Hello fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I bring you a dish that’s like a warm embrace on a chilly day, transporting you straight to an Italian trattoria, where every bite is packed with flavor and comfort—Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Pine Nuts.
If you’re anything like me, every so often you crave a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated, something that satisfies the soul while delighting the palate. This creamy pesto gnocchi is exactly that! It combines silky potato pillows with the bright zing of fresh pesto, the juiciness of cherry tomatoes, and the rich crunch of toasted pine nuts. It’s a dish that dances between textures and flavors, giving you that perfect bite every time.
The real beauty of this dish lies in its ease and elegance. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner with your family or even as a star dish for when friends come over. And let’s face it, there’s something so delightfully satisfying about dishes that make you feel like a pro chef without spending ages in the kitchen.
When it comes to making gnocchi, I usually opt for the pre-made kind on busy days – it’s wonderfully convenient and gets the job done without a fuss. But if you have the time and inclination, homemade gnocchi can elevate this dish even further. Whichever route you take, you’re in for an indulgent experience.
As the gnocchi bathes in the creamy pesto sauce, the smell that fills the kitchen is enticing—every time I make this dish, my husband finds his way into the kitchen with a hopeful “Is dinner ready yet?”. And, of course, I can never resist sneaking a few cherry tomatoes before they make it to the skillet!
Toasting pine nuts might seem like a small step, but trust me, it’s worth it. Their nutty aroma as they turn golden brown is absolute magic, and they add a beautiful crunch to the finished dish.
Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh basil leaves work wonders in adding that final layer of flavor and color. And there you have it—rich, creamy, and absolutely delightful gnocchi in a matter of minutes!
I hope this recipe finds its way to your dining table soon. It’s dishes like these that remind me why I love spending time in the kitchen. Until next time, happy cooking and buon appetito!
Ingredients
– 500g potato gnocchi
– 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
– 150g pesto sauce
– 100ml heavy cream
– 50g grated Parmesan cheese
– 50g pine nuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt, to taste
– Black pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Method
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically for 2-3 minutes, until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened slightly.
4. Stir in the cooked gnocchi into the skillet with the tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the gnocchi to absorb some of the tomato juices.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the pesto sauce and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Gently simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and creamy.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Remove from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi.
8. In a small, dry pan, toast the pine nuts over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently.
9. Serve the creamy pesto gnocchi topped with toasted pine nuts and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
10. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
