Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love This Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
This Creamy Pesto Gnocchi is rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Soft potato gnocchi are coated in a silky sauce made with basil pesto, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
The entire dish comes together in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something cozy and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with a simple salad and crusty bread for an easy restaurant-style dinner at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
1. Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions, usually until they float to the surface. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the gnocchi.
2. Sauté the Garlic
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
3. Make the Pesto Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is warmed through.
4. Add the Parmesan
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue stirring until the Parmesan melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Gnocchi
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss until every piece is coated in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved gnocchi cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Finish and Serve
Remove from the heat and garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Expert Tips
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce and avoid boiling the cream because gentle heat helps prevent separation. Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed. For an extra flavorful dish, use a high-quality basil pesto made with fresh basil, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and pine nuts.
Storage
Store leftover Creamy Pesto Gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating because the creamy sauce can become thick or separate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted vegetables. For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage, or crispy bacon.
Recipe Variations
Add sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or peas. Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a high-protein meal, or use a plant-based cream and Parmesan alternative for a vegetarian or dairy-free variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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