Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto (Print Version)

Pan-fried gnocchi coated in fresh basil pesto with cherry tomatoes and Parmesan.

# What You'll Need:

→ Gnocchi

01 - 1.1 lbs potato gnocchi (fresh or vacuum-packed)

→ Pesto

02 - 2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
03 - 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as alternative)
04 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 garlic clove, peeled
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Vegetables & Garnish

09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (for frying)
11 - Additional grated Parmesan, for serving
12 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, then gradually add olive oil with motor running until smooth pesto forms. Set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add gnocchi in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes until golden and crispy on all sides.
03 - Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with gnocchi and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
04 - Remove skillet from heat, add prepared pesto, and gently toss to coat gnocchi and tomatoes evenly.
05 - Plate immediately, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The golden crispy edges on pillowy soft gnocchi create this incredible texture contrast that makes every bite exciting
  • Fresh homemade pesto takes about five minutes and tastes nothing like the stuff in jars
  • Everything happens in one pan, which means maximum flavor and minimum cleanup
02 -
  • Crowding the pan steams the gnocchi instead of crisping them, so work in batches if your skillet looks too full
  • Homemade pesto tastes infinitely better and takes literally five minutes, so please skip the jarred stuff
03 -
  • Dont wash your basil until right before making pesto, water makes leaves turn dark and slimy
  • If your pesto tastes too bitter, add a pinch of sugar to balance the fresh basil
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