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To make this delicious dish, you need a few key ingredients: - 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup basil pesto - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly coats the gnocchi. You can customize this dish to fit your taste. Here are some optional ingredients: - Cooked chicken or shrimp for protein - Mushrooms for an earthy flavor - Peas or zucchini for added veggies - Different cheese like mozzarella or goat cheese for variation Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand! For this recipe, I recommend using potato gnocchi. They are soft and fluffy, making them perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. You can also try: - Fresh gnocchi for a lighter texture - Whole wheat gnocchi for a healthier option - Gluten-free gnocchi if you need a gluten-free dish Choose what you prefer, and enjoy the flavors in this one-skillet meal! Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup basil pesto - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Make sure to wash the cherry tomatoes and chop the spinach. This makes cooking smoother. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the gnocchi. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Stir them often to stop sticking. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for another 2-3 minutes until they soften. Then, stir in the chopped spinach. Cook until it wilts, which takes about a minute. Now, pour in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Stir to mix well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the gnocchi simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the gnocchi to warm through. Turn off the heat and let the dish cool for a minute. Serve the creamy pesto gnocchi directly from the skillet. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a crusty piece of bread to soak up that rich sauce. Enjoy your quick and tasty meal! To get that perfect golden color on your gnocchi, heat olive oil well. Use medium heat and add the gnocchi in a single layer. Let them cook for 3-5 minutes without stirring too much. This helps them brown nicely. If you stir too often, they can become mushy. You can boost the flavor of your creamy pesto gnocchi easily. Consider adding minced garlic while cooking the gnocchi. Garlic adds a nice kick. You can also toss in red pepper flakes for some heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can add freshness too. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens the dish. One common mistake is cooking the gnocchi too quickly. Always ensure the oil is hot before adding them. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Lastly, avoid overcooking the cream sauce. Let it simmer gently to keep it creamy, not curdled. {{image_2}} For a vegetarian version of One-Skillet Creamy Pesto Gnocchi, keep all the main ingredients. Just swap the heavy cream for a plant-based cream. You can use coconut cream or cashew cream to create a rich texture. Both options blend well with basil pesto. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. If you want a vegan dish, choose a vegan pesto. Many brands offer this. Also, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can easily customize this recipe. If you don't have gnocchi, try using pasta. Choose a short shape like penne or farfalle. They cook quickly and work well in the sauce. Cherry tomatoes add freshness, but you can use bell peppers or zucchini. Just chop them into small pieces. If you want less creaminess, use vegetable broth instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute spinach with kale or arugula. They provide a nice crunch and flavor. To change up the flavor, consider sun-dried tomatoes. They add a sweet and tangy taste. Just chop them and add them with the spinach. For a more vibrant taste, try adding lemon juice or zest. This brightens the dish and adds freshness. If you prefer a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes. It gives the dish a nice heat that balances the cream. These variations allow you to create a meal that matches your taste. Enjoy experimenting! Store your creamy pesto gnocchi in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. Let it cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to the container. Always use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the sauce. To reheat your gnocchi, use a skillet for best results. Place it over medium heat. Add a splash of water or additional cream to prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you prevent uneven heating. You can keep your leftover creamy pesto gnocchi for about three days in the fridge. If you want to store it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. You can serve creamy pesto gnocchi with several tasty sides. A fresh salad pairs well. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing. Garlic bread is also great to soak up the sauce. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or shrimp complements the dish nicely. You can also add a side of roasted veggies for more color and flavor. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. Cook the gnocchi and store it in the fridge. You can also mix the heavy cream and pesto in advance. When ready to eat, just heat everything together in a skillet. The dish tastes best fresh, but it will still be good if reheated. Making gnocchi from scratch is fun and easy. You need a few simple ingredients. Start with 2 cups of mashed potatoes. Mix in 1 cup of flour and 1 egg. Add a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until smooth. Roll it out and cut it into small pieces. Press each piece with a fork for texture. Boil the gnocchi until they float. Then, they are ready to use in your creamy pesto dish! Creamy pesto gnocchi is simple yet tasty. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect results. Customizing your dish adds flair, and variations enhance flavors. Remember proper storage for leftovers, and explore FAQs for more insights. Enjoying this meal is easy and fun, whether for dinner or meal prep. Try it out and make it your own!

One-Skillet Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

Indulge in an easy and delicious One-Skillet Creamy Pesto Gnocchi that will impress your family and friends! This delightful dish combines tender gnocchi, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a rich creamy pesto sauce. With just a few simple steps and minimal cleanup, you'll have a satisfying meal ready in no time. Click through to discover this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 package (16 oz) gnocchi

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup basil pesto

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the gnocchi and sauté until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

    Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

      Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.

        Pour in the heavy cream and basil pesto, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

          Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Allow the gnocchi to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and well-coated.

              Remove from heat and let cool for a minute before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pesto gnocchi directly from the skillet, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy with a crusty piece of bread to soak up the creamy sauce!