Prepare to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering Italian classic that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Gnocchi with Pesto Cream recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines the pillowy softness of traditional gnocchi with a luxuriously creamy pesto sauce that will have everyone begging for seconds. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- While waiting for water to boil, prepare a large skillet by heating it over medium heat. This will be used for the final sauce preparation.
- Carefully add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Using a slotted spoon, drain the gnocchi and transfer them directly into the preheated skillet.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir gently to coat the gnocchi evenly.
- Add the prepared pesto sauce to the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi, stirring to incorporate and help thicken the sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
- Cook the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce and become more creamy.
- Remove from heat and transfer the gnocchi to serving plates.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, creamy pesto sauce coating the soft gnocchi.
Tips
- • For the best texture, use fresh gnocchi if possible and don't overcook—they should float to the surface in about 2-3 minutes. • Use high-quality pesto for maximum flavor; homemade is always best, but a good store-bought version works wonderfully. • Make sure to stir gently when combining ingredients to prevent breaking the delicate gnocchi. • If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it with a little pasta water. • For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine to the cream sauce. • Fresh basil is crucial for garnish—it adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish. • Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and the gnocchi at their most tender.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
