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    Home » Appetizers & Sides

    Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

    Published: Sep 18, 2020 / Updated: Jun 17, 2021 / 80 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This creamy pesto gnocchi recipe makes a fantastic side dish or meatless main course. It's super easy (made in one pan) and takes only 20 minutes from start to finish!

    pesto gnocchi in a white bowl

    The pesto parmesan sauce in this recipe is super simple and really good. I also went ahead and added some extra garlic. Naturally. And a splash of white wine! If this recipe is looking somewhat familiar, I also have a Creamy Pesto Shrimp Gnocchi recipe, but I figured that having it as a standalone recipe (without the shrimp) would be a good idea too. 

    For all my one pan gnocchi recipes I use shelf-stable gnocchi (find it in the pasta aisle). The refrigerated kind works too. As it cooks, it releases starch that thickens up the sauce. I don't pre-cook it prior to adding it to the sauce. Super easy and fewer dishes to wash! I don't recommend using homemade gnocchi because the one pan method can make it fall apart, so I would make the sauce separately if you want to go that route.

    Love pesto? Try my Sausage Pesto Pasta or this Pesto Pan-fried Sausage and Potatoes Skillet.

    uncooked gnocchi on a white background

    Recipe notes & tips:

    • I'm big on grating my own parmesan cheese... it just tastes and melts better. I used this cheese grater (I have a slightly older model) for this recipe. Microplane graters work great too!
    • I used DeLallo brand pesto (I had some left over from a shipment they sent me for a sponsored post, but this post is not sponsored... I just love their products). You could also use homemade pesto if you prefer or whatever your favorite brand is!
    • I'm not particularly loyal to any brand of gnocchi. I just buy whatever my grocery store happens to have. I've tried a few brands over the years (I'm in Canada and there isn't tons of gnocchi selection here) and they're pretty similar to each other.

    close-up of creamy pesto gnocchi

    More delicious gnocchi side dishes:

    • Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
    • 15 Minute Creamy Alfredo Gnocchi
    • Spinach and Artichoke Gnocchi

    creamy pesto gnocchi in a skillet

    Questions about this easy pesto gnocchi recipe? Let me know in the comments below! 

    pesto gnocchi in a white bowl

    Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

    This creamy pesto gnocchi recipe makes a fantastic side dish or meatless main course. It's super easy (made in one pan) and takes only 20 minutes from start to finish!
    5 from 26 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 517 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1/4 cup pesto
    • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
    • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
    • Salt & pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Add the pesto, cream, wine, and garlic to a deep skillet over medium heat.
    • Once the sauce starts to gently bubble, stir in the gnocchi. Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
    • Uncover the pan and give it a good stir. Continue to cook it for a couple more minutes, stirring often (the sauce will thicken quickly as the gnocchi releases more starch).
    • Once the sauce is thickened to your liking, stir in the parmesan cheese. If the sauce gets too thick at any point, add in another splash of wine or cream. Season with extra salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Serves 4-6 as a side dish. 
    • The gnocchi cooks right in the sauce. No need to pre-boil it! The starch released helps thicken the sauce up quickly.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 517kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 11gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 744mgPotassium: 71mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1295IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 228mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword creamy pesto gnocchi recipe
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Easy Yum Yum Sauce
    Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta »

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    1. Trixie says

      March 8, 2023 at 8:02 PM

      5 stars
      Whoa! This was delicious. Thanks for the recipe. I wanted to make this as a main dish so I added chopped walnuts and leftover tiny pieces of juicy pork chops. Served with a wedge salad. So good!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 9, 2023 at 10:10 AM

        You're very welcome!!

        Reply
    2. Helen Katz says

      January 29, 2023 at 4:05 PM

      5 stars
      Love this as its own! Usually when I make it I cook bay scallops and mix it in there. It's so tasty.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 29, 2023 at 4:16 PM

        Awesome!! So glad to hear it, Helen!

        Reply
        • Layla Evans says

          February 19, 2023 at 8:33 AM

          I am planning on making this recipe tonight, but i am someone who likes everything to be a bit crispy. would it have any downsides to fry the gnocchi till golden brown, heat up the sauce separately, and then combine when ready??

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            February 19, 2023 at 11:50 AM

            Hi! So, the liquid measurements are based on the gnocchi cooking in the sauce and releasing starch to thicken it up. You could try frying the gnocchi and making the sauce separately, but you may need to thicken the sauce with a roux or some cornstarch.

