change a bit, but you’ll still end up with a deliciously saucy pan of Creamy Pesto Gnocchi.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Of course! Fresh homemade pesto is lovely, but good quality store-bought pesto is a huge time saver and still brings plenty of herbaceous flavor to your Creamy Pesto Gnocchi.

How can I add protein to this dish?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even thin slices of steak make wonderful add-ins. For a vegetarian boost, try stirring in white beans or sautéed mushrooms just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a splash of color and big, fresh flavors. I hope you give it a whirl—there’s something magical about how simple ingredients transform into a cozy, crave-worthy meal. Grab a fork and dig in!

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