Imagine a dish that captures the essence of spring in every single bite - creamy, vibrant, and absolutely irresistible! This Sweet Pea Gnocchi with Tarragon Pea Cream is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious meal, this Italian-inspired creation promises to elevate your cooking game and transport your senses to a lush, green garden of flavors.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Gnocchi
- Sweet peas
- Tarragon
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Prepare an ice bath in a separate bowl for blanching the sweet peas.
- Add fresh sweet peas to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Immediately transfer peas to the ice bath to stop cooking and preserve their vibrant color.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of the peas for garnish. Puree the remaining peas in a food processor until smooth, creating a bright green pea base for the sauce.
- In a large skillet, heat heavy cream over medium heat. Add the pea puree and whisk to combine, creating a smooth, verdant cream sauce.
- Finely chop fresh tarragon leaves and add them to the cream sauce, reserving some for garnish. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- In the same pot of boiling water, cook store-bought or homemade gnocchi according to package instructions. Fresh gnocchi typically takes 2-3 minutes and will float to the surface when done.
- Drain the gnocchi and immediately add them to the tarragon pea cream sauce, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly.
- Plate the gnocchi, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish with reserved whole peas, chopped tarragon, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to add as desired.
Tips
- Use the freshest sweet peas possible - their vibrant color and flavor are key to this dish's success.
- The ice bath is crucial: it stops the cooking process and helps maintain the peas' bright green color.
- When pureeing the peas, blend until completely smooth for a silky sauce texture.
- Don't overcook the gnocchi - they should be light and pillowy, floating to the surface when done.
- Reserve some pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Freshly chopped tarragon makes a massive difference - avoid dried herbs if possible.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the most intense flavor and best melting properties.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the gnocchi at its most tender and the sauce at its creamiest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