            Reply
    3. Audrey says

      January 11, 2023 at 4:40 PM

      I have made it with both lobster ravioli and spinach and cheese ravioli and both dishes were amazing!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 11, 2023 at 6:36 PM

        That's great to hear!

        Reply
    4. Veronica says

      January 9, 2023 at 9:19 AM

      5 stars
      Hi salt and lavender. I just tried this recipe for the first time and I absolutely loved it. Super simple very easy to follow. The flavors were excellent. I loved it.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 9, 2023 at 9:48 AM

        Fantastic!! 🙂 Thanks for letting me know, Veronica!

        Reply
    5. EB says

      October 4, 2022 at 10:03 AM

      Has anyone tried making this with spinach/cheese stuffed tortellini???

      Reply
    6. Jen says

      September 21, 2022 at 3:02 PM

      Natasha-

      Instead of cream do you think lactose free milk would work? I am assuming it would as the gnocchi releases starch as it cooks so it would thicken would it not? Thoughts?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 21, 2022 at 3:24 PM

        Hi! I've never cooked with lactose-free milk, but I think in this case it wouldn't be a bad thing to try. Let me know how it goes!

        Reply
      • Elenna says

        December 21, 2022 at 2:29 PM

        You can get lactose free cream now I believe

        Reply
    7. Emily says

      September 9, 2022 at 9:42 AM

      I’m excited to try this but I only have frozen gnocchi. Does this work the same or should I pre boil them a bit?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 9, 2022 at 11:41 AM

        I think frozen gnocchi would work fine. You may want to give it a little extra time on a slightly lower heat.

        Reply
        • Emily says

          September 9, 2022 at 4:40 PM

          5 stars
          I did just that! I put the gnocchi in with a fourth cup of water, left it on for 5 minutes on medium/low, and after 5 the sauce was thick, creamy, and perfectly covering the gnocchi! I added the parm, some fresh basil and sliced almonds, and it was gone within 3 minutes! A new favourite in our home!

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            September 9, 2022 at 8:43 PM

            🙂

            Reply
    8. Addi says

      August 11, 2022 at 1:52 AM

      5 stars
      Love this sauce, l have always cooked gnocchi in water then to sauce and it comes out mooshi..
      So when l put it in uncooked was so much better and sauce thickens up...Love it.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 11, 2022 at 9:08 AM

        That's awesome! So happy you like the one pan technique... I hope you'll try some of my other one pan gnocchi recipes. 🙂 Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    9. Beverley says

      August 4, 2022 at 8:10 PM

      5 stars
      Really yummy & easy. My DH loved it & wanted to know “what’s in the sauce”?. I did brown up some sausage meat & added some bell pepper & onion. I’d had another recipe in mind originally but decided the pesto would be a nice change from the Alfredo & it was! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 4, 2022 at 10:24 PM

        I'm so happy it was a hit! Love those additions!

        Reply
    10. Skye T. says

      August 2, 2022 at 3:57 AM

      5 stars
      This was sooo tasty!! I added mushrooms and wOW!! Definitely will be making this one again! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 2, 2022 at 10:19 AM

        Yay!! Glad you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
    11. Samantha says

      July 26, 2022 at 10:31 AM

      5 stars
      So good, I will definitely make this again. I did add mushrooms which I think it needed and my mom suggested sun dried tomatoes for next time.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 26, 2022 at 12:10 PM

        I'm so happy it was a hit! Love the mushrooms idea.

        Reply
    12. Sarah Martin says

      July 17, 2022 at 6:18 PM

      This is the 2nd time I've made this. It's not only fast & easy but it's so good. Thanks for the recipe that will stay a constant in my home 👍

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        July 17, 2022 at 8:16 PM

        You're welcome, Sarah! We're thrilled to hear that!

        Reply
    13. Elyse says

      May 31, 2022 at 4:01 AM

      5 stars
      Yummy! My husband and I have had this twice and really enjoy it.
      Possible silly question, can it be made ahead of time (say the morning) and then reheated?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 31, 2022 at 11:25 AM

        I'm so glad you guys enjoy it!! 🙂 I think that should be fine. I'd reheat it slowly over a low heat. The gnocchi will release more starch, so you might find the sauce gets even thicker when you reheat. If needed, add another splash of cream.

