Gnocchi with Homemade Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce

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Enjoy a comforting dish of Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce in just 30 minutes! This quick and easy dinner recipe, featuring store-bought gnocchi and simple ingredients, is ideal for busy weeknights.

Pesto gnocchi is also a delicious recipe to impress guests when hosting family and friends.

Ingredient notes

• Pesto | I like to use my homemade basil pesto. While store-bought pesto is convenient, homemade pesto with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil can take the dish to the next level. It’s a bit more work but well worth it if you have the time!
• Gnocchi | Choose your favorite brand of potato gnocchi from the pasta aisle. It should be uncooked to be freshly prepared for this recipe. So, stay away from shelf-staple gnocchi, which is already cooked.
• Oil | Use quality olive oil to start the recipe by sauteing the onion and fresh garlic. I like to use extra virgin olive oil.
• Onion | Add diced onion for a subtle sweetness that compliments the buttery gnocchi. Use yellow or white onions, whichever you prefer.

• Garlic | For spice, sprinkle in some minced garlic cloves. If necessary, add garlic powder instead.
• Half and half | Achieve a creamy gnocchi sauce with half and half. 
• Parmesan | Add freshly grated parmesan cheese to the creamy and cheesy notes of the recipe.
• Basil | Garnish the dish with chopped fresh basil leaves.
• Salt and pepper | Season with kosher salt and black pepper to round out all the flavors.

How to make Gnocchi with Pesto

In 30 minutes, have a delicious weeknight meal with just a handful of simple ingredients, homemade pesto sauce, and soft, pillowy gnocchi!

STEP 1 | Sauté onion and garlic

Set out a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Then, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic to sauté for a couple of minutes until the onion becomes translucent and both are fragrant.

STEP 2 | Make the creamy sauce

Next, add the half and half, chicken broth, pesto, salt, and black pepper, stirring everything together and simmering for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

STEP 3 | Add gnocchi

Now, add the gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the gnocchi are well coated. Let the gnocchi gently cook in the sauce for about 10 minutes.

STEP 4 | Mix in the cheese

Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi and give it a good stir to incorporate, letting the cheese melt into the sauce.

STEP 5 | Garnish and serve fresh!

Finally, plate the delicious creamy basil pesto gnocchi and sprinkle freshly chopped basil and a little parmesan cheese as a garnish and pop of color. Enjoy!

Variations and substitutions

• Vegetarian Gnocchi. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this dish completely vegetarian.
• Add Veggies for Flavor. Include extra vegetables like fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Creamy Alfredo-Pesto Sauce. For an indulgent twist, replace the half-and-half with heavy cream and add extra Parmesan cheese to create a creamy Alfredo-pesto sauce.
• Citrus Twist. Grate some lemon zest into the sauce to brighten the flavors, and add a refreshing citrusy note. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also work wonders.
• Your Favorite Protein. Make chicken pesto pasta by adding freshly grilled chicken breast to the recipe. Or use another protein, like shrimp, crumbled bacon, or crispy pancetta.
• Homemade Gnocchi. Take this recipe a step further by making your very own gnocchi!
• If preferred, replace the black pepper with red pepper flakes.

Storage and reheating tips

• Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Add it to a skillet to reheat, stirring over medium heat until warmed through. Or microwave the leftovers for quicker results.
• It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing, and the texture of the gnocchi may change. Freshly made is best.

Frequently asked questions

Serving suggestions

Add a juicy cut of meat to the easy pesto gnocchi recipe, like sliced Steakhouse-Quality Pan-Seared New York Strip Steak or classic Grilled Sirloin Steak sprinkled with a bit of extra parmesan cheese. Or make it extra special with tender Rosemary Garlic Broiled Lamb Chops– Yum!