If you’re searching for comfort and freshness in one bowl, this Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is going to become your new weeknight favorite. Silky gnocchi cooked perfectly in a luscious sauce made with vibrant pesto, rich cream, and a touch of garlic delivers an irresistible combo that feels both luxurious and cozy. This dish is all about balancing bright herbaceous notes with smooth, indulgent textures that hug every bite, making it hard to put your fork down. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or something to impress friends with minimal fuss, this recipe hits all the right marks with simplicity and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for creating that velvety, flavorful sauce and perfectly tender gnocchi. Each brings its own character, whether it’s the brightness from fresh basil pesto, the richness from cream, or the umami punch from Parmesan cheese.
- ⅓ cup pesto: The herbaceous base that infuses the dish with fresh basil, pine nuts, and garlic flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess that makes the sauce smooth and comforting.
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth: Lightens the sauce and adds subtle depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the overall savoriness with aromatic warmth.
- ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese: Provides sharp, nutty richness that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 1 pound uncooked gnocchi: Pillowy potato dumplings that soak up the creamy pesto sauce perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick that perks up every bite.
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper: For a subtle peppery finish and complexity.
- Salt: To taste, it’s key to balance all the flavors harmoniously.
- Fresh basil for garnish: An optional touch that brightens up presentation and flavor.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sauce base
Start by adding the pesto, heavy cream, chicken or vegetable broth, and minced garlic into a Dutch oven or a deep skillet. Heat the mixture over medium heat until you see it starting to gently bubble. This step allows the cream and pesto to meld, creating a rich, fragrant sauce that forms the heart of this recipe.
Step 2: Cook the gnocchi
Next, stir in your uncooked gnocchi, covering the pan afterward. Let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes. During this time, the gnocchi will cook through, absorbing the creamy, herby sauce and swelling with flavor. Covering the pan helps trap heat so they cook evenly and get delightfully tender.
Step 3: Thicken and season the sauce
After the gnocchi is cooked, remove the cover and stir the mixture. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes on low, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, as the sauce thickens and coats each gnocchi piece beautifully. Then, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, simply add a splash more cream or broth until you reach your preferred consistency.
Step 4: Plate and garnish
Transfer the creamy pesto gnocchi to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, and a crack of black pepper. This final touch not only adds vibrant color but also heightens the fresh aromas as you dive in.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese are fantastic garnishes that elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. The basil adds a burst of herbal brightness that complements the richness of the sauce beautifully. A dusting of black pepper adds a nice finishing zing.
Side Dishes
Pairing this creamy pesto gnocchi with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables creates a wonderful contrast in texture and freshness. Think baby arugula with lemon vinaigrette or oven-roasted asparagus. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread can also be perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this dish in individual shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel. You can also plate it on wide pasta dishes and sprinkle on some toasted pine nuts or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and bursts of flavor. For a special occasion, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top to add a silky sheen and an extra layer of richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy pesto gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it a great next-day meal. When refrigerating, a little extra cream or broth added before storing helps keep the sauce from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though gnocchi can sometimes change texture after thawing. To freeze, cool the gnocchi completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and consume within 1 month for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.
Reheating
Reheat the gnocchi gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and adding a little cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating, which can cause the cream to separate. Microwave reheating works too but do so in short bursts stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works perfectly well and makes this recipe even quicker. Just choose a good-quality pesto for the best flavor, or adjust the quantity to taste since some brands can be saltier or more garlicky than others.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast. Make sure the broth is vegetable-based, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version of this creamy pesto gnocchi recipe.
What type of gnocchi is best to use?
Fresh or store-bought potato gnocchi both work wonderfully. If you’re using frozen gnocchi, you don’t need to thaw it first, just add it directly to the sauce and cook until tender. Avoid gummy gnocchi by stirring often and cooking according to package directions.
Can I add protein to the Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta make great additions if you want to boost protein. Add them at the end or sear separately to keep their textures nice, then toss them into the gnocchi before serving.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it. You can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amount based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is such a joy to make and eat, thanks to its quick preparation and rich, balanced flavors. It’s the perfect combination of creamy indulgence and bright herbal freshness that makes comfort food feel special. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and see how effortlessly it can become a favorite in your cooking rotation. Enjoy every luscious bite!
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Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy pesto gnocchi recipe combines tender gnocchi with a rich sauce made from pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, flavored with garlic and red pepper flakes. It’s a quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- ⅓ cup pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked gnocchi
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Add the pesto, heavy cream, chicken or vegetable broth, and minced garlic to a Dutch oven or deep skillet. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to bubble gently, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the gnocchi and simmer: Stir in the uncooked gnocchi, then cover the pan. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook through and absorb the sauce flavors.
- Thicken the sauce: Remove the lid and stir the gnocchi to prevent sticking. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes on low heat, stirring frequently as the sauce thickens and coats the gnocchi evenly.
- Finish with seasoning and cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it by adding a small amount of cream or broth to reach desired consistency.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the creamy pesto gnocchi to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of remaining Parmesan cheese, and additional cracked fresh black pepper if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess. Avoid pre-grated or shaker-style cheese.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Gnocchi can stick to the pan if not stirred frequently during the final cooking stage, so keep an eye on it.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
