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To make One-Pot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi, gather these simple items: - 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi - 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream - ½ cup (120g) basil pesto - 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup (30g) baby spinach - 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can swap items for a similar taste or to meet dietary needs. - Use gluten-free gnocchi if you want a gluten-free meal. - Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a lighter option. - Try sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes for a tangy kick. - Spinach can be replaced with kale for added nutrition. - If you don’t have Parmesan, use nutritional yeast for a vegan option. This dish serves four and packs flavor and nutrition. - Calories: Approximately 550 per serving - Protein: 20g - Carbohydrates: 60g - Fat: 30g - Fiber: 3g - Sugars: 3g Each bite offers a creamy, rich taste while providing essential nutrients. You can enjoy a delightful meal without feeling guilty. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells good and turns a light golden color. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well to mix with the garlic. Let the cream warm up until it gently bubbles, but do not let it boil hard. Now, it’s time to add the star of the dish—1 pound of potato gnocchi. Carefully place the gnocchi in the pot, making sure they are well covered in the creamy mix. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You know they are ready when they start to float up to the top. This floating means they are cooked through and soft. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in ½ cup of basil pesto, mixing it well to combine with the cream. Add in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of baby spinach. Keep cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. Gradually sprinkle in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir as the cheese melts into the sauce, making it rich and creamy. Taste your dish and add salt and black pepper as needed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water to make it just right. To get that rich and creamy texture, start with heavy cream. It thickens well when heated. Add the cream slowly to avoid lumps. Stir continuously as you mix in the pesto. This helps it blend smoothly. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. This keeps it creamy and light. If you’re new to cooking, don’t worry! Use a large pot to give the gnocchi space. This helps them cook evenly. Make sure the oil is hot before adding garlic. This brings out its flavor. Always taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Cooking is about finding what tastes good to you! For a beautiful presentation, serve the creamy gnocchi in shallow bowls. This shows off the colors. Top each dish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top. This adds shine and flavor. A sprinkle of black pepper can add a nice touch, too! {{image_4}} You can add protein to your creamy pesto gnocchi. Chicken works well. Use cooked, diced chicken for great flavor. Shrimp adds a nice touch too. Sauté shrimp until pink for a few minutes. Toss them in right before serving. Both options make the dish heartier and more filling. Keep it vegetarian by using more veggies. Swap the chicken or shrimp for mushrooms. Sauté them until tender. You can also add chickpeas for extra protein. They add a nice texture and flavor. Another option is to use tofu. Just pan-fry it before adding to the dish. Seasonal veggies can transform this meal. In spring, add asparagus or peas. They bring fresh tastes and colors. Summer is great for zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, try butternut squash for sweetness. Winter calls for hearty greens like kale or Swiss chard. Feel free to mix and match based on what's fresh. To keep your One-Pot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want the best taste, eat it within two days. Reheat gnocchi on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. You can freeze this dish for later. Allow it to cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the reheating instructions. Avoid freezing it with fresh spinach, as it may become soggy. You should use potato gnocchi for this dish. It has a soft, fluffy texture. You can find it fresh or frozen at most stores. Choose the type you prefer. Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly, while frozen may take a minute longer. Both options work well in this creamy pesto dish. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the gnocchi and sauce, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat it slowly on the stove. You may need to add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Ensure your pesto is dairy-free too. Many brands offer vegan options, or you can make your own at home. This way, you keep the creamy texture and delicious taste! This blog post covered everything you need to know about making gnocchi. We explored the ingredients, provided substitutions, and shared nutritional facts. I walked you through step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. You learned tips for a creamy texture and presentation ideas. We also discussed variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. Now, you can confidently create this dish and make it your own. Enjoy experimenting and sharing your tasty results!

One-Pot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

Indulge in the creamy delight of One-Pot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi, a quick and easy meal perfect for any night of the week! This simple recipe combines fluffy gnocchi with rich cream, fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach for a burst of flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a dish your whole family will love. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

½ cup (120g) basil pesto

1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup (30g) baby spinach

1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for approximately 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.

    Carefully pour in the heavy cream and stir well to coat the garlic. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, avoiding a vigorous boil.

      Introduce the potato gnocchi to the pot, ensuring they are well submerged and coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi begin to float, a sign they are cooked through.

        Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and add the basil pesto to the pot. Stir until the pesto is fully incorporated and evenly blends with the cream.

          Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Continue to stir gently until the spinach wilts down and the tomatoes soften slightly.

            Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted, and the sauce transforms into a rich, creamy consistency.

              Adjust the flavor with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce appears too thick, drizzle in a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy gnocchi hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese on top. Consider plating in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish!