Short Description

A rich and comforting dish of pillowy soft gnocchi in a luscious, creamy pesto sauce brightened with sun‑dried tomatoes—a simple yet indulgent meal ready in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra‑quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights
Velvety sauce meets vibrant pesto and tangy tomatoes
Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor
A satisfying vegetarian comfort dish that feels fancy without fuss

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (16‑ounce / 450 g) package gnocchi
½ cup chopped sun‑dried tomatoes in oil
¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream (double cream in UK)
4 tablespoons pesto
½ teaspoon salt

Directions

Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float and are tender. Drain well.
Meanwhile, heat the oil from the sun‑dried tomato jar in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and sear for about 1 minute to release their flavor, stirring gently.
Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for about 1 minute—avoid bringing it to a full boil. Remove from heat.
Stir in the pesto until evenly combined, then season the sauce with ½ teaspoon of salt.
Add the drained gnocchi into the sauce and gently toss to coat every piece.
Serve immediately while warm. Optionally top with grated Parmesan or your favorite hard vegetarian cheese.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Serves 2–3 as a main course or 4 as a side
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: ~15 minutes

Variations

Protein boost: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for added protein.
Greens: Add fresh spinach or arugula at the end—just stir until wilted.
Cheesy twist: Mix in a handful of shredded mozzarella or swirl in goat cheese for creaminess.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili for heat.
Herbal freshness: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Storage / Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened. You can also microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use store‑bought pesto or should I make it fresh?

You can absolutely use store‑bought pesto for convenience—it works wonderfully. Homemade pesto offers brighter, fresher flavors if you have time.

2. Is gnocchi gluten‑free?

Most gnocchi is made from wheat flour and is not gluten‑free. Look for a gluten‑free version (e.g. potato‑only or rice flour) if needed.

3. Can I make this dairy‑free or vegan?

Yes. Substitute dairy cream with plant‑based alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegan pesto (check the label for cheese or use a nut‑based pesto).

4. How do I prevent the sauce from splitting when heating cream?

Heat gently and avoid boiling. Stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as it simmers.

5. Can I make this ahead and reheat later?

Yes. Store the sauce and cooked gnocchi separately if possible, combine and reheat just before serving for best texture.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not ideal—the cream sauce may separate. It’s better to refrigerate and eat within a few days.

7. How much sauce does this recipe yield?

Roughly enough to coat a 16‑ounce bag of gnocchi—about 1 cup of sauce, depending on how much oil came with your sun‑dried tomatoes.

8. Can I add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini?

Absolutely. Sauté thinly sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell pepper before adding the cream for extra flavor and texture.

9. What cheese pairs well with this dish?

Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano are classic. For a vegetarian alternative, try a hard vegetarian cheese or nutritional yeast.

10. Can I increase the pesto or tomato quantity?

Yes—feel free to adjust to taste. More pesto yields more vibrant herb flavor; more sun‑dried tomatoes add sweetness and acidity.

Conclusion

This Creamy Pesto Gnocchi is a fast, flavorful meal that feels elegant with minimal effort. With its rich pesto‑cream sauce and sweet sun‑dried tomatoes coating pillowy gnocchi, it’s a hearty dish you can whip up in under 20 minutes. Perfect on its own or dressed up with add‑ins like protein or veggies, it’s a keeper for busy nights or casual gatherings.