        Reply
    14. Valerie Curby says

      April 26, 2022 at 9:15 PM

      5 stars
      Have made this 2 times. Soooooo good. The second time I added a couple of hands full of chopped, fresh spinach. Again, yummy!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 26, 2022 at 10:01 PM

        Yay!! I'm so glad you like it! Thanks for taking the time to write me a review. 🙂

        Reply
    15. Maya says

      April 11, 2022 at 9:58 AM

      5 stars
      I needed a quick dish to bring to my dads birthday party and this was so simple and DELICIOUS! Everyone loved it! I added a little lemon juice and zest to it and didn’t add the cheese, it turned out great! Thanks for the recipe! I will definitely make this again!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 11, 2022 at 11:49 AM

        I'm so happy it was a hit! Thanks for your review, Maya!

        Reply
    16. Valerie says

      March 31, 2022 at 8:09 PM

      This is so easy and so good. My husband is not big on creamy sauces but he really enjoyed this.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 31, 2022 at 8:48 PM

        That's great!! Thanks for letting me know, Valerie!

        Reply
    17. Karen Berger says

      March 31, 2022 at 10:18 AM

      Made this last night, it was delicious. Next time adding spinach. Had it as a side with smoked pork chops. Thanks for a great recipe. It was my 1st time trying gnocchi, now I have a new side dish!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 31, 2022 at 11:16 AM

        Awesome! I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Karen! 🙂

        Reply
    18. Amber says

      March 24, 2022 at 1:21 AM

      5 stars
      So delicious! We loved it!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        March 24, 2022 at 9:47 AM

        Great to hear!! 🙂

        Reply
      • Kristin says

        June 5, 2022 at 5:05 PM

        5 stars
        Just made this! Very tasty but I somehow ended up with the oil from my pesto separating immediately. Is this because I cooked it too hot?

        Also mine was kind of sour. Is that normal flavoring?

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          June 5, 2022 at 5:17 PM

          Hi! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yes, I usually give it a good stir before serving since pesto tends to separate. As far as the tangy taste, I think it depends on the brand of pesto you use. I love DeLallo's, and find it's very neutral tasting. I have bought brands in the past that are quite lemony.

          Reply
    19. Liz says

      March 14, 2022 at 10:59 AM

      5 stars
      So scrummy. I served on bed of arugula as a main dish. Definitely a new main staple for lunch or dinner. Would be perfect as a side as well.

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        March 14, 2022 at 11:23 AM

        That's good to hear, Liz! Appreciate your review!!

        Reply
    20. DJinCA says

      January 28, 2022 at 6:30 PM

      5 stars
      Made this tonight and served it as a side with seared chicken breasts drizzled with balsamic glaze. DEEEE-licious! When the balsamic glaze happened to mix with the cream sauce on the plate...oh, my! Heavenly!

      This was my first time making any gnocchi recipe, and I'm sold. Something this delicious just shouldn't be so easy, but this recipe is a keeper and definitely "dinner guest worthy." Thank you for sharing it!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        January 28, 2022 at 8:17 PM

        You're very welcome! Gnocchi really is wonderful, isn't it!? So happy you enjoyed the recipe.

        Reply
    21. Julie Sharpe Collins says

      January 26, 2022 at 5:22 PM

      5 stars
      This was so good.. I did add chicken ...

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 26, 2022 at 10:39 PM

        Great! 🙂

        Reply
    22. Adam says

      January 24, 2022 at 6:36 PM

      5 stars
      Truly love this recipe, thanks for posting!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        January 24, 2022 at 8:58 PM

        So happy you enjoyed it, Adam!!

        Reply
    23. Xenia D says

      October 3, 2021 at 3:19 AM

      Very nice receip and delisious...😍😍

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 3, 2021 at 11:52 AM

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    24. Sabrina Long says

      August 25, 2021 at 2:25 PM

      Can I use red pesto in this recipe?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 25, 2021 at 5:07 PM

        Sure! I don't see why not.

        Reply
    25. Teresa says

      August 6, 2021 at 4:02 PM

      5 stars
      This was absolutely delish!
      I had some dental surgery and can only eat soft foods and this totally fit the bill!
      Will continue to make again and again!
      Thanks for such a great and easy recipe!
      Will be trying more of your recipes soon!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 6, 2021 at 8:48 PM

        Thank you!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I hope your recovery goes smoothly. XO

        Reply
    26. Kathy says

      July 18, 2021 at 5:30 PM

      5 stars
      I made this tonight for dinner and everyone LOVED it! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 18, 2021 at 5:33 PM

        Excellent!! 🙂 Thanks for letting me know, Kathy!

