Spinach Pesto Gnocchi Dish: A Delicious and Easy Recipe to Try

Spinach Pesto Gnocchi Dish is a delightful culinary creation that brings together the rich flavors of fresh spinach and the comforting texture of pillowy gnocchi. As I embarked on my journey to perfect this recipe, I discovered that this dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also carries a beautiful history rooted in Italian cuisine. Traditionally, pesto hails from the Liguria region, where fresh basil is the star ingredient. However, my twist on this classic involves vibrant spinach, making it a nutritious alternative that everyone can enjoy.

People love this Spinach Pesto Gnocchi Dish for its incredible taste and creamy texture, which creates a harmonious balance on the palate. The convenience of preparing this dish in under 30 minutes makes it a favorite for busy weeknights, while its vibrant green color adds a touch of elegance to any table setting. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Join me as we dive into the delightful world of Spinach Pesto Gnocchi and discover how to create this irresistible meal in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a twist)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Preparing the Pesto

Making the spinach pesto is the first step in this delicious dish. It’s super easy and can be done in just a few minutes!

1. In a food processor, combine the fresh spinach leaves, basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Pulse a few times until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
2. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This will help emulsify the pesto and create a smooth consistency. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Once the pesto is smooth, taste it and season with salt and pepper. If you want a little extra zing, add the lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Pulse again to combine.
4. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and set it aside. You can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge if you’re making it ahead of time.

Cooking the Gnocchi

Now that we have our vibrant spinach pesto ready, it’s time to cook the gnocchi. If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, this part is a breeze!

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt is essential as it flavors the gnocchi while cooking.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. This indicates they are done!
4. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the gnocchi from the pot and transfer them to a large bowl. If you prefer, you can also drain them in a colander.
5. At this point, you can toss the gnocchi with a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the next steps.

Combining Gnocchi and Pesto

Now comes the fun part—combining the gnocchi with our homemade spinach pesto!

1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This will help to warm the gnocchi and give them a little crispiness.
2. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to ensure they don’t break apart. You want them to get a nice golden color on the outside.
3. Once the gnocchi are slightly crispy, reduce the heat to low and add the spinach pesto. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi evenly with the pesto. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until everything is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy.

Serving the Dish

Now that everything is combined, it’s time to serve this delightful dish!

1. Transfer the gnocchi and pesto mixture to a serving platter or individual bowls.
2. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
3. If you like a little heat, sprinkle some extra red pepper flakes on top.
4. Serve immediately while it’s warm and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade spinach pesto gnocchi!
   

   Conclusion:

   In wrapping up this delightful journey through the Spinach Pesto Gnocchi dish, I can confidently say that this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of tender gnocchi, vibrant spinach pesto, and the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also bursting with freshness. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a light salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover pesto. You can also experiment with variations by adding grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the spinach for kale or arugula to give it a unique twist! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Spinach Pesto Gnocchi recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any modifications you made, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the love for this delicious dish together! Happy cooking!
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   Spinach Pesto Gnocchi Dish: A Delicious and Easy Recipe to Try

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 25 minutes
   • Yield: 4 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   This Spinach Pesto Gnocchi features tender gnocchi tossed in a vibrant spinach and basil pesto, making it a quick and delicious meal perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a delightful dish that can be enjoyed any night of the week.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
   • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed
   • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
   • 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a twist)
   • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
   • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
   • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
   • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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   Instructions

   1. In a food processor, combine the fresh spinach leaves, basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Pulse a few times until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
   2. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This will help emulsify the pesto and create a smooth consistency. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
   3. Once the pesto is smooth, taste it and season with salt and pepper. If you want a little extra zing, add the lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Pulse again to combine.
   4. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and set it aside. You can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge if you’re making it ahead of time.
   5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt is essential as it flavors the gnocchi while cooking.
   6. Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking together.
   7. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. This indicates they are done!
   8. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the gnocchi from the pot and transfer them to a large bowl. If you prefer, you can also drain them in a colander.
   9. At this point, you can toss the gnocchi with a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the next steps.
   10. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This will help to warm the gnocchi and give them a little crispiness.
   11. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to ensure they don’t break apart. You want them to get a nice golden color on the outside.
   12. Once the gnocchi are slightly crispy, reduce the heat to low and add the spinach pesto. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi evenly with the pesto. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
   13. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until everything is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy.
   14. Transfer the gnocchi and pesto mixture to a serving platter or individual bowls.
   15. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
   16. If you like a little heat, sprinkle some extra red pepper flakes on top.
   17. Serve immediately while it’s warm and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade spinach pesto gnocchi!

   Notes

   • Feel free to substitute walnuts for pine nuts if you prefer a different flavor.
   • The pesto can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
   • For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 10 minutes