Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Gnocchi
Silky gnocchi twirled in a vibrant, tangy sun-dried tomato pesto that's as easy as it is delicious.
Total: 25 minPrep: 10 minCook: 15 minServes 4Difficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 8 oz gnocchi
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, halved
Steps
- 1 Toast pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat until golden.
- 2 Rehydrate sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and chop.
- 3 In a food processor, combine basil, rehydrated tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- 4 Pulse while slowly streaming in olive oil until pesto is smooth but still slightly chunky.
- 5 Cook gnocchi according to package instructions until they float, then drain.
- 6 Toss gnocchi with pesto until well coated.
- 7 Optional: Gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes.
- 8 Serve warm with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Food processor
- Large pot
Variations
- Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
- Substitute walnuts for pine nuts for a budget-friendly option.
Substitutions
- If no pine nuts, use walnuts or almonds.
- Spinach can replace basil for a different flavor profile.
Pairings
- White wine like Pinot Grigio
- Freshly baked crusty bread
Nutrition
Calories:
500 kcal
Fat:
25g fat
Carbs:
50g carbohydrates
Protein:
15g protein
Fiber:
5g fiber
Sugar:
8g sugar
Sodium:
400mg sodium
Tips
- For a richer pesto, add a tablespoon of cream or ricotta.
- Reserve a bit of pasta water to loosen the pesto if needed.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a drizzle of olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
FAQ
Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Yes, store the pesto in the fridge for up to 5 days before using.
What if I don't have a food processor?
You can use a mortar and pestle or finely chop everything by hand, though it will take more elbow grease.