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Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe with Garlic and Pine Nuts Easy Homemade Delight

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A quick and comforting creamy pesto gnocchi dish featuring garlic and toasted pine nuts, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) store-bought potato gnocchi
  • ½ cup (120ml) basil pesto (homemade or good-quality jarred)
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup (30g) pine nuts, toasted
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually 2–3 minutes, until they float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi to a colander and drain well.
  2. While the gnocchi cooks, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts and toast, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from pan and set aside immediately to avoid burning.
  3. In the same skillet, add olive oil and warm over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until soft and aromatic but not browned.
  4. Lower heat and stir in the pesto and heavy cream with the garlic in the skillet. Stir continuously until combined and warmed through, about 2 minutes, until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened.
  5. Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet. Gently toss or stir with a spatula to coat every piece in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a little more cream to loosen it up.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Add half of the toasted pine nuts into the gnocchi and stir gently.
  7. Transfer the gnocchi to plates or a serving bowl. Sprinkle the remaining pine nuts and chopped fresh basil on top for a fresh, crunchy finish.

Notes

Do not overcook gnocchi; remove as soon as they float. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Use gentle heat for garlic to prevent bitterness. If sauce is too thick, loosen with pasta water or extra cream. Toss gnocchi gently to avoid breaking. Freshly grate Parmesan for best flavor. Toss gnocchi with olive oil after boiling to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pesto gnocchi, garlic, pine nuts, quick dinner, easy pasta, homemade pesto, vegetarian, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://larameals.com/creamy-pesto-gnocchi-recipe-with-garlic-and-pine-nuts-easy-homemade-delight/