Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This pesto and gnocchi recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a delicious combination of creamy homemade pesto, fluffy gnocchi, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, all coming together for a truly delightful culinary experience. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and offers a healthy alternative to heavier pasta dishes. Let's get started on this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound gnocchi (potato gnocchi recommended)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a nut-free option)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Making the Pesto:
- Combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth paste forms. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This homemade pesto is unbelievably flavorful!
Cooking the Gnocchi and Combining:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface.
- While the gnocchi cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften and slightly caramelize.
- Drain the cooked gnocchi and add them to the skillet with the tomatoes. Stir gently to combine.
- Add about 1/2 cup of the prepared pesto to the skillet and toss everything together until the gnocchi is evenly coated. If you prefer a richer pesto flavor, feel free to add more.
Serving:
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, toast the pine nuts (or walnuts) in a dry skillet before adding them to the food processor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto.
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried basil, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- This pesto and gnocchi recipe is a great base for adding protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage would all be delicious additions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This delicious pesto and gnocchi recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Enjoy!