Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Dinner

This creamy pesto gnocchi dinner transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal in just 15 minutes. The pillowy potato dumplings swim in a velvety sauce that marries the bright herbaceous notes of pesto with the sweet intensity of sundried tomatoes.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed dinner on the table quickly. What began as a desperate pantry raid has become our family's most requested quick dinner, especially when we're craving something comforting but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 16 ounce package gnocchi: The shelf stable variety works perfectly but fresh is even better if you can find it
• Sundried tomatoes in oil: These add intense savory sweetness and the oil becomes part of the sauce base
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious texture that coats each gnocchi pillow
• Pesto: Store bought works well but homemade elevates this dish to spectacular heights
• Salt: Just enough to balance and brighten all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the gnocchi:

Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions until they float to the surface indicating they're perfectly cooked through but still tender. This typically takes just 2 to 3 minutes.

Create the flavor base:

Add a tablespoon of the oil from the sundried tomatoes to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot add the chopped sundried tomatoes and sear them for about a minute. This important step releases their concentrated flavor into the oil creating an intensely flavored base for your sauce.

Build the creamy sauce:

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed sundried tomatoes. Allow it to simmer gently for about a minute watching carefully to ensure it doesn't boil which could cause separation. Remove from heat then stir in the pesto until fully incorporated. The sauce should be silky smooth and a beautiful light green color flecked with red tomato pieces.

Combine and coat:

Using a slotted spoon transfer the cooked gnocchi directly to the sauce skillet. Gently toss until every pillowy gnocchi is thoroughly coated in the creamy pesto sauce. The starch from the gnocchi will help thicken the sauce slightly to the perfect consistency.

Pin

While testing this recipe I accidentally discovered that the sauce tastes even more amazing when you let it sit for a minute off heat before adding the gnocchi. Something magical happens as the flavors meld together in that brief resting period that takes the sauce from good to extraordinary.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes countless variations to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Try swapping regular pesto for sun dried tomato pesto for an extra tomato punch or use a spicy arugula pesto for a peppery kick. For protein consider adding sautéed shrimp cooked separately and tossed in at the end or fold in shredded rotisserie chicken to make it more substantial.

Pin

Perfect Pairings

A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil makes the ideal light accompaniment to this rich dish. The peppery greens and bright acidity cut through the creamy sauce beautifully. For a complete meal add garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the herbaceous notes of the pesto.

Storage Wisdom

While this dish is best enjoyed immediately after preparing you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of milk or cream to revitalize the sauce which tends to thicken considerably when chilled. Always reheat gently either in a microwave at medium power or in a small saucepan over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought pesto for this gnocchi dish?

Yes, store-bought pesto works well for convenience, but homemade pesto will provide superior flavor. The recipe notes suggest alternatives using spinach, kale, arugula, or carrot tops if you want to make your own variation.

→ Is this creamy pesto gnocchi suitable for vegetarians?

This dish can be vegetarian-friendly, but you need to check that your pesto is suitable for vegetarians as some varieties contain animal products like cheese made with animal rennet. Similarly, ensure any hard cheese you use for topping is vegetarian-friendly.

→ How do I reheat leftover creamy pesto gnocchi?

Reheat leftovers in a microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through the heating process. If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

→ Can I freeze this creamy pesto gnocchi dish?

Freezing this dish is not recommended. The cream-based sauce tends to separate when frozen and thawed, and the gnocchi texture may become undesirably soft or mushy.

→ What can I serve with creamy pesto gnocchi?

This rich dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread makes an excellent side for soaking up extra sauce, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini add color and nutritional balance.

→ Can I add protein to this gnocchi dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans make excellent protein additions. Cook the protein separately and add it to the sauce along with the gnocchi, or serve it on top of the finished dish.