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.
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
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.
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!
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.
This gnocchi is vegetarian but not vegan.
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
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
15-Minute Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
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.
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