Creamy 5-Ingredient Pesto Gnocchi Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner Idea
A quick and easy creamy pesto gnocchi dish made with just five simple ingredients, perfect for a comforting and satisfying dinner in under 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi
- ½ cup (120 ml) basil pesto
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts of water).
- Add gnocchi to boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out gently.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil if desired. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release juices.
- Lower heat and stir in the pesto and cream. Combine gently until the sauce is smooth and heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Toss gently to coat each piece in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of pasta water to loosen it.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Toss gently.
- Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pot when boiling gnocchi to prevent sticking. Use good-quality pesto for best flavor. Toss gnocchi gently with sauce to avoid breaking. If sauce is too thick, loosen with pasta water. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: pesto gnocchi, creamy pesto, easy dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, quick gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, vegetarian