What we love about this pesto gnocchi recipe
- This one-pot meal is simple yet still elegant. It makes a perfect date night meal.
- Pesto gnocchi is a wonderful alternative to other potato side dishes.
- The creaminess of the sauce enhances the soft, pillow-like consistency of the gnocchi pasta.
Here’s what you’ll need to make it
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- Pesto sauce – Store bought will work just fine. You could also try making this homemade genovese pesto.
- Heavy cream – You can substitute half and half.
- Gnocchi pasta – You can find these in the pasta isle in most grocery store.
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
How to make gnocchi with pesto sauce
Melt the butter. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. When butter is melted whisk in water, heavy cream and salt. Allow to heat through before adding pesto sauce.
Stir in pesto. Mix until well incorporated and smooth. Cooking pesto sauce too long will cause the sauce to brown, only add if ready to fry gnocchi immediately.
Add gnocchi. Pan fry gnocchi in sauce until warmed through and the edges are starting to get crispy and golden.
Everything you need to know about pesto gnocchi pasta
Is gnocchi a type of pasta?
Yes, gnocchi is considered a type of pasta. Gnocchi are often referred to as Italian dumplings. They are different than a traditional dried pasta being made with potato, which causes the consistency of the gnocchi to be more dense and chewy, but in a good way.
Is gnocchi nicer boiled or fried?
We love cooking gnocchi directly in the sauce, or by pan frying them in sauce.
How do you cook gnocchi so it is not mushy?
When cooking with prepared gnocchi, preventing them from becoming mushy is simple. When pan frying, make sure to remove the gnocchi from heat as soon as they are warmed through. When boiling, remove from water when gnocchi float to the top.
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Pesto Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- ⅓ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 pound gnocchi
- ¼ cup pesto sauce
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet.
- Whisk in water, heavy cream and salt.
- Add gnocchi to pan, sauté until warmed through.
- Stir in pesto sauce until gnocchi is well coated in sauce.
Nutrition
