This easy, creamy pesto gnocchi recipe is perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight meal. Made with only six ingredients—store-bought gnocchi, basil pesto, chicken broth, garlic, parmesan, and heavy cream—this dish is packed with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a rich, satisfying dinner that you’ll want to make again and again!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Add the pesto, cream, wine (or chicken broth), and garlic to a deep skillet over medium heat.
- When the sauce starts to bubble gently, stir in the gnocchi. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Uncover the pan and stir the gnocchi well. Continue cooking for a couple more minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens as the gnocchi releases starch.
- Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, stir in the parmesan cheese. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of wine or cream.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve immediately. Enjoy! ❤️
Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~20g
- Saturated Fat: ~10g
- Sodium: ~500mg
- Fiber: ~3g
Enjoy your creamy pesto gnocchi with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a crisp salad for a well-balanced meal! 🍽️
Why Choose Gnocchi?
Gnocchi, a traditional Italian dish, is known for its soft, chewy texture. Made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, these dumplings are simple yet satisfying. Their versatility in pairing with various sauces, such as marinara, brown butter, or, in this case, a creamy pesto, makes them a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike. Gnocchi’s ability to soak up flavors ensures that each bite delivers a rich, flavorful experience.
In this creamy pesto gnocchi recipe, the gnocchi acts as the perfect canvas, allowing the bold flavors of the pesto sauce to shine through. The creamy sauce clings to each dumpling, creating a harmonious balance of rich and herby flavors with every bite.
The Simplicity of the Ingredients
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. With only six main ingredients—store-bought gnocchi, pesto, garlic, chicken broth (or white wine), heavy cream, and parmesan cheese—you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. Store-bought gnocchi is a fantastic shortcut, making this dish accessible for busy evenings or when you’re craving comfort food but don’t have the time for more elaborate preparations.
Basil pesto, a blend of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil, brings a refreshing and fragrant kick to the sauce. Paired with the richness of heavy cream and the nutty flavor of parmesan, this dish strikes the perfect balance between creamy indulgence and vibrant, herby freshness.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
One of the standout features of this creamy pesto gnocchi recipe is how quickly it comes together. In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time but still want something satisfying.
The preparation is simple, with only a few steps to follow. Start by heating the pesto, garlic, and cream (along with the wine or broth) in a deep skillet. Once the sauce begins to bubble, stir in the gnocchi and let it cook for a few minutes. As the gnocchi releases its starch, the sauce naturally thickens, creating a creamy, velvety texture. The addition of freshly grated parmesan cheese brings it all together, resulting in a sauce that’s rich and full of flavor.
The Creaminess Factor
The key to this dish’s deliciously creamy texture is the combination of heavy cream and parmesan. Heavy cream contributes a smooth, silky consistency, making the sauce luscious without feeling overly heavy. The parmesan cheese, on the other hand, adds a nutty, salty flavor that perfectly complements the cream. As the sauce simmers, the cheese melts into the cream, thickening it and enriching the overall taste.
The balance between the creamy sauce and the herby, zesty pesto creates a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh. The creamy pesto coating the gnocchi is a comforting treat that will have you reaching for more with each bite.
Serving Suggestions
While this creamy pesto gnocchi is absolutely delicious on its own, it can also be paired with a variety of sides to make the meal even more satisfying. For an extra protein boost, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish. Both pair beautifully with the creamy pesto sauce and add a savory element that complements the gnocchi’s softness. A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the gnocchi.
For a well-rounded meal, serve this creamy pesto gnocchi with a side of roasted vegetables or a garlic bread for dipping. The buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, ensuring that no bit of deliciousness goes to waste.
Customization Options
Although this recipe is already a great blend of flavors, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream. These alternatives still offer a creamy texture while cutting down on calories.
For those who want a vegetarian option, feel free to omit the chicken broth and stick to just the pesto, garlic, and cream. You could also add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences.
Nutritional Information
This creamy pesto gnocchi is not only delicious but also provides a satisfying meal with balanced nutrition. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, with around 10g of protein, 45g of carbohydrates, and 20g of fat, including 10g of saturated fat. It also offers 3g of fiber, making it a relatively balanced choice for those looking for a hearty dish without overindulging. The sodium content is around 500mg, so you can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste and dietary needs.
With its rich flavor and satisfying texture, this dish is a great way to enjoy a filling meal while keeping things simple and quick.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this creamy pesto gnocchi recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking an easy, comforting meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With just six ingredients and minimal preparation time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something indulgent yet quick to make. The combination of creamy sauce, basil pesto, and soft gnocchi creates a dish that is both rich and refreshing, making it a family favorite in no time.
Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp, this dish is sure to satisfy. Its versatility, simplicity, and bold flavor make it an ideal choice for any occasion. So next time you’re looking for a delicious, quick dinner, this creamy pesto gnocchi is the answer. Enjoy!