This pesto gnocchi recipe is so perfect for the summer. Whether you're looking for a simple dinner for busy weeknights or you want a fun and fresh recipe for a patio dinner party, this is such a delicious recipe.
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You’ll love this homemade pesto gnocchi recipe.
It’s easy to make. Homemade pesto is so easy to make and I use store-bought gnocchi in this recipe so the prep time this recipe needs is next to nothing.
It’s such a great comfort meal. Pesto recipes, especially with pasta, is like my summertime comfort meal. It's refreshing, familiar, and never gets old.
It’s perfect for any time of year. You can serve it in the summer alongside a burrata caprese salad or in the winter alongside air fryer garlic bread.
What is pesto gnocchi made of?
This pesto gnocchi recipe is a combination of cooked gnocchi and homemade pesto consisting of fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and pistachios (instead of pine nuts.)
Ingredients
Basil. If you have a home garden, I'm sure you've experienced having too much basil for your own good. Homemade basil pesto is a great use if you're looking to get rid of a big bulk of basil!
Olive Oil. You definitely want to use high-quality extra virgin olive oil. You can absolutely taste the difference! I like Costco's (just the Kirkland brand) or the Simply Nature organic olive oil from ALDI.
Pistachios. Yes, pistachios! Instead of pine nuts, because they are so expensive and I don't use them as frequently, I love making pesto with pistachios, cashews, or walnuts.
Garlic. Keeping with the fresh theme of this recipe, I highly recommend using fresh garlic for this recipe. It truly elevates your homemade pesto.
Lemon. Yes, lemon! I know this isn't in every homemade pesto recipe, but the acidity cuts the fat from the oil and nuts really nicely and it adds this crisp, fresh flavor you can't get from the other ingredients. If you're looking for a flavorful pesto sauce, don't forget the lemon!
Parmesan. The parmesan cheese adds the slightest bit of saltiness and creaminess that just brings everything together so nicely.
Gnocchi. You can use whatever gnocchi you like! I buy shelf-stable gnocchi from my local grocery store. This brand from Trader Joe's cooks perfectly into pillowy potato gnocchi. You can find gnocchi in the pasta aisle!
Pasta Water. To make this into a creamy pesto gnocchi recipe, you'll want to save just a bit of your pasta water!
How to make pesto gnocchi.
- In a food processor, blend together your basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese, pistachios, garlic cloves, and lemon. Blend until smooth, pour into a bowl, and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Gnocchi cooks quickly, within a few minutes, so don't walk away and have overcooked gnocchi!
- Once your gnocchi is cooked, using a slotted spoon, spoon your gnocchi into the bowl with your pesto.
- Carefully stir in your gnocchi and add a splash of pasta water.
- Top with extra parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Variations and substitutions
This is a great recipe for so many reasons, but I love how versatile and customizable this recipe is.
Spice it up. If you like a spicy pesto, you can add a pinch, or two, of roasted red pepper flakes. That'll add a really nice spice.
Make homemade gnocchi. If you are feeling up for it and really want to elevate this dish, you can make your own fresh gnocchi.
Add some more veggies. There are so many options for adding veggies. You can add baby spinach or arugula to the sauce, you can saute cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, green beans, peppers, or whatever your favorite veggie is, and mix them in with the gnocchi.
No pine nuts? No problem. I used pistachios in this recipe, but you can also use walnuts or cashews.
Store-bought pesto. Now, I don't love store-bought pesto, but if you're in a time crunch and you need quick meals, you can totally use jarred pesto.
How to store and reheat pesto gnocchi.
Store the gnocchi in an airtight container and then microwave any leftovers for 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until re-heated. It should only take 30-45 seconds.
FAQ
What meat to serve with gnocchi?
Chicken breasts, Italian-style chicken sausage, shrimp, or salmon pair very nicely with pesto gnocchi.
What is gnocchi?
Gnocchi is Italian potato dumplings.
What are some sauces similar to pesto?
A basil vinaigrette or chimichurri sauce is very similar to pesto.
Amazon home finds
You'll absolutely need a food processor to make your own pesto and other sauces!
If you don't already have pasta bowls in your kitchen, they'll be your new favorite kitchen dish.
Pin it for later!
Want more pasta recipes?
- Gnocchi alla Vodka
- Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi
- Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Sweet Corn and Burrata Ravioli
Pesto Gnocchi
Ingredients
Homemade Pesto
- ⅓ c. pistachios or pine nuts
- ½. c parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2-3 cloves garlic 1
- 2 c. fresh basil
- ½ c. olive oil
- salt to taste
Pesto Gnocchi
- 1 lb gnocchi
- ¼ c. freshly shaved parmesan
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend together your basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese, pistachios, garlic cloves, and lemon. Blend until smooth, pour into a bowl, and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Gnocchi cooks quickly, within a few minutes, so don't walk away and have overcooked gnocchi!
- Once your gnocchi is cooked, using a slotted spoon, spoon your gnocchi into the bowl with your pesto.
- Carefully stir in your gnocchi and add a splash of pasta water.
- Top with extra parmesan cheese and enjoy!
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