Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.

This Creamy Pesto Gnocchi is a creamy dish filled with basil pesto, parmesan cheese and gnocchi. Serve as a comforting main dish or as a delicious side dish.

This recipe utilizes the convenience of store bought gnocchi.

A bowl filled with gnocchi with pesto sauce.

Easy to make dish

Creamy pesto gnocchi cooked right in the sauce is a convenient and time-saving method that makes a delicious vegetarian main dish or side dish.

The gnocchi are added directly to the pan with the creamy sauce, allowing them to absorb the sauce as they simmer, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors. As the gnocchi cook, they release starch into the sauce, helping to thicken it and create a luscious, creamy consistency.

This cooking method also adds an extra level of convenience, as it means there's no need to boil the gnocchi separately in a separate pot of water. This saves time and effort, making it a great option for busy weeknight dinners when you're looking for a quick and delicious meal.

The gnocchi absorbs the flavors of the pesto sauce as they cook, resulting in a dish that is bursting with aromatic basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese flavors, all enveloped in a creamy sauce.

Key ingredients

Small bowls filled with pesto, gnocchi and parmesan cheese.

This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.

Gnocchi - I've used store-bought gnocchi in this recipe for its convenience. Most gnocchi can be stored in the pantry making this an easy-to-make dish at any time!
Pesto - Use your favorite pesto, store-bought or homemade.
Half and half - I prefer to use half and half instead of heavy cream in this recipe. Either works well. The heavy cream is a bit too rich for me, but if you prefer it, absolutely use it.
White wine - Adds a bit of flavor and extra liquid. Use a white wine that you enjoy drinking, but try to avoid using a very sweet wine. If you prefer not to use wine, unsalted chicken broth can be used.
Parmesan cheese - For this recipe, I've shredded the cheese myself rather than buying pre-shredded cheese. Freshly grated or shredded cheese just melts right into the sauce making it extra creamier.

Step by step directions

In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.

Heat a pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and garlic.
Stir in half and half and white wine. Once it begins to heat up, stir in pesto.
Allow mixture to come to a simmer, reduce heat to low and add gnocchi.

Gnocchi added to a cream sauce in a pan.

Place lid on pan and cook for 5 minutes
Remove lid, stir gnocchi, and cook until the sauce thickens
Turn off heat and stir in parmesan cheese
Serve hot topped with fresh basil

Sprinkling parmesan cheese over gnocchi in a pan.

Gnocchi with pesto in a large saute pan.

Recipe tips

Use your favorite store-bought or homemade gnocchi
When adding gnocchi, make certain they aren't stuck together
Stir to ensure the gnocchi aren't stuck to the bottom of the pan
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more white wine or half and half

Frequently asked questions

How do I reheat leftover gnocchi?

Leftovers should be stored covered in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat until heated through. The sauce may break while reheating, but it will still be tasty.