Name: Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons dry white wine ((i.e. Chardonnay, Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc)); 1 Tablespoon garlic (finely minced); ½ cup heavy cream; 16 ounces cooked gnocchi; ½ cup basil pesto ((Here's our recipe)); ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated (optional)); salt and white pepper (to taste); 1 Tablespoon pine nuts, (toasted (optional))

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Creamy Pesto Gnocchi is an herb-filled one-pan dinner that’s perfect any night of the week

This super creamy pesto dinner is ready in less than 30 minutes and is simple to pull together, which makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or try it for meatless Mondays

Creamy Basil Pesto and tender gnocchi are an ideal pair!

Ingredients needed

Dry white wine – any variety such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
Fresh Garlic – 2 cloves finely minced
Heavy Cream – this is a creamy sauce!
Gnocchi – 16 oz. ready-made, shelf-stable, refrigerated, or fresh homemade gnocchi
Basil Pesto – we like to make our own but you can use premade pesto, as well
Parmesan Cheese – buy a wedge and grate your own – it makes a huge difference!
Pine Nuts – toasted, an optional (but highly recommended) garnish
Salt and White Pepper – you can also use black pepper

One-pan gnocchi recipes are super quick when you use shelf-stable gnocchi (look for packages in the dried pasta area of your market). Shelf-stable gnocchi is handy since you don’t need to pre-boil it. As it cooks the gnocchi releases starch which works to thicken the sauce. This makes it a truly one-pan meal.
You can also use the fresh refrigerated version of gnocchi with the same results.

If you have time, make your own gnocchi, and cook it ahead of time. It’s actually easier than you think! (See additional directions below for using homemade gnocchi).

ingredients in bowls: wine, parmesan, garlic, cream, pesto

How to Make Creamy Pesto with Gnocchi

Prepare the pesto sauce ahead of time, or use premade pesto
Toast pine nuts lightly in a dry skillet and set aside
Mince the garlic
If making homemade gnocchi prepare, cook, drain, and hold until the sauce is ready
Heat a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat
Add wine and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute continually stirring to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn
Reduce heat to medium-low, whisk in the heavy cream, and cook for about one minute to thicken the sauce
Turn the heat to low and whisk in the pesto. Stir or whisk to combine
Add the gnocchi and gently stir to coat. Cover and cook for about 3 minutes
Sprinkle in Parmesan, salt, and pepper
Cover the pan for 1 minute and allow the cheese to melt and the gnocchi to finish warming up
If the sauce is too thick add water one Tablespoon at a time to loosen it up a bit
Serve with toasted pine nuts. If you love Parmesan add a sprinkle more of that too!

What is Gnocchi?

Often thought of as a type of pasta (it’s not!), gnocchi is a small Italian dumpling made of potatoes and flour, and sometimes additional seasonings and cheese. It is similar in texture to pasta and is often served with the same types of sauces.

Pro Tips for the Best Pesto Gnocchi

Gnocchi is versatile and can be served boiled, baked, steamed, or pan-seared, as an entree or a hearty side dish.

If using refrigerated gnocchi you may need to cook one additional minute
If using homemade gnocchi – cook the sauce completely and then toss in your cooked gnocchi
Gnocchi cooks quickly (unlike pasta) so take care not to overcook it!
In a time crunch? Purchase premade fresh pesto
Ready to make your own pesto? It’s easy! We love it on our Pesto Pasta Salad too!
Store-bought pesto can vary so be sure to taste the sauce before serving. If it’s a little bland add another dash of salt and pepper

What to Serve with Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

Add a protein:

This creamy dish becomes a complete meal if you add a pre-cooked protein like salmon, shrimp, or chicken.
It’s a great way to use up any leftovers! Keep in mind that since the dish doesn’t cook for long you’ll need to precook the protein and then add it at the end of cooking just to warm up

Want to keep it vegetarian?

Add any variety of vegetables! Cooked broccoli, red bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus are great matches.
Add fresh spinach or arugula to the pan for one minute just before finishing and it will wilt right in the pan.
Fresh cherry tomatoes are a gorgeous addition, as are our Italian style Oven Dried Tomatoes

Other Variations:

Substitute chopped, toasted walnuts in place of the pine nuts
Skip the wine and use chicken stock instead
No heavy cream on hand? You can use half & half in a pinch but you will need to cook it a bit longer to thicken it
This amazing creamy pesto sauce will work with pasta too! Try it with cooked spaghetti, like the photo below, or shell pasta

Storing the leftovers

REFRIGERATOR: You can store any leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently over low heat before serving
Freezing is not recommended

Main Dishes to serve with gnocchi

This dish makes a gorgeous, easy side dish and pairs perfectly with:

Tomahawk Steaks
Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
Oven Baked Ribs that fall off the bone
Perfect Pan Seared Scallops

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4.67 from 6 votes