Cheesy pesto gnocchi is a simple Italian-inspired dinner, and it's ready in next to no time.
Gnocchi (pronounced nyo-kee, not nyo-chee) are like little soft pillows of pasta, though they are actually usually made of potato. They are from Northern Italy but are now common all over the country, with recipes varying by region. If you are looking for a quick, easy and immensely satisfying dinner, they are a godsend. They cook in just three minutes. And unlike regular pasta, you can tell when they're done because they bob to the top of the water. Gnocchi work well with really simple, flavoursome sauces like this one, and you can have a delicious, warming meal of them ready in less than 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 500g pack gnocchi
- Pinch of salt
- 200g full-fat soft cheese
- 3 tbsp pesto
- 30g Parmesan, grated
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- Rocket, to serve
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Pour boiling water from the kettle into a pan. Add the gnocchi and salt, bring back to the boil and cook for 3 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface.
- Drain the gnocchi. Add the soft cheese to the pan with the pesto and heat gently to melt. Return the gnocchi to the pan and stir gently to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle over the Parmesan and a good grating of nutmeg. Serve with rocket.
Top tips for making cheesy pesto gnocchi
Unlike pasta which can dry out in the fridge, gnocchi leftovers in sauce keep well in a sealed container for 2-3 days. If you're storing them without sauce on, drizzle over a little olive oil so they do not dry out.
You might also like…
How to make gnocchi
Octavia Lillywhite is an award-winning food and lifestyle journalist with over 15 years of experience. With a passion for creating beautiful, tasty family meals that don’t use hundreds of ingredients or anything you have to source from obscure websites, she’s a champion of local and seasonal foods, using up leftovers and composting, which, she maintains, is probably the most important thing we all can do to protect the environment.
-
Gnocchi recipe with sage and lemon
Our gnocchi recipe with sage and lemon is a simple but delicious vegetarian main, perfect for dinner parties. Only a few ingredients are needed for it too.
By GoodtoKnow Published
-
Tomato, bean and basil pasta salad
This tomato, bean and basil pasta salad is a great alternative to sandwiches for lunch boxes and is also an excellent vegan buffet option if you’re hosting a party.
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Simple chorizo and tomato linguine with rocket
This simple chorizo and tomato linguine with rocket is the perfect family dinner. Swap the rocket for some steamed broccoli if it’s too spicy for your little ones.
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Stuffed lamb shoulder with feta and apricot
Our stuffed lamb shoulder with feta and apricot is infused with lots of Middle Eastern flavours and it only takes 30 minutes of prep
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Stuffed spring leg of lamb with herby chutney
This stuffed spring leg of lamb with herby chutney is best made the night before so it can marinate and intensify in flavour.
By Jules Mercer Published
-
Easter coconut and lemon cake
This Easter coconut and lemon cake serves 12 and leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to three days.
By Jules Mercer Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William's exciting spring solo trip without the kids is historical for this reason – and we're pretty sure pasta devotee Prince George will be so jealous
The Prince and Princess of Wales are heading on an exciting spring solo trip without the kids
By Selina Maycock Published
-
Prince William and Prince Harry’s ‘favourite’ childhood meals are surprisingly ‘normal’ and easy to recreate for family dinners
The brother's enjoyed "traditional, English food"
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
What is TikTok pasta sieve hair? The 'curly hair' trend explained
Here's all you need to know before you rush to the kitchen to try it...
By Selina Maycock Published