        Reply
    27. Isabel amaya says

      July 14, 2021 at 9:36 PM

      5 stars
      I loveeee this recipe, it came out so tasty and creamy
      My boyfriend loved it. Thank you so much for sharing.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 15, 2021 at 7:37 AM

        Fantastic!! I'm so happy to hear that. Thanks for taking the time to write me a comment! 🙂

        Reply
    28. Stacey says

      July 11, 2021 at 3:14 AM

      Is this something you could add some broken up italian sausage into? I had a creamy gnocchi with sausage dish at a restaurant the other night and have been searching for a way to recreate it!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 11, 2021 at 9:31 AM

        Hi Stacey! I don't see why not. But I do actually have a few similar gnocchi with sausage recipes on here. Just type "sausage gnocchi" into any of the search bars on my website and they'll come up. This one's my personal fav: https://bit.ly/3hvCR7y

        Reply
    29. Danielle says

      July 1, 2021 at 5:28 PM

      5 stars
      Good recipe though I added 5 garlic cloves and 1.5 lbs of gnocchi. Would make it again!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 1, 2021 at 6:03 PM

        So glad you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
    30. AngelaML says

      June 16, 2021 at 8:02 AM

      5 stars
      Another big hit in our household! I made the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi two weeks ago and couldn't wait to try this one. I wanted a one pan meal, so I added pan fried chicken (used garlic powder and flour). Cooked that first and then set aside to follow your recipe. I substituted light cream for the heavy cream to make it a tad healthier, and used only 1/4 cup parm for the same reason. I had mistakenly bought spinach for this dish so used it anyway. I used half of a 5 oz bag and next time I will use the whole bag since it wilts down.

      I have two more of your gnocchi recipes bookmarked and ready to try! 😀

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 16, 2021 at 10:13 AM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it, and I love how you tweaked it to add the chicken and spinach. 🙂

        Reply
    31. Shelby says

      May 26, 2021 at 2:18 AM

      5 stars
      I use this recipe all the time now. It was an accidental find and my oh my it’s a household fav!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 26, 2021 at 8:59 AM

        I'm thrilled to hear that, Shelby! 😀 Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    32. Bill Brown says

      March 22, 2021 at 11:08 AM

      This looks great as a side. What do you recommend as the main dish? We have some meat lovers coming over.
      Thanks.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 22, 2021 at 12:20 PM

        Hi! Hmm... maybe this Chicken Scallopini? https://bit.ly/395Ph1p baked chicken thighs: https://bit.ly/3lELX2k or you can browse thru all my main courses here: https://bit.ly/3r8pICZ

        Reply
        • Bill Brown says

          March 23, 2021 at 2:18 PM

          Love your main recipes - all look amazing. Too busy for tonight; I'm pretty much a beginner. Will try some other time. Chicken sounds great, though. Maybe some "fried" baked recipe; don't want to crowd the stove top . Your Creamy Pesto Gnocchi should really impress our guests. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks, Natasha.

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            March 23, 2021 at 2:39 PM

            Sure! Let me know 🙂 I hope it works out.

            Reply
    33. Louis says

      February 12, 2021 at 7:02 AM

      5 stars
      Super good and tasty! (Although I added a more pesto and cheese for flavour)

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 12, 2021 at 8:56 AM

        So glad you enjoyed it, Louis!

        Reply
    34. Wendy says

      January 2, 2021 at 6:14 PM

      5 stars
      I just made it and love it!! Question tho- my husband hates gnocchi cause of the texture (I love it lol), but could this be made similarly with other fresh pastas? Like tortellini or ravioli from the refrigerated section?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 2, 2021 at 6:35 PM

        Wonderful! I think it will work. Tortellini and ravioli still release starch, but I find they do release a little less, so you may need to tweak cooking time a tad or liquid measurements depending on the outcome.

        Reply
    35. Kaylee says

      October 22, 2020 at 2:49 PM

      Hi there! Any recommendation on modifying the cream and making it lactose free?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 22, 2020 at 3:28 PM

        You could try the dairy-free whipping cream by Silk brand - other readers have tried it with success in some of my recipes with cream.

        Reply
    36. Meghan says

      October 14, 2020 at 8:10 AM

      5 stars
      This recipe was so easy but SO tasty! Both my husband and I loved it and said this would be on our dinner rotation!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 14, 2020 at 8:54 AM

        That makes me happy!! Thanks so much for commenting, Meghan!

        Reply

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