Are you a fan of the classic basil pesto flavor? Give your taste buds a treat with this Delightful Pesto Gnocchi. It’s an incredibly easy and quick meal that’s perfect for cozy, flavor-packed dining.
Once you’ve enjoyed this pesto gnocchi, consider trying our Effortless Penne Alla Vodka, or cap off your meal with bursting flavors by indulging in Zeppoles (Italian Donuts).
Details of the Recipe
Adore the tantalizing and aromatic essence of this recipe that’s a piece of cake to make, especially during the weekday rush. It’s a breezy dish utilizing ready-made basil pesto for that precious time-saving edge.
- FLAVOR: Dive into the delightful world of basil pesto and garlic, augmented by rich Parmesan—all combining into a dish sure to claim a spot on your go-to meal list.
- CONSISTENCY: Relish the satisfying chewiness of the pasta mixed with the hearty pesto sauce for a truly mouthwatering experience.
- PREPARATION TIME: Get ready to dish out this hearty Pesto Gnocchi in a mere 15 minutes.
- SIMPLICITY: An uncomplicated and snappy recipe, ideal for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Notes on Ingredients
- Potato gnocchi – Opt for uncooked gnocchi for this recipe.
- Olive oil – Enhances taste and aids in sautéing the gnocchi.
- Basil pesto – The key spread that infuses the dish with fantastic savor.
- Garlic cloves – Crushed garlic works wonders here.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for the best taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper– Season according to preference.
Ideas for Customization
- Include meat. Elevate this Pesto Gnocchi by incorporating chicken, pork, steak, or fish, which pairs harmoniously with the basil pesto drizzle.
- Variety through veggies. Create a medley of tastes with the addition of bell peppers, sun-dried or cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or broccoli.
- Alternate cheeses. Missing parmesan? Opt for Asiago or Pecorino Romano. Or, for dairy-free options, consider vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for that similar nutty undertone.
- Add a dash of luxury with heavy cream – Infuse the basil pesto with heavy cream for a sumptuous cream sauce twist.
Preparing Your Pesto Gnocchi
- Boil the gnocchi. Submerge the uncooked gnocchi in boiling water for 2-4 minutes, then drain.
- Golden and crispy. In a heated skillet over medium-high fire, add olive oil followed by the gnocchi. Fry for about 2 minutes until a golden crust forms, then dial down the heat.
- Blend in flavors. Introduce the basil pesto, garlic, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. Combine well and serve while it’s temptingly warm.
Expert Tip: You can tell the gnocchi are perfectly cooked when they serenely float to the water’s surface.
Handy Cooking Tips
- Season the boiling water – Salt the water for an intrinsic touch of seasoning that infuses the gnocchi with depth.
- Always start with hot oil – Preheating the oil ensures your gnocchi gets that satisfying crispiness instead of sogginess.
- Opt for ready-made basil pesto – While home-made is wonderful, store-bought pesto is a speedy shortcut for this delicious dish.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is boiling gnocchi before frying essential?
Actually, no—you can directly fry gnocchi for a crispier texture, but boil them if you prefer them a bit soft.
What exactly is gnocchi?
Gnocchi, pronounced “nyoh-kee,” are sumptuous Italian potato dumplings that are notably hearty and satisfying with a delightful dense texture.
Ways to Serve
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This delightful Gnocchi with Pesto sauce can be made at home and offers a delicious twist to your meal. It pairs perfectly with a variety of sides such as bread, salads, soups, and vegetables.
- Bread: Complement this hearty gnocchi with slices of toasted bread smeared with butter or dipped in a flavorful herb-infused oil. Options include Focaccia, Sourdough, or a rustic, overnight-prepared bread.
- Salad: Enhance your meal with a refreshing salad. Choices could range from Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad to a leafy Spinach Salad, a comforting warm Broccoli Salad, or a zesty Couscous Arugula Salad.
- Soup: Pair the gnocchi with a serving of comforting soup such as Potato Leek Soup, a savory Chicken Gnocchi Soup, rich Cream of Mushroom Soup, or an exotic Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup.
- Vegetables: Round off the meal with a side of Keto-friendly Stuffed Mushrooms, crispy Roasted Air Fryer Vegetables, tender Sauteed Garlic Asparagus, or mouthwatering Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time
Preparation tip: The gnocchi can be boiled in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, quickly sauté them and toss with fresh pesto sauce.
Storing tips: Keep leftover Pesto Gnocchi fresh by storing them in a sealed container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, add a dollop of pesto, and warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Freezing instructions: Cooked and cooled gnocchi can be frozen for later use. When you’re craving it, thaw and pan-fry before adding the pesto and serving.
Explore More Tasty Pasta Creations!
- Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Cheesy Stuffed Manicotti
- Refreshing Pesto Pasta Salad (VIDEO)
Detailed Recipe Instructions
Delectable Pesto Gnocchi
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
What You Need
- 1 lb potato gnocchi uncooked
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1 small garlic cloves crushed
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, as needed
How To Make It
- Begin by cooking 1 pound of raw potato gnocchi in a large pot of boiling water for 2-4 minutes or until they rise to the surface. Drain the gnocchi thoroughly afterwards.
- Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is heated after roughly 1 minute, add the drained gnocchi to the pan.
- Sauté the gnocchi for around 2 minutes or until they develop a golden crust. Lower the heat afterwards.
- Stir in 1/4 cup basil pesto, a single minced garlic clove, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, along with salt and pepper according to your preference. Combine well and serve while hot.
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Recommendations for Storage and Reheating
To keep Pesto Gnocchi fresh, tightly seal any uneaten portions in a container and refrigerate. They should remain edible up to 4-5 days. For reheating, transfer the gnocchi into a container meant for the oven and dab a bit more pesto on top. Warm it up for roughly 5-10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nutritional Information
Energy:
333
kcal
|
Carbs:
42
g
|
Proteins:
8
g
|
Fats:
15
g
|
Saturated Fats:
3
g
|
Cholesterol:
7
mg
|
Sodium:
625
mg
|
Fiber:
3
g
|
Sugars:
1
g
|
Vitamin A:
367
IU
|
Calcium:
117
mg
|
Iron:
4
mg
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