Minute Pesto Parmesan Gnocchi Quick and Flavorful Dish

Name: Minute Pesto Parmesan Gnocchi
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 16 oz gnocchi, fresh or frozen; 1 cup basil pesto; 1 2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 4 cup toasted pine nuts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 0 Salt and pepper to taste; 0 Fresh basil leaves for garnish

ByJasmine September 23, 2025December 29, 2025

$When choosing gnocchi, you have two great options: fresh or frozen. Fresh gnocchi cooks fast, taking only about 2-3 minutes in boiling water. It has a soft texture and rich flavor. I love using fresh gnocchi when I can find it. Frozen gnocchi is convenient and lasts longer. It takes a bit more time to cook, about 3-5 minutes. It also works well in this dish. So, choose what fits your needs best! This dish shines with just a few key ingredients: - 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi, fresh or frozen - 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Salt and pepper to taste The basil pesto brings a fresh herb taste. Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. Olive oil keeps the gnocchi from sticking and adds richness. Cherry tomatoes give the dish a sweet burst. To make your dish look and taste even better, consider adding these garnishes: - Fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor - Extra grated Parmesan for richness - A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat These toppings can elevate your meal. They are simple but make a big difference! To start, you need a big pot of water. Add salt to it and bring it to a boil. If you have fresh gnocchi, cook it for 2 to 3 minutes. Frozen gnocchi takes a bit longer, about 3 to 5 minutes. You know it's ready when the gnocchi floats to the top. This means they are done. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi in a colander. Return them to the pot right away. Now, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the hot gnocchi. This helps keep them from sticking. Next, stir in 1 cup of basil pesto. Mix gently to coat every piece of gnocchi well. After that, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts. Toss everything again to combine. Finally, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. These add a fresh pop of flavor. Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. To serve, scoop the gnocchi into bowls or a nice platter. For a pretty touch, add more grated Parmesan on top. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh basil leaves for color and taste. This makes your dish look stunning and appetizing. Enjoy your meal! To keep your gnocchi from sticking, focus on two key steps. First, make sure to use plenty of salted water when boiling. The salt helps flavor the gnocchi while cooking. Second, once you drain them, add olive oil right away. This oil creates a barrier that prevents sticking. Toss them gently in the pot to coat evenly. You can boost the flavor of your gnocchi easily. Here are some ideas: - Use fresh basil for a pop of taste. - Add garlic while cooking the gnocchi for depth. - Mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. - Try different nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a unique twist. - Experiment with various cheeses, such as Pecorino or Asiago. You can prep this meal ahead to save time. Cook the gnocchi and toss them in olive oil. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, just reheat them in a pan. Add the pesto, cheese, and tomatoes before serving. This method keeps your meal quick and tasty. {{image_2}} If you want to mix it up, try different pestos. You can use sun-dried tomato pesto for a rich flavor. Another option is arugula pesto, which gives a peppery twist. You might even enjoy a spinach pesto for a lighter taste. Each type adds a unique spin to your Minute Pesto Parmesan Gnocchi. Experiment and find your favorite! Adding protein makes this dish even heartier. Cooked chicken works well and adds great flavor. Shrimp is another tasty option; it cooks quickly and pairs perfectly. For a meatless meal, try chickpeas or white beans. They add protein and a nice texture. Just toss them in after the pesto for a filling meal! How you serve this dish can make it special. Try serving it in a large bowl with extra grated Parmesan on top. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for shine. Consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. For a fun twist, serve it in a roasted pepper or zucchini boat. The options are endless, so get creative! After enjoying your Minute Pesto Parmesan Gnocchi, you might have some left. To store it, place the gnocchi in an airtight container. This helps keep flavors fresh and prevents drying out. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down first before sealing the container. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you want them to taste just as good. You can reheat gnocchi in a few ways. The best method is to heat them in a skillet. Add a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Stir gently until they warm up. This keeps them soft and tasty. You can also use the microwave. Just place them in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat for about one minute. Check if they are warm enough and add more time if needed. If you want to store gnocchi for a longer time, freezing is a great option. First, cook the gnocchi according to package directions. After cooking, let them cool completely. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen in boiling water. This way, they stay tasty and fresh! I recommend using fresh gnocchi when possible. Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly and has a soft texture. If fresh is not available, frozen gnocchi works well too. Just remember to cook it longer, about 3 to 5 minutes. Both types absorb flavors nicely, making them great for this dish. Yes, you can make this dish vegan! To do this, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. You can also replace the pesto with a vegan option made from nuts, herbs, and olive oil. This keeps the dish tasty and plant-based, perfect for everyone. Cooked gnocchi lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a pan or microwave. This way, you enjoy your delicious meal again without much fuss. In this post, we explored how to make delicious gnocchi from selection to storage. You learned about fresh and frozen gnocchi, essential ingredients, and how to balance flavors. I shared tips to avoid stickiness and ways to store leftovers. Try adding your favorite proteins and sauces for a twist! With these steps, you can enjoy great gnocchi any day. Enjoy cooking and experimenting to find your perfect dish!$

Get ready to delight your taste buds with my Minute Pesto Parmesan Gnocchi! This quick and simple dish bursts with fresh flavors. In just a few steps, you can have a meal that’s tasty and satisfying. I’ll guide you through choosing the right gnocchi and key ingredients to make it shine. Plus, you’ll learn tips for prepping in advance and ways to enjoy it later. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal.
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts creates a rich and delicious flavor profile.
Fresh Burst: Adding halved cherry tomatoes introduces a refreshing element that brightens the dish.
Versatile: Whether using fresh or frozen gnocchi, this recipe is adaptable and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Gnocchi selection (fresh vs. frozen)

When choosing gnocchi, you have two great options: fresh or frozen. Fresh gnocchi cooks fast, taking only about 2-3 minutes in boiling water. It has a soft texture and rich flavor. I love using fresh gnocchi when I can find it.

