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- 1 pound potato gnocchi - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced The heart of this dish lies in its main ingredients. First, you need potato gnocchi. They give a soft and chewy texture that works well in this creamy sauce. Heavy cream is next. It adds richness and makes the sauce thick. Basil pesto brings a fresh, herby taste. You can use store-bought or make your own if you like. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese adds depth and creaminess. Lastly, minced garlic gives the dish a savory kick. - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Olive oil for cooking Optional ingredients can elevate your creamy pesto gnocchi. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. They add a pop of color and enhance the flavor. Don't forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste. A drizzle of olive oil is great for cooking the garlic. It helps to bring out the flavor of the dish. Using these ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal. Each item plays a key role in building the overall taste and texture. When combined, they make a dish that is both quick and tasty. - Warm olive oil in skillet. - Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Start by putting olive oil in a large skillet. Heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add your minced garlic. Stir it for about a minute. You want it to smell good, but not brown. - Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened. - Incorporate gnocchi directly into skillet. - Gradually add heavy cream and stir. Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. They should soften and release their juices. Next, add the potato gnocchi right into the skillet. Stir gently to mix everything well. Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream. Keep stirring until it simmers. - Mix in basil pesto and simmer. - Fold in grated Parmesan cheese. - Adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in the basil pesto now. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the gnocchi soak up the sauce. Then, fold in your grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts and makes the sauce creamy. Taste your dish and add salt and pepper if needed. To avoid overcooking gnocchi, cook them just until they float. This usually takes about 2-4 minutes in boiling water. After they rise, drain them quickly. Be careful not to leave them in the water too long, or they will turn mushy. When sautéing garlic, keep your heat at medium. Add the minced garlic and watch it closely. Stir it for about one minute until it smells great but does not brown. Browned garlic can taste bitter and ruin your dish. Serve the creamy gnocchi in shallow bowls for a nice look. Add fresh basil leaves on top for color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a lovely touch. This makes your dish not just tasty but beautiful for your guests. You can also try drizzling a bit of olive oil on top. This gives a shiny finish and enhances the flavor. Use a wide, flat plate to spread the dish out, making it look more inviting. {{image_4}} You can switch up the pesto in this dish. Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a rich taste. You can also use arugula pesto for a peppery kick. If you want a nut-free option, use a spinach pesto. For the heavy cream, you can use Greek yogurt. It will add a nice creaminess. Coconut cream is another great choice for a dairy-free version. Just be aware it will change the flavor a bit. Adding protein can make this dish heartier. Cooked chicken or shrimp works well. Simply add them when you sauté the garlic. This way, they get nice and warm. Incorporating veggies boosts nutrition, too. Spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can be great additions. Just toss them in with the tomatoes and let them cook until tender. This keeps the dish colorful and healthy. After making creamy pesto gnocchi, let it cool down. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, spoon the gnocchi into a skillet. Add a splash of cream or water to help it heat up. Warm it over low heat until hot. Stir often to prevent sticking. Yes, you can freeze creamy pesto gnocchi! To do this, let it cool completely first. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for about two months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. Reheat in a skillet with a little cream or water for best results. This will keep it creamy and delicious. How long does it take to cook gnocchi? Cooking gnocchi takes only about 2–4 minutes. You know they are done when they float. It’s quick and easy! Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the creamy pesto gnocchi ahead. Cook it, then let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat it on low heat. What to do if the sauce is too thick? If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. Stir it in slowly until you reach your desired creaminess. How to adjust the spiciness level in the dish? To change the spice level, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can always add more if you like heat! What are the calories in creamy pesto gnocchi? One serving of creamy pesto gnocchi has about 500 calories. This number can change based on your ingredients. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly! It contains no meat, just tasty cheese and veggies. Enjoy guilt-free! This blog post covered how to make creamy pesto gnocchi with ease. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You now have ideas for variations and storage tips for leftovers, too. While preparing this dish, enjoy the flavors and make it your own. Try adding proteins or veggies to suit your taste. With these tips, you'll create a satisfying meal every time. Happy cooking!

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Skillet

Savor the indulgent taste of creamy pesto gnocchi skillet delight! This easy recipe combines tender potato gnocchi with a luscious cream sauce, fresh cherry tomatoes, and vibrant basil pesto for a delicious dinner in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is sure to impress family and friends. Click through to explore this irresistible recipe and bring a gourmet meal to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound potato gnocchi

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by warming the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

    Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

      Without pre-cooking, add the potato gnocchi directly to the skillet, gently stirring to combine them with the garlic and tomatoes for an even distribution of flavors.

        Gradually pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously to help combine the cream with the tomatoes and garlic for a luscious sauce.

          Incorporate the basil pesto into the mixture, stirring thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 2–3 minutes, giving the gnocchi a chance to absorb the creamy sauce.

            Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as desired.

              Remove the skillet from heat and allow it to rest for a minute, during which time the sauce will thicken slightly, enhancing the creamy texture.

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy gnocchi in shallow bowls or plates. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance that enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4