Creamy Pesto Gnocchi (Print View)

Tender potato dumplings coated in rich basil pesto cream sauce—ready in 25 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1.1 pounds potato gnocchi, fresh or refrigerated

→ Sauce

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or premium quality
06 - 1.5 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

08 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
09 - Fresh basil leaves
10 - Extra Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil for cooking the gnocchi.
02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
03 - Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, then whisk in pesto and grated Parmesan until completely smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on very low heat.
04 - Add gnocchi to boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically 2–3 minutes until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer directly into the skillet with sauce.
05 - Gently toss gnocchi in sauce until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Divide into bowls and garnish with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It tastes like a restaurant dish but comes together in under 30 minutes
  • The sauce clings to every piece of gnocchi like a warm hug
  • You probably have everything you need in your fridge right now
02 -
  • Reserve about a half cup of pasta water before draining the gnocchi—it can save your sauce if it gets too thick
  • Keep the heat on very low once the sauce is combined or the cream might separate
  • Work quickly once the gnocchi is cooked because it gets gummy as it cools
03 -
  • If the sauce breaks, whisk in a tiny bit more cold cream and it will come back together
  • Gluten-free gnocchi works perfectly if you need to accommodate allergies

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