Minute Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Skillet

$- 1 pound store-bought gnocchi - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach leaves - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 garlic cloves, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When I whip up this Minute Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Skillet, I love how simple yet rich it is. The main star is the gnocchi. One pound of store-bought gnocchi cooks quickly and makes the dish easy. Pair that with a cup of heavy cream and a cup of basil pesto, and you create a creamy, flavorful sauce that hugs each gnocchi piece. The additional ingredients add freshness and color. I enjoy using one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. They burst with flavor as they cook. Spinach leaves give the dish a lovely green hue and add nutrients. Lastly, I sprinkle in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a savory depth. Seasonings matter too. I use two tablespoons of olive oil to sauté garlic. The minced garlic infuses the oil, creating a fragrant base. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. Finally, I love to garnish my dish with fresh basil leaves. They add a pop of color and fresh taste. First, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them until they smell great, about 1 minute. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. This step brings out their sweet flavor and makes your dish pop. While the tomatoes are cooking, fill a pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add 1 pound of store-bought gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes or until they float to the top. This means they’re ready! After that, drain the gnocchi and carefully add them to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes. Now, lower the heat. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Then, add 1 cup of basil pesto. Mix it well, ensuring the gnocchi get coated in the creamy sauce. Toss in 1 cup of spinach leaves next. Cook everything for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until everything is hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for a nice touch. Enjoy your creamy pesto gnocchi! To adjust the creaminess level of your gnocchi, start with less cream. You can add more if needed. Heavy cream gives a rich taste, but you can use half-and-half for lighter meals. When cooking gnocchi, make sure you use plenty of salted water. This helps prevent sticking. Stir gently when you add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Once they rise to the top, they are ready to drain. For added flavor, try using a pinch of red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can wake up the dish. If you want a zesty kick, squeeze in some lemon juice too. Using homemade pesto gives a fresh taste. It often has more flavor than store-bought. If you choose store-bought, look for one with high-quality ingredients. Garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a nice touch and more flavor. Using colorful plateware makes your dish stand out. A bright plate can make the creamy gnocchi look even more tempting. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! {{image_2}} You can easily change this dish by swapping ingredients. Try using kale or arugula instead of spinach. Both greens add a nice flavor and texture to the dish. If you want to change the cheese, use feta or goat cheese. These cheeses bring a different taste that can surprise your guests. Adding protein can make this meal heartier. Cooked chicken or shrimp works great. Simply sauté them before adding the tomatoes. For a vegetarian option, toss in cooked beans like chickpeas or black beans. They add protein and fiber, making this dish even more filling. If you need gluten-free gnocchi, look for brands made from potato or rice flour. These options taste great and keep the dish light. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. These changes let everyone enjoy this creamy delight. To keep the Minute Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Skillet fresh, refrigerate it right away. Use an airtight container to seal in moisture. This dish tastes best within three days. When you reheat it, do so on low heat. This helps keep the gnocchi soft and creamy. Stir often to avoid sticking. Add a splash of cream if it seems dry. You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to separate the components. Freeze the gnocchi and sauce in different containers. This helps maintain texture. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove. Add a bit of cream or broth to bring back the creaminess. In the fridge, it stays fresh for about three days. Look for signs like off smells or a change in color. If the gnocchi feels mushy or slimy, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses to judge freshness. This dish is quick and easy! It takes only 5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. In total, you can have this meal ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy nights! Yes, you can use homemade pesto! Homemade pesto gives you better flavor and freshness. You can control the taste and ingredients. It often has less salt and no preservatives, making it healthier. Plus, making your own pesto can be a fun kitchen project! This creamy gnocchi pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - A simple green salad with a light dressing. - Garlic bread for a tasty addition. - Roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrients. These sides will round out your meal nicely. Absolutely! You can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook the gnocchi and sauce, then cool them down. Store in airtight containers in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat and enjoy! This recipe for Minute Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Skillet is quick and tasty. You learned about the main ingredients like gnocchi, cream, and pesto. Cooking it is easy, with simple steps for sautéing veggies and mixing everything together. I shared tips to enhance flavor and presented ideas to make your dish stand out. You can adjust the recipe to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy making this tasty meal, and don’t forget to store any leftovers properly!$

Minute Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Skillet

Whip up a delicious Minute Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Skillet in just 15 minutes! This easy recipe combines tender gnocchi, rich heavy cream, and fresh basil pesto to create a flavorful dish that's perfect for any night of the week. Loaded with cherry tomatoes and spinach, it's not only delicious but also nutritious. Click through for the full recipe and treat yourself to this mouthwatering meal tonight! #CreamyPestoGnocchi #EasyRecipes #QuickMeals #PastaLovers

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Ingredients

1 pound store-bought gnocchi

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup spinach leaves

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.

While the tomatoes are cooking, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the top.

Drain the gnocchi and transfer them to the skillet with garlic and tomatoes.

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Add the basil pesto and mix well until the gnocchi are coated in the creamy sauce.

Toss in the spinach leaves and cooked gnocchi, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Allow everything to simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4