Creamy Pesto Gnocchi (Printable)

Tender gnocchi in rich basil pesto cream sauce—ready in 25 minutes for comforting Italian flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1.1 lbs potato gnocchi, fresh or store-bought

→ Sauce

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 0.85 cup heavy cream
05 - 2.5 oz basil pesto, homemade or high-quality store-bought
06 - 1.5 oz grated Parmesan cheese
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

08 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, optional
09 - Fresh basil leaves
10 - Extra Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil for cooking the gnocchi.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
03 - Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, then whisk in the pesto and grated Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on very low heat.
04 - Cook the gnocchi in boiling water according to package instructions (typically 2–3 minutes, until they float to the surface). Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and transfer directly to the skillet with the sauce.
05 - Gently toss the gnocchi in the sauce to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
06 - Divide into bowls and garnish with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a cozy Italian trattoria
  • The sauce is incredibly versatile and becomes your go-to for everything from pasta to grilled vegetables
02 -
  • Don't rinse the gnocchi after cooking. The starch on their surface helps the sauce cling to every piece.
  • The sauce thickens quickly as it sits. Have everything else ready before you start cooking.
03 -
  • Skip the crowded pot boil your gnocchi in batches if necessary so they have room to float
  • A splash of pasta water in the sauce helps it cling to the gnocchi even better

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