Name: Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup pesto; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Salt & pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, restaurant-quality meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than Creamy Pesto Gnocchi. This recipe is pure comfort in a bowl—pillowy-soft gnocchi tossed in a velvety, herby sauce that’s brightened with a splash of wine and made blissfully rich with heavy cream and parmesan. It comes together in a flash with just a handful of ingredients, but the flavors are deep, fresh, and always crowd-pleasing. Creamy Pesto Gnocchi is the kind of dish you’ll want to make on repeat, whether it’s a weeknight treat or an impressive dinner for friends.

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor and texture, and together they create that signature Creamy Pesto Gnocchi magic. Be sure to use good-quality pesto and parmesan, as they really shine here.

Pesto: Go for a fresh, basil-packed pesto (store-bought or homemade) for bold color and flavor.
Heavy/Whipping Cream: This is what transforms the sauce into a silky, luxurious coating for the gnocchi.
Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth: Just a splash brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
Garlic (minced): Two cloves bring out a subtle, aromatic warmth—don’t skip this!
Uncooked Potato Gnocchi: Choose your favorite brand; fresh or shelf-stable both work wonderfully here.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty finish and helps thicken the sauce.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste—it ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Build the Sauce

Start by adding your pesto, heavy cream, white wine (or broth), and minced garlic to a deep skillet set over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently, letting the flavors come together as the sauce begins to warm and bubble softly. This is when your kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible!

Step 2: Simmer with Gnocchi

Once you spot gentle bubbles, stir in the gnocchi straight from the package. Give it a quick mix so every dumpling is coated, then cover your skillet. Let it cook covered for about five minutes—the steam will cook the gnocchi to tender, pillowy perfection right in the sauce, infusing each piece with flavor.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce and Stir

Uncover the pan, grab a spoon, and give things a good stir. Keep cooking for another couple of minutes, stirring often. You’ll notice the sauce thickens beautifully thanks to the starch released from the gnocchi, becoming glossy and lush.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Seasonings

When you’re happy with the sauce thickness (you want it to coat the gnocchi but still look a bit loose), stir in the freshly grated parmesan. If things get too thick at any point, just loosen it up with another splash of wine or cream. Taste and season well with salt and pepper, then serve immediately to enjoy all that creamy, cheesy goodness at its best.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

Garnishes

Top each serving with a shower of extra parmesan, a handful of toasted pine nuts, or a few fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of quality olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper makes the colors pop and the flavors even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This rich dish pairs beautifully with a crisp, lemon-dressed salad or simple roasted veggies. For heartier appetites, garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up the last of that luxurious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning Creamy Pesto Gnocchi into individual bowls for a dinner party, or serve family-style in a large dish garnished with fresh greens for a rustic centerpiece. For a playful twist, top with a poached egg or a scattering of blistered cherry tomatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply transfer the gnocchi and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making for a satisfying next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

For longer storage, spread cooled Creamy Pesto Gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. It keeps well for up to two months, ready whenever a comfort food craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir often until heated through and creamy again, and add a fresh sprinkle of parmesan before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi?

Absolutely! Homemade potato gnocchi will make this dish extra special. Just be gentle when stirring them into the sauce, as they tend to be more delicate than store-bought versions.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you’d like a lighter option, half-and-half works, though the sauce may not be quite as rich. Plant-based cream alternatives can also be used for a dairy-free version, though flavor and texture will vary.

What kind of pesto is best?

Basil pesto is classic and adds that signature green color, but you can experiment with arugula, kale, or even sun-dried tomato pesto for different flavors. Fresh, vibrant pesto always yields the best results for Creamy Pesto Gnocchi.

How can I make this vegetarian?

As written, the recipe is already vegetarian—just make sure your parmesan doesn’t contain animal rennet if that’s a concern for you.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! For extra heartiness, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even some crispy pancetta right before serving. Roasted vegetables like mushrooms or asparagus are delicious add-ins, too.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, heartwarming dinner that feels fancy but comes together fast, give Creamy Pesto Gnocchi a try. It’s guaranteed to become one of those go-to recipes you’ll reach for again and again whenever you want a meal that’s both simple and spectacular.

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 29 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delicious flavors of this creamy pesto gnocchi recipe. The rich combination of pesto, cream, and parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that perfectly coats the tender potato gnocchi.

Ingredients

Scale

Pesto:

1/4 cup pesto

Cream Sauce:

1 cup heavy/whipping cream
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Other:

1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Add the pesto, cream, wine, and garlic to a deep skillet over medium heat. Once the sauce starts to gently bubble, stir in the gnocchi. Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
Uncover the pan and give it a good stir. Continue to cook it for a couple more minutes, stirring often (the sauce will thicken quickly as the gnocchi releases more starch).
Once the sauce is thickened to your liking, stir in the parmesan cheese. If the sauce gets too thick at any point, add in another splash of wine or cream. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately.