Some nights I open the fridge and think, “Do I really have it in me to make pasta again?” My kids are always game, but I need a little variety in my life too. That’s how this 5 Ingredient Creamy Pesto Gnocchi came to be. It’s a super simple twist on two family favorites: pillowy gnocchi and this Creamy Pesto Pasta. Swapping noodles for gnocchi somehow feels a little fancy, even if it’s still a one-pan, weeknight dinner.
This quick stovetop meal comes together in under 15 minutes with pantry staples, making it perfect for those nights when the kids are hangry and you’re out of ideas. As effortless as my Pink Sauce Pasta, Creamy Zucchini Pasta, or Gnocchi with Peas, and best of all, you can use whatever pesto you’ve got on hand. Homemade basil pesto in the summer? Yes please. Store-bought from the pantry? Also perfect.
Ingredients
- Pesto: Homemade pesto or store bought will work equally well.
- Heavy Cream: I like to use the heavy cream for the richness it gives the pesto sauce, but you can also use half and half or whole milk.
- Gnocchi: I like the Trader Joe's potato gnocchi, but grab whatever brand you like. You'll find the gnocchi in the pasta aisle at the grocery store.
- Cooking Water: Save some of the gnocchi cooking water to add to the pesto sauce.
💡Tool Tip
The best way to drain the pasta while retaining the pasta water is by using a spider strainer. Simply scoop, drain over the pot you cooked in and drop the gnocchi right into the pesto sauce.
Step by Step Directions
Cook the gnocchi according to package directions. You'll know that the gnocchi is cooked when it floats to the top of the pot. Drain and reserve the cooking water.
Make the sauce: While the gnocchi cooks, place a skillet onto your stove over medium to medium-low heat. Add the pesto and heavy cream to the pan and whisk to combine, then stream in the pasta water whisking while you do.
Mix: Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet and toss to combine. Sprinkle the parmesan over the top and stir again until it's melted an combined. If the sauce it getting to thick, add a bit more pasta water.
Season and enjoy: salt and pepper to taste and enjoy! If you are feeling fancy, garnish with basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Additions and Variations
While this creamy gnocchi with pesto sauce is awesome on its own, here are a few ideas to add to it if you are a feeling more adventuresome:
- Add cut cherry tomatoes for color. They can be fresh or blistered under the broiler.
- Add in baby spinach or steamed broccoli with the gnocchi.
- Flake Pesto Salmon and stir it in at the end. Not only is it a great added protein but it’s a real bump in the basil flavor from the pesto.
- Make it spicy by adding a Tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Swap the basil pesto for other types of pesto. Try red pepper pesto, mint pesto, spinach pesto or pistachio pesto. This gnocchi with pesto sauce is so versatile and can take on lots of different flavor profiles.
- Make it Gluten Free: simply use your favorite gluten free pasta in place of the regular pasta.
Storage and Reheating Tips
You can store leftovers of gnocchi with pesto sauce in the fridge for up to 4 days. I would not recommend freezing it.
To reheat the creamy pesto gnocchi, warm it on the stovetop with a little bit of added cream or water to help retain the creaminess as it heats through. Once warmed through, be sure to stir it up well, and then enjoy!
Other Stove Top Pasta Dishes you’ll love
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📖 Recipe
15 Minute Gnocchi with Creamy Pesto Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Cook the Gnocchi, Save the Pasta Water
- Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the gnocchi in salted water according to package directions. When the pasta has cooked, retain a cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
While the Pasta Cooks
- In large skillet over medium-low heat, add olive oil, pesto and optional garlic. Whisk together and while continuing to whisk, stream in the heavy cream and pasta water. Continue whisking until you have a creamy sauce.
Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the creamy pesto sauce and stir making sure the sauce covers all the pasta. Then stir in the parmesan cheese.
- Taste, add salt as needed. Then serve and enjoy!
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