Crispy Gnocchi Pesto
Pan-fried gnocchi achieves an irresistible golden crust on the outside while remaining pillowy soft on the inside and then gets tossed in vibrant homemade basil pesto. This dish transforms a humble pantry staple into an impressive restaurant quality meal in just 25 minutes.
Golden pan-fried gnocchi tossed in fresh basil pesto for a quick and satisfying Italian-inspired meal.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
Main
Cooking
Sauce
Vegetables
Topping
Aromatics
Seasoning
Instructions
Dry the Gnocchi
If using fresh gnocchi spread them on a clean kitchen towel and pat gently to remove excess moisture. This step is critical for achieving a proper golden crust rather than steaming the gnocchi in the pan. Shelf stable gnocchi can go straight from the package without any pre-cooking or boiling.
Sear Until Golden
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add the gnocchi in a single layer without crowding the pan and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a deep golden crust forms on the bottom. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Push the crisped gnocchi to the sides of the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the center. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant then add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook stirring occasionally for 3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to blister and release their juices.
Toss with Pesto
Remove the pan from the heat and add the basil pesto to the gnocchi and tomato mixture. Toss everything together gently ensuring each piece of gnocchi is well coated in the vibrant green sauce. The residual heat will warm the pesto without cooking out its fresh flavor.
Finish and Serve
Transfer the pesto gnocchi to serving bowls and top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the toasted pine nuts. Season with freshly ground black pepper and add a drizzle of good quality olive oil if desired. Serve immediately while the gnocchi retain their crispy exterior.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
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