Go Back
Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Skillet is a quick meal that shines with flavor. You only need one pan to make this dish. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. This recipe serves four people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. To whip up this delightful dish, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound potato gnocchi - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in creating a rich, creamy texture and a burst of fresh flavors. Want to elevate your dish even more? Consider adding these optional ingredients for extra taste: - Cooked chicken or shrimp for protein - Spinach or kale for a green touch - Red pepper flakes for some heat - Lemon zest for brightness These options can make your creamy pesto gnocchi even more exciting and personalized! To start, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1 pound potato gnocchi - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup basil pesto - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Make sure your ingredients are ready. This helps the cooking go smoothly. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil first. Once hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute. You want to smell that lovely garlic scent! Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they soften. Now, add the potato gnocchi to the skillet. You do not need to boil it first. Stir everything gently. Pour in the heavy cream. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Stir it well to combine the cream with the garlic and tomatoes. Add the basil pesto. Mix it in until everything looks creamy and green. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the gnocchi soak up the sauce. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts and makes the sauce rich. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for a minute. This allows the sauce to thicken just a bit. For the best look, serve the creamy gnocchi in shallow bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. This makes your dish look fancy! Enjoy your meal! To cook gnocchi well, keep these tips in mind: - Use fresh gnocchi for the best taste. - Don’t boil the gnocchi before adding to the skillet. They cook nicely in the sauce. - Stir gently when mixing to avoid breaking them. - Watch the heat; keep it medium. Too high can burn the sauce. If you have extras, store them right: - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. - Reheat gently on low heat to avoid drying out. Add a splash of cream if needed. You can make this dish even better with these ideas: - Add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein. - Mix in spinach for some greens. - Swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a richer taste. - Use different cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta for a twist. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your creamy pesto gnocchi by adding different ingredients. Try using sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes. They add a rich, tangy flavor. You can also swap the Parmesan cheese for feta cheese to get a salty kick. For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. These simple swaps can make your dish feel fresh and new. If you want a vegan version, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream. Use a vegan pesto and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste just as good as regular gnocchi. These changes keep the dish tasty while meeting your dietary needs. Seasonal vegetables can elevate your creamy pesto gnocchi. In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus for a burst of color. In summer, zucchini or bell peppers work well. In the fall, add roasted butternut squash for sweetness. You can also mix in proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked sausage. These additions make your meal more filling and flavorful. To store your creamy pesto gnocchi skillet, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This dish will stay good in the fridge for about three days. Make sure to seal it well to avoid any strong smells from other foods. When you are ready to enjoy your gnocchi again, use a skillet. Heat it on medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir often to ensure even heating. This method helps to bring back the creamy texture. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just heat it in short bursts and stir in between. If you want to keep your creamy pesto gnocchi skillet for longer, freezing is a great option. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It will last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove for the best results. The best way to serve Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Skillet is hot. Use shallow bowls for an elegant look. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This adds a nice touch of color and flavor. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. You can prepare some parts ahead of time. Cook the gnocchi and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, heat and mix them. This saves time and keeps the flavors fresh. However, I recommend making it fresh if possible for the best taste. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free choice. Silken tofu blended until smooth can also work well for a vegan option. Each will change the texture slightly but still taste good. This blog post covered how to make a creamy pesto gnocchi skillet. We looked at essential and optional ingredients for great taste. The step-by-step instructions made cooking easy and fun. I shared tips for perfecting your dish and storing leftovers. You can customize this meal with different flavors and dietary needs. Embrace the joy of cooking this dish and explore your own creativity. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Skillet

Indulge in a delicious Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Skillet that’s ready in just 20 minutes! This easy recipe combines fluffy potato gnocchi with rich heavy cream, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and flavorful basil pesto for a satisfying meal everyone will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, discover the simple steps to elevate your cooking. Click to explore this comforting recipe and impress your family tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound potato gnocchi

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

    Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for around 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.

      In the same skillet, add the potato gnocchi (do not need to boil first) and stir gently to mix with the garlic and tomatoes.

        Pour in the heavy cream, letting it come to a gentle simmer. Stir to combine with the tomatoes and garlic.

          Add the basil pesto and stir until everything is well mixed. Allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes, letting the gnocchi soak up the creamy sauce.

            Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Remove from the heat and let sit for a minute to thicken up slightly.

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy gnocchi in shallow bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an elegant finish.

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