Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Delightful and Simple Recipe

October 19, 2025April 27, 2025 by Elena

If you crave a quick, tasty meal, you’ll love my Creamy Pesto Gnocchi. This delightful dish combines soft gnocchi with a rich, creamy sauce, fresh veggies, and bright basil pesto. It’s simple to make and perfect for any weeknight dinner. Trust me; once you try it, this will become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into this easy recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of heavy cream and basil pesto creates a rich, delicious sauce that coats the gnocchi beautifully.
Fresh Ingredients: With cherry tomatoes and spinach, this dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.
Customizable: You can easily add proteins like chicken or shrimp, or swap in your favorite vegetables for variety.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

16 oz potato gnocchi
1 cup fresh basil pesto
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Gathering ingredients is the first step. Start with 16 ounces of potato gnocchi. I find fresh gnocchi works best. Next, you need 1 cup of fresh basil pesto. You can buy this or make your own. For creaminess, grab 1 cup of heavy cream.

Also, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. These add color and sweetness. You’ll need 1 cup of fresh spinach for a nice touch of green. Don’t forget 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will make everything rich and tasty.

You will also want 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing. For flavor, use 2 cloves of minced garlic. Finally, have salt and pepper ready to taste. Fresh basil leaves will make a lovely garnish.

With these ingredients, you can create a delightful dish that is both simple and mouthwatering. Enjoy the process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Gnocchi

To cook the gnocchi, you start with a large pot. Fill it with water, then add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, gently add the potato gnocchi. Watch closely as they cook. They usually take about 2-3 minutes. You will know they are ready when they float to the top. Use a slotted spoon to remove them. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside for later.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Next, let’s make the creamy sauce. Take a large skillet and heat up olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. It should smell great but not brown. Now, pour in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the fresh basil pesto. Mix well and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. This will let the flavors blend nicely.

Combining Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix everything together. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach into the skillet. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to soften. After that, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Toss them gently in the creamy sauce. Make sure every piece of gnocchi is coated. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy your creamy pesto gnocchi!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Perfect Gnocchi

To make great gnocchi, avoid common mistakes. First, do not overcook the gnocchi. They usually take just 2-3 minutes to cook. Watch for them to float. When they float, they are ready.

Next, make sure your water is salty. This adds flavor to the gnocchi. Use about one tablespoon of salt for every quart of water.

For the best texture, gently toss the gnocchi in the sauce. This helps keep them from breaking apart. Avoid stirring too hard, as this can ruin their shape.

Enhancing Flavor

To enhance the flavor, add fresh herbs. Basil is perfect, but you can try thyme or oregano too. These herbs add depth to your dish.

If you want more spice, add red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick without overpowering the meal.

To adjust creaminess, consider adding more heavy cream. If it’s too thick, a splash of pasta water can help. This keeps it smooth and light.

Feel free to experiment! Each tweak can lead to a new favorite dish.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your creamy pesto gnocchi significantly.
Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth for a creamy yet lighter sauce.
Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Make sure to cook the gnocchi just until they float to the top; overcooking can make them mushy.
Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store the gnocchi and sauce separately to prevent the gnocchi from absorbing too much sauce and becoming soggy.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily adjust this creamy pesto gnocchi to fit your needs.

Dairy-free alternatives for cream: Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option. Both create a nice texture.
Gluten-free gnocchi options: Look for gnocchi made from rice or corn. They work well and taste great.

Different Vegetable Additions

Adding more veggies can boost flavor and nutrition.

Suggestions for seasonal vegetables: Try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. These add color and taste. Use what’s fresh and in season.
Protein options to include: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein. They make the dish heartier and more filling.

Feel free to mix and match these variations. Customizing this dish lets you explore new flavors!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your creamy pesto gnocchi fresh, you must store it right. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. Make sure to let the gnocchi cool before sealing the container.

If you want to store gnocchi for longer, freezing is a great option. Lay the gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This method prevents them from sticking together.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat your creamy pesto gnocchi, you have a few choices. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of cream or broth. Heat over medium-low until warm. Stir gently to avoid breaking the gnocchi.

If you prefer the microwave, place the gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of cream to help keep the sauce creamy. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. This keeps the texture smooth and tasty.

FAQs

What is the best way to cook gnocchi?

To cook gnocchi, start with a large pot filled with salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook for about 2-3 minutes. You know they are done when they float to the top. Floating means they are light and fluffy. After they float, drain them and set aside. This timing helps keep the gnocchi soft and tender.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and is very convenient. Many brands offer great flavors. However, some store-bought options may lack freshness compared to homemade. You may find the taste not as vibrant. If you choose store-bought, look for a brand with good ingredients. It should have fresh basil, olive oil, and nuts. This will ensure better flavor in your dish.

How long does creamy pesto gnocchi last in the fridge?

