Description
A quick and flavorful recipe for Pesto Gnocchi featuring tender potato gnocchi sautéed in butter and coated with fresh basil pesto, topped with Parmesan cheese and a hint of black pepper. Perfect for a comforting meal ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Freshly ground black pepper, for topping
Optional Garnishes
- Baby arugula leaves
- Toasted walnuts
- Squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid for later use.
- Sauté the Gnocchi: While the gnocchi cooks, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the drained gnocchi to the skillet. Let them cook for about 1 minute to develop a slight golden crust, then remove from heat.
- Add the Pesto: Stir the basil pesto into the skillet with the gnocchi, tossing gently to coat the gnocchi evenly. Season with kosher salt to taste, adjusting as necessary.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the pesto-coated gnocchi into shallow bowls. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. For an enhanced version, add baby arugula, toasted walnuts, and a squeeze of lemon juice on top before serving.
Notes
- Reserve some of the gnocchi cooking water to thin out the pesto sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor, or quality store-bought pesto if short on time.
- To toast walnuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the gnocchi’s tender texture.
- For a vegan option, substitute butter with olive oil and use vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
