If you’re looking for a satisfying meal that transports you straight to Italy, look no further than this homemade Italian Gnocchi with Pesto. Soft, pillowy gnocchi paired with a vibrant, fragrant pesto sauce brings together the best of Italian cuisine in every bite.
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of fluffy gnocchi and the herbaceous, nutty flavors of the pesto creates a delightful experience on your tastebuds. Plus, making gnocchi from scratch can be a fun and rewarding kitchen project!
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this Italian Gnocchi with Pesto recipe is simple to follow and sure to impress your guests.
Delicious Italian Gnocchi with Pesto
Enjoy the wonderful experience of making Italian Gnocchi with Pesto right in your kitchen. This dish features soft, pillowy gnocchi, perfectly complemented by a vibrant and aromatic pesto sauce. The combination brings Italy’s culinary charm to your dining table, offering a taste that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
The process to create this delightful meal is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks at any skill level. From the first step of preparing the gnocchi to blending the fresh ingredients for the pesto, each moment becomes a chance to connect with the essence of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Experience
The heart of this dish lies in its careful selection of ingredients. Using quality components guarantees a richer taste. Fresh basil leaves, ripe for the picking, deliver a fragrant kick, while pine nuts add a delightful crunch. The creamy richness of ricotta cheese combined with extra virgin olive oil brings depth and harmony to the plate.
Parmesan cheese enhances the overall flavor, creating that classic Italian taste which elevates each bite of gnocchi. Together, these elements contribute to a dish that feels light yet satisfying, making it perfect for any occasion.
Making Your Own Gnocchi
The process of making homemade gnocchi is incredibly rewarding. It begins with combining ricotta cheese, egg, and salt, then gradually incorporating flour until a soft dough forms. Kneading this dough on a floured surface helps achieve a smooth consistency, which is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Once the dough is ready, it’s divided into small portions, rolled into long ropes, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Shaping each piece with a fork adds the traditional ridges, perfect for holding onto the luscious pesto sauce.
Creating the Perfect Pesto Sauce
Preparing the pesto is a straightforward yet essential step in this recipe. Use a food processor to blend fresh basil, pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. Slowly adding olive oil while blending results in a smooth, fragrant sauce that embodies the essence of fresh ingredients.
Seasoning with salt and pepper ensures the pesto complements the gnocchi beautifully. This sauce not only enhances the dish’s appearance but also infuses it with vibrant flavors that are sure to impress.
Cooking and Combining
Cooking the gnocchi is a quick affair. Boil salted water, and once it reaches a rolling boil, gently add the gnocchi. They are perfectly cooked when they float to the surface, usually taking about 2-3 minutes. This quick cooking time keeps the gnocchi tender, ensuring they maintain their delightful texture.
Once cooked, toss the gnocchi in the prepared pesto sauce, allowing each piece to be generously coated. Serving it hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and perhaps a sprinkle of fresh basil, completes this Italian Gnocchi with Pesto dish beautifully.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish shines on its own, but there are numerous ways to elevate your meal further. Pairing it with a simple side salad featuring mixed greens and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the gnocchi and pesto.
A glass of chilled white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the dining experience, offering a refreshing contrast to the flavors on the plate. Whether for a family dinner or an intimate gathering, this homemade Italian Gnocchi with Pesto is bound to delight and satisfy any palate.
Delicious Italian Gnocchi with Pesto Recipe
These homemade gnocchi are incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth, while the pesto sauce adds a burst of fresh basil flavor, complemented by the richness of olive oil and the crunch of pine nuts. The dish is both light and satisfying, perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Gnocchi: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and salt. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 1-inch pieces and shape with a fork.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Blend while slowly adding olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked gnocchi with the pesto in a serving bowl until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
