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Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe Easy Homemade with Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy creamy pesto gnocchi dish with fresh cherry tomatoes that delivers rich flavor and comforting texture in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) store-bought or homemade gnocchi
  • ½ cup (120ml) basil pesto
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1 pint (about 250g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • ¼ cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound (450g) gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually 2 to 3 minutes until they float to the top. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out, reserving about ½ cup (120ml) of the cooking water. Set gnocchi aside.
  2. While the gnocchi cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, without browning.
  3. Add 1 pint (250g) halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until tomatoes soften but still hold shape. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in ½ cup (120ml) basil pesto and ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream into the skillet. Mix gently until heated through and creamy, about 2 minutes. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved gnocchi water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it up.
  5. Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Stir gently to coat every piece with the creamy pesto sauce. Heat for another 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Remove from heat. Sprinkle ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook gnocchi to avoid mushiness. Add cream slowly over medium-low heat to prevent curdling. Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to loosen sauce if needed. Use fresh pesto for best flavor or add lemon juice to jarred pesto to brighten it. Reheat leftovers gently on stovetop with splash of water or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: gnocchi, pesto, creamy pesto gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, easy dinner, quick recipe, vegetarian, Italian pasta

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/creamy-pesto-gnocchi-recipe-easy-homemade-with-cherry-tomatoes/