Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli Recipe

Picture this: pillowy-soft gnocchi, coated in a velvety lemon pesto sauce, with crisp-tender broccoli adding the perfect pop of color and crunch. It’s a creamy, zesty, and comforting dish that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at a cozy Italian trattoria. The best part? It comes together in a flash, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner party. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this one—it’s fresh, creamy, and utterly crave-worthy. So, let’s dive right in and make this creamy, lemony goodness happen!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments of comfort and indulgence. Here’s why this dish is a favorite:

Versatile: It’s as perfect for a quiet dinner as it is for a gathering with friends. After a long day, there’s nothing better than having a comforting, flavorful meal that’s quick and easy. Plus, you’ll definitely get requests for the recipe when people taste this!

Budget-Friendly: You’ll likely have most of the ingredients already sitting in your pantry and fridge, making this an affordable yet gourmet meal. No need to break the bank to enjoy something delicious!

Quick and Easy: The steps are simple, and even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll feel like a pro. The combination of fresh ingredients and the quick prep time means you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!

Customizable: Love garlic? Add a bit more to the pesto. Want to make it dairy-free? You can easily swap the cream for a plant-based option. The best part? The recipe is flexible, and you can make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: Gnocchi is always a hit, and with the creamy pesto sauce and zesty lemon, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s an all-ages favorite!

Ingredients

Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this dish come together:

Gnocchi: The fluffy little pillows of potato are the star of the dish. Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade, gnocchi is the perfect base for the creamy sauce and vibrant pesto.

Broccoli: This veggie adds a nice crunch and a burst of color to the dish. It’s a perfect contrast to the richness of the gnocchi and sauce.

Lemon: Bright and tangy, the lemon zest and juice add a fresh zing to the creamy pesto, balancing out the richness of the dish.

Pesto: The basil pesto is the heart of this dish. It’s made with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts. You can use store-bought pesto, but homemade takes this dish to the next level.

Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its luxurious, silky texture. It blends perfectly with the pesto and gives the dish a creamy richness.

Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil will help bind the pesto and enhance all the flavors.

Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan brings a salty, umami punch that ties everything together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this creamy, zesty gnocchi with pesto:

Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions. The gnocchi will float to the surface when they’re done. Drain and set aside, saving a little bit of the pasta water for later.

Blanch the Broccoli: While the gnocchi is cooking, bring another pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they’re vibrant green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Make the Pesto Sauce: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the pesto, lemon zest, and a little bit of the reserved pasta water. Stir to combine and create a smooth, luscious sauce. Then, slowly add the heavy cream, stirring until it becomes creamy and well-incorporated.

Toss the Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi and broccoli to the skillet with the pesto sauce. Gently toss everything together until the gnocchi is coated in that creamy, lemony goodness.

Serve and Enjoy: Plate your creamy gnocchi and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and a little extra lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the comfort of this heavenly dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 480

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli

This dish is indulgent enough to stand on its own, but here are some great sides to complement it:

Fresh Green Salad: Pair it with a crisp, light salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy gnocchi. A simple mixed greens salad works beautifully.

Crusty Bread: You can’t go wrong with a piece of warm, crusty bread to soak up the pesto sauce. A nice baguette or sourdough is perfect for this!

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes would pair beautifully with the gnocchi and give the meal even more texture and flavor.

Garlic Bread: If you want to make things extra indulgent, garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser that complements the richness of the gnocchi.

As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy all on its own. Just top it off with some fresh herbs and enjoy the full, comforting experience!

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make this recipe even more amazing:

Prep Ahead: You can prep the pesto and blanch the broccoli ahead of time. This makes it even quicker to put together when you’re ready to cook.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a bit of heat, or drizzle some chili oil on top for extra kick.

Dietary Adjustments: If you’re dairy-free, use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream, and opt for a dairy-free pesto. You can also use gluten-free gnocchi if needed.

Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back the creamy texture.

Double the Batch: This dish is so good, you’ll want leftovers! Make a double batch and store the extras in the fridge for an easy lunch the next day.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well! Just cook them according to the package instructions.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the pesto and blanch the broccoli ahead of time. Simply combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little cream or pasta water.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: The gnocchi and sauce can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Q5: How do I make this dish spicier?
A5: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of chili oil to the pesto for a nice kick. You can also add some sliced fresh chilies to the dish.

Q6: Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
A6: Absolutely! You can substitute with spinach, kale, peas, or even roasted cherry tomatoes for a different flavor.

Q7: Can I use store-bought pesto?
A7: Yes, store-bought pesto works just fine. However, homemade pesto really takes this dish to the next level if you have the time!

Q8: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A8: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra cream or pasta water to help loosen up the sauce.

Q9: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A9: Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian. Just be sure to check that your pesto is made with vegetarian ingredients, or make your own.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd, doubling the recipe is a great idea. Just make sure your skillet is large enough to toss all the gnocchi and veggies.

Conclusion

This Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli is the perfect blend of creamy, zesty, and comforting. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply enjoy a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to hit the spot. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor—what more could you ask for? So go ahead, make this recipe, and prepare to be wowed by the deliciousness in every bite!

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