I remember the relief I felt the first time I whipped up Creamy Pesto Gnocchi after a long, hectic day. It was a quick, one-pan dinner that felt indulgent but didn’t eat up my evening. Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe quickly became my ultimate comfort food, blending that rich, creamy sauce with tender gnocchi for a fast, flavorful meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
- Foolproof one-pan method means less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Gnocchi cooks perfectly without turning gummy or mushy, thanks to the gentle simmer sauce.
- The entire dinner comes together in under 20 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
- Simple ingredients blend effortlessly, making it easy to keep stocked in your pantry and fridge. If you’re a fan of quick, flavorful one-pan meals, you might also enjoy this amazing one-pot white lasagna soup for another comforting dinner option.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
Before diving into cooking, here’s everything you’ll need for this cozy dinner:
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Choosing Your Gnocchi
For the best one-pan Creamy Pesto Gnocchi, fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi works wonderfully. Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly and releases just enough starch to thicken the sauce naturally. Shelf-stable gnocchi is convenient and holds up well in this method. Frozen gnocchi is an option, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s heated through.
A Quick Note on Pesto
Jarred pesto is a handy staple and works fine, especially if you choose a quality brand with fresh-tasting basil. Refrigerated pesto tends to have a brighter flavor and fresher ingredients but can be pricier and less shelf-stable. Both types blend beautifully into this creamy sauce, so pick what fits your routine best. For more creamy sauce recipes and ideas, explore our collection.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Gnocchi (Step-by-Step)
- Combine ingredients in skillet: Add the pesto, cream, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and garlic to a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Cook gnocchi covered: Once the sauce starts to gently bubble, stir in the gnocchi. Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir and continue cooking: Uncover the pan and give it a good stir. Continue to cook it for a couple more minutes, stirring often. The sauce will thicken quickly as the gnocchi releases more starch.
- Finish with parmesan: Once the sauce is thickened to your liking, stir in the parmesan cheese. If the sauce gets too thick at any point, add in another splash of chicken broth or cream. Season with salt and pepper as needed and serve immediately.
Aisha’s Tips for Perfect Results
I’ve learned a few tricks that make this recipe foolproof:
- Don’t boil the sauce after adding cream; keep it gently simmering to prevent separation.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Season at the very end because pesto and parmesan already bring saltiness.
- The gnocchi is perfectly cooked when it’s tender but still firm to the bite—avoid overcooking to keep texture.
Variations and Fun Add-ins
You can easily customize this creamy pesto gnocchi to make it your own. For instance, if you enjoy adding cooked chicken, you might also love our ultimate chicken and dumplings recipe.
| Add-in | Amount | When to Add |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken | 1 cup, diced | Stir in with gnocchi step |
| Spinach | 2 cups fresh | Add halfway through cooking |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | 1/4 cup chopped | Add with gnocchi |
| Toasted pine nuts | 2 tablespoons | Sprinkle on top before serving |
What to Serve with Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
Pair this rich dish with light, simple sides like:
- A crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread, toasted and buttery
- Roasted asparagus spears for a fresh, earthy contrast
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as cream sauces tend to separate. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.
Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a deep skillet over medium heat, combine pesto, cream, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the gnocchi, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Uncover and cook 2–3 minutes more, stirring often, until the sauce thickens as the gnocchi releases starch.
- Stir in Parmesan until melted; thin with a splash of broth or cream if needed, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out. To thicken a thin sauce, simmer uncovered for an extra minute until it reaches the perfect consistency. The starch from the gnocchi naturally helps thicken as it cooks.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
For this one-pan method, shelf-stable or fresh gnocchi works best. If you want to use frozen, add 2-3 minutes to the initial covered cooking time to ensure it’s heated through evenly.
How do I prevent the cream from separating or getting oily?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer, never letting the sauce come to a rolling boil. Stir in the pesto and parmesan off the heat to help maintain a smooth, creamy texture without breaking.
How can I make this Creamy Pesto Gnocchi vegan or dairy-free?
| Original Ingredient | Dairy-Free/Vegan Substitution |
|---|---|
| Heavy cream | Full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream |
| Chicken broth | Vegetable broth |
| Parmesan cheese | Nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan |
Conclusion
This one-pan Creamy Pesto Gnocchi is a lifesaver for busy nights when you want something comforting but quick. Its creamy sauce, fresh pesto flavor, and perfectly cooked gnocchi come together in under 20 minutes with minimal fuss. Did you make this Creamy Pesto Gnocchi? I would absolutely love to hear how it went! Please leave a star rating and a comment below with any questions or variations you tried. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram when you share your beautiful dish!