Frozen gnocchi is convenient and lasts longer. It takes a bit more time to cook, about 3-5 minutes. It also works well in this dish. So, choose what fits your needs best!

Essential ingredients for flavor

This dish shines with just a few key ingredients:

1 package (16 oz) gnocchi, fresh or frozen
1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Salt and pepper to taste

The basil pesto brings a fresh herb taste. Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. Olive oil keeps the gnocchi from sticking and adds richness. Cherry tomatoes give the dish a sweet burst.

Optional garnishes and toppings

To make your dish look and taste even better, consider adding these garnishes:

Fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor
Extra grated Parmesan for richness
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat

These toppings can elevate your meal. They are simple but make a big difference!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Gnocchi perfectly

To start, you need a big pot of water. Add salt to it and bring it to a boil. If you have fresh gnocchi, cook it for 2 to 3 minutes. Frozen gnocchi takes a bit longer, about 3 to 5 minutes. You know it’s ready when the gnocchi floats to the top. This means they are done. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi in a colander. Return them to the pot right away.

Tossing ingredients for flavor balance

Now, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the hot gnocchi. This helps keep them from sticking. Next, stir in 1 cup of basil pesto. Mix gently to coat every piece of gnocchi well. After that, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts. Toss everything again to combine. Finally, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. These add a fresh pop of flavor. Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste.

Plating and garnishing tips

To serve, scoop the gnocchi into bowls or a nice platter. For a pretty touch, add more grated Parmesan on top. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh basil leaves for color and taste. This makes your dish look stunning and appetizing. Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Ensure your gnocchi is cooked until it floats to the surface; this indicates that they are done and perfectly tender.
Pesto Variations: Experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto, for a unique twist on flavor.
Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is classic, try using Pecorino Romano or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley or additional basil right before serving to enhance the dish with vibrant flavors.

Tips & Tricks

How to avoid sticky gnocchi

To keep your gnocchi from sticking, focus on two key steps. First, make sure to use plenty of salted water when boiling. The salt helps flavor the gnocchi while cooking. Second, once you drain them, add olive oil right away. This oil creates a barrier that prevents sticking. Toss them gently in the pot to coat evenly.

Best ways to enhance flavor

You can boost the flavor of your gnocchi easily. Here are some ideas:

Use fresh basil for a pop of taste.
Add garlic while cooking the gnocchi for depth.
Mix in some red pepper flakes for heat.
Try different nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a unique twist.
Experiment with various cheeses, such as Pecorino or Asiago.

Making the dish ahead of time

You can prep this meal ahead to save time. Cook the gnocchi and toss them in olive oil. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, just reheat them in a pan. Add the pesto, cheese, and tomatoes before serving. This method keeps your meal quick and tasty.

Variations

Alternative pesto options

If you want to mix it up, try different pestos. You can use sun-dried tomato pesto for a rich flavor. Another option is arugula pesto, which gives a peppery twist. You might even enjoy a spinach pesto for a lighter taste. Each type adds a unique spin to your Minute Pesto Parmesan Gnocchi. Experiment and find your favorite!

Additional protein pairings

Adding protein makes this dish even heartier. Cooked chicken works well and adds great flavor. Shrimp is another tasty option; it cooks quickly and pairs perfectly. For a meatless meal, try chickpeas or white beans. They add protein and a nice texture. Just toss them in after the pesto for a filling meal!

Creative serving suggestions

How you serve this dish can make it special. Try serving it in a large bowl with extra grated Parmesan on top. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for shine. Consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. For a fun twist, serve it in a roasted pepper or zucchini boat. The options are endless, so get creative!

Storage Info

How to store leftover gnocchi

After enjoying your Minute Pesto Parmesan Gnocchi, you might have some left. To store it, place the gnocchi in an airtight container. This helps keep flavors fresh and prevents drying out. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down first before sealing the container.

Reheating tips for freshness

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you want them to taste just as good. You can reheat gnocchi in a few ways. The best method is to heat them in a skillet. Add a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Stir gently until they warm up. This keeps them soft and tasty. You can also use the microwave. Just place them in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat for about one minute. Check if they are warm enough and add more time if needed.

Freezing instructions for meal prep

If you want to store gnocchi for a longer time, freezing is a great option. First, cook the gnocchi according to package directions. After cooking, let them cool completely. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen in boiling water. This way, they stay tasty and fresh!

FAQs

What is the best type of gnocchi to use?

I recommend using fresh gnocchi when possible. Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly and has a soft texture. If fresh is not available, frozen gnocchi works well too. Just remember to cook it longer, about 3 to 5 minutes. Both types absorb flavors nicely, making them great for this dish.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make this dish vegan! To do this, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. You can also replace the pesto with a vegan option made from nuts, herbs, and olive oil. This keeps the dish tasty and plant-based, perfect for everyone.

How long does cooked gnocchi last in the fridge?

Cooked gnocchi lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a pan or microwave. This way, you enjoy your delicious meal again without much fuss.

In this post, we explored how to make delicious gnocchi from selection to storage. You learned about fresh and frozen gnocchi, essential ingredients, and how to balance flavors. I shared tips to avoid stickiness and ways to store leftovers.

Try adding your favorite proteins and sauces for a twist! With these steps, you can enjoy great gnocchi any day. Enjoy cooking and experimenting to find your perfect dish!