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Avidly Ravenous

November 18, 2022

15-Minute Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

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Some days you don't even have the energy to boil a pot of pasta. Trust me, I've been there. This three ingredient creamy pesto gnocchi is perfect for days like that. You can get fancy and make your own pesto or gnocchi but store-bought won't make this recipe any less filling or comforting. The best part is that it only takes about 15 minutes to make and you can do anything for 15 minutes, or at least that's what I tell myself.

Have a little extra energy? Try this gnocchi with some crusty French bread! Maybe pesto isn't your thing or you need a dairy-free option; try making a roasted cherry tomato sauce for the gnocchi instead.

Pesto cream gnocchi in a bowl alongside cut French bread.

What to add to pesto cream gnocchi?

This recipe is good as is but if you want to add some flare to it here are some good options.

Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, kale, spinach, mushrooms, peas

Proteins: Chicken (shredded or diced), beef, toasted pine nuts, walnuts

Cheeses: Parmesan, Asiago, Romano

FAQs

What are gnocchi?

Gnocchi are a group of Italian pastas, often made with potato. They are the shape of a small dumpling and are more doughy than most other pasta.

Why use gnocchi instead of pasta?

The main reason that I like to use gnocchi is because it requires very little time to cook, often just around 3 minutes. You also do not need to cook them in boiling water like most pasta, meaning that you can just cook them straight in your sauce!

Where can I buy gnocchi?

Gnocchi is available in many grocery stores in the Italian section of the pasta aisle or sometimes with the fresh pastas. I like to use the vacuum packed gnocchi from the pasta aisle because it stays fresh for a long time.

Is creamy pesto gnocchi vegetarian?

This gnocchi is vegetarian but not vegan.

How long does it take to cook gnocchi?

It typically takes around 3 minutes to cook gnocchi, making it an excellent starch for a day when you have low energy.

More low energy recipes

  • Easy recipes for when you are exhausted

  • 5 ingredient snack recipes

  • Instant pot mac and cheese

Three ingredients, 15 minutes, and one pan, you got this. Remember that your body deserves nourishment even when it's hard; you're worth it!

Keep your belly full, your mind engaged, and your heart open.




Lillian
gnocchi coated in a creamy pesto sauce, served alongside some sliced French bread.

15-Minute Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

With just 3 ingredients, in one pan, and about 15 minutes of work, you can have a comforting dinner ready to eat.
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Cook Time 15 mins
Course Dinner, Entree, pasta
Cuisine American
Servings 3 servings
Calories 545 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup pesto*
  • 16 ounces gnocchi**
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins (see post for more): spinach, broccoli, pine nuts, chicken, parmesan***

Instructions
 

  • Put a large pan over medium heat then add the cream and pesto and mix them together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, turn down to medium low, then let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Increase the heat back to medium and add the gnocchi to the pan, mixing well to combine. Simmer the gnocchi for about 3 minutes, then remove from the heat and add salt and pepper to your taste.

Notes

*You can make your own pesto or use store-bought. I prefer the pesto in the refrigerated section because I find the jarred stuff too acidic.
**If you make your own that's great! If you're like the rest of us, just buy gnocchi in a vacuum sealed container from the pasta aisle. 
***It's best to use pre-cooked or quick cooking add ins for this meal. Add these items when you mix the gnocchi into the sauce. 

Nutrition

Serving: 0.33totalCalories: 545kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 9gFat: 47gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 518mgPotassium: 285mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 140mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 160mg
Keyword 15 minutes, Cream, gnocchi, low energy, low spoons, one pan, pesto
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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