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Home » Recipes » Potato Side Dishes

Pesto Gnocchi

Published: Sep 13, 2022 Modified: Jan 5, 2023 by Isabel

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Learn how to make a comforting, easy gnocchi side dish - Pesto Gnocchi! Made with pillowy, tender gnocchi, smothered in a homemade creamy pesto sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes!

pesto gnocchi in a white bowl with a piece of basil on top
Jump to:
  • Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
  • Pesto Gnocchi FAQs
  • Pesto Gnocchi Ingredients
  • How to Make Gnocchi with Pesto
  • Pesto Gnocchi Recipe Tips
  • Storing and Reheating Leftovers
  • More Potato Side Dish Recipes
  • Pesto Gnocchi

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

This recipe for gnocchi with pesto is a complete weeknight dinner game changer! When I think about a comforting side dish, potato gnocchi is always on the list. They're quick, easy, and super versatile.

Pesto gnocchi is a family-friendly meal that can easily be whipped up in just 10 minutes from start to finish! It's so easy to make and tastes amazing.

The best part about this recipe is the homemade pesto Parmesan sauce. It is totally irresistible! I love serving this sauce with pasta dishes of all kinds, but it is especially delicious with gnocchi.

pesto gnocchi in a white plate with a fork

Pesto Gnocchi FAQs

Is gnocchi pasta or potato?

Gnocchi is a type of pasta dumpling made out of potatoes, wheat, and eggs. It's similar to pasta, as you typically serve it with some type of sauce in the same way you would with noodles.

What do you serve with pesto gnocchi?

Serve pesto gnocchi as a side dish paired with chicken, pork, beef, or fish. It is a versatile dish you can enjoy with entrees of all kinds!

Can you freeze pesto gnocchi?

You can store leftover pesto gnocchi in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but do not freeze cooked gnocchi, as the texture will change in the freezer and become mushy. You can freeze pesto, if desired. For best results, freeze in ice trays to control portion size, then move to freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 6 months labeled with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Pesto Gnocchi Ingredients

  • Gnocchi
  • Fresh basil
  • Vegan Parmesan cheese or regular Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic
  • Pine nuts
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Olive oil
pesto gnocchi ingredients laid out

How to Make Gnocchi with Pesto

  1. First, fill a pot with salty water (water needs to taste like seawater) and bring it to a boil. In the meantime, take a food processor or a high-speed blender and blend the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt & pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. Run it until it turns into a creamy pesto.pesto gnocchi ingredients in a food processor
  2. Next, add the gnocchi to the boiling water and wait for 2-3 minutes or until they start to float. Drain the water, add the gnocchi into a saucepan and pour the pesto over top, making sure to toss them around until all the gnocchi is covered.pesto gnocchi dish in a skillet
  3. Top with fresh basil leaves, pepper, pine nuts and additional Parmesan cheese.pesto gnocchi dish in a skillet
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!pesto gnocchi in a white bowl with a piece of basil on top

Pesto Gnocchi Recipe Tips

  • How long should you cook gnocchi? Make sure to cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. It cooks quickly and is ready once it starts to float in boiling water.
  • You can keep this dish meat-free or you could add in chicken tenders for a kid-friendly chicken pesto gnocchi meal.
pesto gnocchi in a white bowl with a piece of basil on top

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storing: Carefully store any pesto gnocchi leftovers in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Reheating: Uncover and place in an oven-safe dish, cook for about 5-10 minutes at 350℉ until warmed through. Or, you can microwave for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

To help loosen the sauce you may need to add a splash of water when reheating.

More Potato Side Dish Recipes

  • Grilled Potatoes in Foil
  • Potato Pave
  • German Potato Salad
  • Smothered Potatoes
  • Au Gratin Potatoes
  • Try my High Protein Side Dishes!

Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments below, and leave a rating! We love to hear from you.

pesto gnocchi in a white bowl with a piece of basil on top

Pesto Gnocchi

Isabel Laessig
Learn how to make an easy gnocchi side dish - Pesto Gnocchi! Tender gnocchi smothered in a homemade creamy pesto sauce, ready in 10 minutes.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 2 people
Calories 708 kcal

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Saucepan
  • Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz Gnocchi
  • 2½ cups Fresh basil leaves
  • 2 Tablespoons Vegan Parmesan cheese or regular Parmesan
  • 3 cloves Garlic roughly chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons Pinenuts
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper
  • ¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • First, fill a pot with salty water (water needs to taste like seawater) and bring it to a boil. In the meantime, take a food processor or a high-speed blender and blend the basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt & pepper, and extra virgin olive oil and run it until it turns into a creamy pesto.
    2½ cups Fresh basil leaves, 2 Tablespoons Vegan Parmesan cheese, 3 cloves Garlic, 2 Tablespoons Pinenuts, 1 teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon Black pepper, ¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil
    pesto gnocchi ingredients in a food processor
  • Next, add the gnocchi into the boiling water and wait for 2-3 minutes or until they start to float. Drain the water, add the gnocchi into a saucepan and pour the pesto making sure to toss them around until all the gnocchi is covered.
    16 oz Gnocchi
    pesto gnocchi dish in a skillet
  • Top up with basil leaves, pepper, pine nuts, and additional parmesan cheese.
    2½ cups Fresh basil leaves, 2 Tablespoons Pinenuts, ½ teaspoon Black pepper, 2 Tablespoons Vegan Parmesan cheese
    pesto gnocchi dish in a skillet
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!
    pesto gnocchi in a white bowl with a piece of basil on top

Notes

  • How long to cook gnocchi? Make sure to cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions.
  • I do not recommend freezing this gnocchi side dish.
  • You can keep this dish meat-free or you could add in chicken tenders for a kid-friendly chicken pesto gnocchi meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 708kcalCarbohydrates: 85gProtein: 13gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 2014mgPotassium: 178mgFiber: 6gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1628IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 171mgIron: 10mg
Keyword gnocchi recipe, gnocchi with pesto, how to make gnocchi, pesto gnocchi
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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About Isabel

Isabel Laessig, better known as Family Foodie and the founder of the Sunday Supper Movement, is passionate about food and family! She is the author of the Boujee Steak Cookbook, and hosts Family Foodie Friday on WTSP's Great Day Tampa Bay along with other television appearances to spread her mission of bringing Sunday Supper back around the family table in every home.

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Hello! I'm Isabel, aka Family Foodie. I want to be your go-to source for every side dish recipe you need!

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