Description
A quick and flavorful Pesto Gnocchi recipe featuring tender gnocchi tossed with burst cherry tomatoes, fragrant pesto, and topped with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy and vibrant summer weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound uncooked store-bought or homemade gnocchi
- ½ cup store-bought pesto (or homemade pesto made with ⅓ cup olive oil)
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, preparing for cooking the gnocchi.
- Sauté Cherry Tomatoes: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add cherry tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and fresh black pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes burst and start releasing their juices. Remove from heat.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon or spider to transfer the cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet with the tomatoes, reserving some of the cooking water.
- Combine with Pesto: Gently stir the gnocchi with the tomatoes to combine. Add pesto gradually, stirring gently until the gnocchi is well coated. If the pesto is too thick, add the reserved gnocchi water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce slightly.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Divide the pesto gnocchi into bowls, then top with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, making it an excellent quick dinner option for busy weeknights.
- Using burst cherry tomatoes adds a fresh, juicy sweetness that complements the savory pesto perfectly.
- If you prefer homemade pesto, use ⅓ cup olive oil for a vibrant, fresh sauce.
- Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency for a silky finish.
- Toasted pine nuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
