Description
This Creamy Pesto Gnocchi recipe is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring pillowy gnocchi tossed in a rich, creamy pesto sauce with flavorful sundried tomatoes. Perfect for a comforting meal ready in just 10 minutes, it combines the freshness of pesto with the indulgence of cream, making it a satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 16-ounce package (450g) gnocchi
Sauce
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- Oil from the sundried tomatoes
- ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
- 4 tablespoons pesto
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- Grated parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface which indicates they are done. Drain the gnocchi well.
- Prepare the sauce: In a pan over medium heat, warm up the oil from the sundried tomatoes. Add the chopped sundried tomatoes and sear them for about one minute to release their flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently for a minute without boiling, then remove the pan from heat.
- Mix the sauce: Stir the pesto into the warm cream and sundried tomato mixture. Season the sauce with half a teaspoon of salt and mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Toss gnocchi in sauce: Add the cooked and drained gnocchi to the pan with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each gnocchi is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the gnocchi to serving plates and serve immediately while warm. Optionally, sprinkle grated parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese on top for added flavor and richness.
Notes
- Use oil from the sundried tomatoes to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Do not boil the cream to prevent it from curdling; only simmer gently.
- Gnocchi can be fresh or store-bought, but be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetarian hard cheese instead of parmesan.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its smoothest texture.
