Green Pesto Gnocchi Spinach (Printable Version)
Pillowy gnocchi with vibrant basil pesto and sautéed spinach for a fresh, flavorful main dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Gnocchi
01 - 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
→ Pesto Sauce
02 - 2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
03 - 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as substitute)
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 garlic cloves
06 - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
08 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
→ Spinach
10 - 5 oz baby spinach
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ To Serve
12 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
13 - Freshly ground black pepper
# Directions:
01 - Combine basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface (2–3 minutes). Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
03 - While the gnocchi cook, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and sauté for 1–2 minutes until just wilted.
04 - Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet with spinach. Pour in the pesto and a splash of reserved cooking water, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
05 - Divide among plates and top with extra Parmesan and a grind of black pepper.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those weeknights when takeout feels like the only option
- The homemade pesto transforms store-bought gnocchi into something that tastes like it came from a cozy trattoria
02 -
- Dont over-blend your pesto or it can turn bitter and lose that bright fresh flavor youre after
- That splash of starchy cooking water is the secret to making the pesto cling to every surface of the gnocchi
03 -
- Toast your pine nuts or walnuts in a dry pan before adding them to the pesto, it deepens their flavor in ways that feel almost magical
- Taste your pesto before adding it to the gnocchi, sometimes it needs more salt or an extra squeeze of lemon to really sing