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- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream The gnocchi is the star of the dish. It adds a soft, pillowy texture. Use fresh or frozen gnocchi for the best results. The olive oil helps sauté the gnocchi. This gives them a nice, crispy edge. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. It combines beautifully with the pesto to create a creamy delight. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness to the dish. Halving them helps release their juices, enhancing flavor. Fresh spinach adds nutrition and color. It wilts quickly in the pan, making it easy to include. Don’t forget the fresh basil for garnish! It adds a pop of color and fresh aroma. - 1/2 cup basil pesto - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste Basil pesto is key for flavor. It adds a vibrant taste that pairs well with cream. Parmesan cheese brings a sharp, salty note. It melts beautifully, thickening the sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. This will elevate the overall taste of your creamy pesto gnocchi. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Once the oil shimmers, add 1 package (16 oz) of gnocchi. - Sauté the gnocchi for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until they are golden brown. - This step gives your dish a delightful crispy texture. - Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. - Stir well and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This softens the tomatoes and boosts flavor. - Now, mix in 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach. - Stir for about 1 minute until the spinach wilts down. This adds color and nutrition. - Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of basil pesto. - Stir vigorously to combine all ingredients. This mixture should come to a gentle simmer. - Next, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts into the sauce. - Allow the gnocchi to simmer in the rich sauce for 2 to 3 minutes. - This ensures the gnocchi heat through and soak up that creamy pesto flavor. - Taste your sauce and add salt and pepper to your liking. - Once ready, remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for a minute before serving. - Tips for cooking time: Cook the gnocchi for 3-5 minutes until golden. This gives a nice crisp. - Avoiding mushiness: Do not overcook the gnocchi. Keep an eye on them in the skillet. - Suggestions for pasta water: Use some reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. It adds flavor. - Recommended cheese alternatives: You can try using Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a twist. Both work well. - Presentation tips: Serve the gnocchi straight from the skillet. Garnish with fresh basil and extra cheese. - Pairing with sides: A crusty piece of bread pairs great. It helps soak up the creamy sauce. {{image_4}} You can add protein to your creamy pesto gnocchi. Chicken or shrimp work well. - Chicken: Cook bite-sized pieces in the skillet before adding gnocchi. This makes it hearty and filling. - Shrimp: Add shrimp after sautéing the gnocchi. Cook until they turn pink and tender. If you want vegan options, try chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and flavor without meat. Variations can make this dish your own. You can add different vegetables. - Bell Peppers: Add chopped bell peppers for sweetness and crunch. - Zucchini: Sauté sliced zucchini for a mild flavor and texture. For dairy-free substitutes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste. You can add your own spin to this dish. Adding spices or herbs can change the taste. - Garlic Powder: Sprinkle garlic powder for extra flavor. - Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch for some heat. Using different pestos can also give new flavors. Try sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a fresh twist. Each will bring its own unique taste to the creamy sauce. To store your creamy pesto gnocchi, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. The dish lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. When you reheat it, add a splash of cream or water. This revives the creamy texture. You can freeze this dish if you want to save some for later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. The gnocchi can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a little cream for creaminess. For the best results, use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These help keep your food safe and fresh. Always label your containers with the date. This way, you’ll know how long they’ve been in storage. Freshness matters, so check your leftovers before eating! Yes, you can use store-bought gnocchi. Store-bought gnocchi saves time and effort. It cooks quickly and works well in this recipe. Fresh gnocchi offers a softer texture and can taste better. However, both options shine in this meal. Choose what fits your schedule best. To make this dish dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or almond milk. You can use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. These substitutes keep the dish creamy while being dairy-free. Adjust the amount to match your taste. If the sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of pasta water or vegetable broth. Stir it in slowly until you reach your desired consistency. This keeps the sauce creamy without losing flavor. You can also add extra cream for more richness. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Make a big batch and store it in airtight containers. It lasts for about three days in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze portions for later meals. This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps to create a creamy gnocchi dish. We explored cooking techniques, helpful tips, and variations to customize your meal. Whether you want to add protein or make it vegetarian, there are many choices. Store your leftovers properly for future enjoyment. Remember, using good ingredients and techniques makes a great meal. Experiment with flavors, and enjoy your cooking journey!

One-Skillet Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

Indulge in this One-Skillet Creamy Pesto Gnocchi that's ready in just 20 minutes! With golden crispy gnocchi, fresh cherry tomatoes, and vibrant spinach enveloped in a rich creamy pesto sauce, this dish is sure to wow your taste buds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it's both delicious and easy to make. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal time with this delightful dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 package (16 oz) gnocchi

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup basil pesto

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Sauté the gnocchi for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and lightly crispy. This will give your dish a delightful texture.

    Next, incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices which will enhance the flavor of the dish.

      Introduce the chopped spinach to the mixture, stirring continually for about 1 minute or until it has wilted down. The vibrant green spinach will add both nutrition and a beautiful color contrast.

        Carefully pour in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Stir vigorously to combine all ingredients, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens as it starts to become creamy!

          Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly until the cheese has melted into the sauce and it thickens slightly. Taste your sauce and season with salt and pepper as desired, tailoring it to your preference.

            Allow the gnocchi to simmer in the rich sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will ensure that the gnocchi are heated through and thoroughly coated with your delectable creamy pesto sauce.

              Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for about a minute before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pesto gnocchi straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation. Garnish with fresh basil leaves on top and a generous sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese. For a complete experience, accompany your dish with a crusty piece of bread, perfect for soaking up that luxurious creamy sauce. Enjoy!