Creamy pesto gnocchi can last in the fridge for about 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and safe. When you reheat it, check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in color. If it looks or smells strange, it’s best to throw it away. Always prioritize safety when it comes to food.

This blog post guided you through making creamy pesto gnocchi. We covered the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking methods. You learned tips to achieve the best texture and flavor. I also shared variations for diet needs and fun ways to use leftovers.

In closing, enjoy creating this dish your way. It’s simple and satisfying. Happy cookin

$- 16 oz potato gnocchi - 1 cup fresh basil pesto - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gathering ingredients is the first step. Start with 16 ounces of potato gnocchi. I find fresh gnocchi works best. Next, you need 1 cup of fresh basil pesto. You can buy this or make your own. For creaminess, grab 1 cup of heavy cream. Also, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. These add color and sweetness. You’ll need 1 cup of fresh spinach for a nice touch of green. Don’t forget 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will make everything rich and tasty. You will also want 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing. For flavor, use 2 cloves of minced garlic. Finally, have salt and pepper ready to taste. Fresh basil leaves will make a lovely garnish. With these ingredients, you can create a delightful dish that is both simple and mouthwatering. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the gnocchi, you start with a large pot. Fill it with water, then add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, gently add the potato gnocchi. Watch closely as they cook. They usually take about 2-3 minutes. You will know they are ready when they float to the top. Use a slotted spoon to remove them. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside for later. Next, let’s make the creamy sauce. Take a large skillet and heat up olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. It should smell great but not brown. Now, pour in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the fresh basil pesto. Mix well and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. This will let the flavors blend nicely. Now it’s time to mix everything together. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach into the skillet. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to soften. After that, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Toss them gently in the creamy sauce. Make sure every piece of gnocchi is coated. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy your creamy pesto gnocchi! To make great gnocchi, avoid common mistakes. First, do not overcook the gnocchi. They usually take just 2-3 minutes to cook. Watch for them to float. When they float, they are ready. Next, make sure your water is salty. This adds flavor to the gnocchi. Use about one tablespoon of salt for every quart of water. For the best texture, gently toss the gnocchi in the sauce. This helps keep them from breaking apart. Avoid stirring too hard, as this can ruin their shape. To enhance the flavor, add fresh herbs. Basil is perfect, but you can try thyme or oregano too. These herbs add depth to your dish. If you want more spice, add red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick without overpowering the meal. To adjust creaminess, consider adding more heavy cream. If it’s too thick, a splash of pasta water can help. This keeps it smooth and light. Feel free to experiment! Each tweak can lead to a new favorite dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your creamy pesto gnocchi significantly. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth for a creamy yet lighter sauce. Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Make sure to cook the gnocchi just until they float to the top; overcooking can make them mushy. Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store the gnocchi and sauce separately to prevent the gnocchi from absorbing too much sauce and becoming soggy. {{image_2}} You can easily adjust this creamy pesto gnocchi to fit your needs. - Dairy-free alternatives for cream: Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option. Both create a nice texture. - Gluten-free gnocchi options: Look for gnocchi made from rice or corn. They work well and taste great. Adding more veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. - Suggestions for seasonal vegetables: Try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. These add color and taste. Use what’s fresh and in season. - Protein options to include: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein. They make the dish heartier and more filling. Feel free to mix and match these variations. Customizing this dish lets you explore new flavors! To keep your creamy pesto gnocchi fresh, you must store it right. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. Make sure to let the gnocchi cool before sealing the container. If you want to store gnocchi for longer, freezing is a great option. Lay the gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This method prevents them from sticking together. To reheat your creamy pesto gnocchi, you have a few choices. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of cream or broth. Heat over medium-low until warm. Stir gently to avoid breaking the gnocchi. If you prefer the microwave, place the gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of cream to help keep the sauce creamy. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. This keeps the texture smooth and tasty. To cook gnocchi, start with a large pot filled with salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook for about 2-3 minutes. You know they are done when they float to the top. Floating means they are light and fluffy. After they float, drain them and set aside. This timing helps keep the gnocchi soft and tender. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and is very convenient. Many brands offer great flavors. However, some store-bought options may lack freshness compared to homemade. You may find the taste not as vibrant. If you choose store-bought, look for a brand with good ingredients. It should have fresh basil, olive oil, and nuts. This will ensure better flavor in your dish. Creamy pesto gnocchi can last in the fridge for about 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and safe. When you reheat it, check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in color. If it looks or smells strange, it’s best to throw it away. Always prioritize safety when it comes to food. This blog post guided you through making creamy pesto gnocchi. We covered the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking methods. You learned tips to achieve the best texture and flavor. I also shared variations for diet needs and fun ways to use leftovers. In closing, enjoy creating this dish your way. It's simple and satisfying. Happy cooking!$