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This Pesto Gnocchi saved my life on busy weeknights more times than I can count. I discovered this combination one evening when my pantry was nearly empty but the kids were starving. Now it's our favorite 15-minute comfort meal. Those pillowy soft gnocchi soaked in rich basil pesto create pure magic in your mouth. My family runs to the kitchen the moment they smell that fresh basil and garlic.
Your New Favorite Quick Meal
Some nights you just need dinner on the table fast. That's when this dish shines. I keep store bought pesto in my fridge for emergencies but honestly it tastes so good nobody would guess this took minutes to make. The way those crispy edges of gnocchi combine with the creamy pesto sauce it's like a warm hug in a bowl.
What You Need
- Gnocchi: Those little potato dumplings from the pasta aisle grab two packages if you're feeding hungry teenagers
- Good Olive Oil: Use the nice stuff it makes those crispy edges happen
- Basil Pesto: Homemade if you've got it store bought works great too
- Fresh Garlic: I always add extra my family loves it
- Parmesan: The real stuff please grate it fresh
- Salt and Pepper: Just enough to make everything pop
Let's Cook
- Gnocchi Time
- Drop those little pillows into boiling salted water they'll tell you when they're ready by floating to the top
- Get Them Crispy
- Heat up your olive oil and toss in the drained gnocchi. Listen for that sizzle that's where the magic happens
- Sauce It Up
- Turn down the heat fold in your pesto garlic and a handful of parmesan. Watch it all come together into creamy goodness
- Dinner's Ready
- Serve it up while it's hot add more cheese because why not
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Make It Your Own
Sometimes I throw in leftover rotisserie chicken or some cherry tomatoes from my garden. My daughter loves when I add extra vegetables especially zucchini. My husband swears by adding cream to make the sauce even richer. Play around find your family's perfect version.
Kitchen Secrets
Don't be shy with the pasta water salt it should taste like the sea. Get your pan nice and hot before adding the gnocchi that's how you get those irresistible crispy edges. I always keep a jar of good pesto in the fridge for busy nights but in summer when my basil plant goes crazy I make big batches to freeze.
Perfect Partners
We love this with a simple green salad on the side. Some crusty bread for sauce scooping is a must in our house. On cooler nights I might throw together a quick soup to go alongside. My kids favorite combo is gnocchi with roasted broccoli they call them little trees.
Saving Some For Later
Leftovers keep nicely in the fridge for about 4 days though they rarely last that long here. To reheat just toss them in a pan with a splash of olive oil they crisp right back up. Sometimes I make extra just to have easy lunches during the week.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This dish has saved so many of my weeknight dinners I had to share it. It's perfect for those nights when you want something cozy and delicious but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself you can't go wrong with this one.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I know when gnocchi is cooked?
Gnocchi is done when they float to the surface of the boiling water. This usually takes 2-4 minutes.
- → Why pan-fry the gnocchi?
Pan-frying creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and pillowy. This adds texture and enhances the flavor.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works well in this recipe. Choose a high-quality brand for best results.
- → What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make perfect sides. The dish is quite filling on its own.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh while the gnocchi is crispy. Reheating can make the gnocchi softer and less crispy.