Easy Creamy Pesto Gnocchi comes together in less than 10 minutes using pillowy dumplings and is leveled up with earthy pesto and toppings.
Trader Joe's Gnocchi, Elevated
Yall...The next time you are near a Trader Joe's store, do yourself a favor and buy a bag or two of these Gnocchi. Then go home and immediately make this recipe for Easy Creamy Pesto Gnocchi recipe.
I know... I'm guilty of telling you all my recipes are easy. But for real. This easy dinner is over-the-top easy. Like, I'm almost ashamed to share it with you kind of easy.
I can tell you what's not so easy... making homemade gnocchi. I've done it. I bought a gnocchi board. I loved making it. And now I buy frozen, if that tells you anything.
I make Homemade Pesto with fresh basil leaves from my garden all summer long. I freeze it in muffin tins then pop it into freezer bags for use in this gnocchi and other dishes. But you sure can use store-bought basil pesto if you would like.
Either way... the combination of soft pillowy potato gnocchi, creamy gorgonzola cheese, earthy pesto, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans if "gnoc-your-socks-off" delicious!
I can't wait for you guys to try this one the next time you need a simple dinner on one of your many busy weeknights. I think it's about to become a staple at your house, too.
Ingredients
You guys are going to thank me for this and it's simple ingredients list. I drive nearly two hours into the city to buy the gnocchi at Trader Joe's. I think it will be one of your new favorite things.
- Trader Joe's Gnocchi with Gorgonzola--I've looked to see if I can find a similar product store-bought gnocchi, with no luck. So if you find another brand, shoot me a message!
- Pesto--Your own pesto or jarred shelf-stable one from the store
- Dried Cranberries--the little chewy bite and sweetness it adds is fantastic
- Toasted Pecans--I keep pecans on hand most of the time, but feel free to substitute pine nuts if you prefer
- Red Pepper Flakes--I like the slight heat this brings, but feel free to use black pepper instead
- Additional toppings to consider--sundried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken breasts, roasted asparagus, extra parmesan cheese, etc.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
- In a large skillet, with no added oil--toast your pecans over medium heat. Shake the pan regularly to prevent the nuts from burning. Cook until nuts are slightly toasted brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Pour the contents of Trader Joe's Gnocchi with Gorgonzola into the same skillet. Cook as directed, stirring constantly to keep it from sticking.
- Add pesto and stir until well combined into a creamy pesto sauce. 1-2 minutes.
- Splash in a little heavy cream, chicken broth, white wine, or a simple splash of water if needed to achieve the preferred sauce thickness.
- Garnish with dried cranberries and toasted pecans. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
I serve this easy recipe as a flavorful main dish and below are some simple variations to make it a few other ways. You could also consider it a side dish alongside grilled chicken, pork chop, steak, etc.
Alfredo Pesto Gnocchi--If you aren't near a Trader Joe you can make a version of this with store-bought or homemade plain gnocchi and add alfredo sauce along with the pesto.
Asparagus Gnocchi--Not a fan of pesto? Saute asparagus bites in a little olive oil in the skillet, then remove and set aside. Cook the gnocchi and add the asparagus back in at the end. Be careful not to overcook the asparagus!
Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi--Add a chicken cutlet on top of the dish for a meal with more protein.
Creamy Spinach Gnocchi--Another pesto-free way of serving this dish! Just toss in a few handfuls of fresh spinach when the sauce is heated through.
Garlic Pesto Gnocchi--Saute 1 to 3 minced garlic cloves in a little olive oil before adding the package of gnocchi to up the garlic flavor.
Serve Alongside
A simple salad is all that's needed to make this recipe a whole meal!
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
SOMETHING ELSE TO TRY
If you're looking for other super fast recipes to get a delish meal on your dinner table, consider trying--
DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?
Lastly, if you made Easy Creamy Pesto Gnocchi following this recipe, please let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and/or giving a 5-star rating!
I love hearing from you! I'll do my best to respond to each comment.
And of course, if you do make this recipe, tag @laughingroostereats on Instagram and hashtag it #laughingroostereats! Seeing your photos is our favorite thing!
FOOD SAFETY
- Wash hands before cooking
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
Easy Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, with no added oil--toast your pecans over medium heat. Shake the pan regularly to prevent the nuts from burning. Cook until nuts are slightly toasted brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Pour the contents of Trader Joe's Gnocchi with Gorgonzola into the same skillet. Cook as directed, stirring constantly to keep it from sticking.
- Add pesto and stir until well combined into a creamy pesto sauce. 1-2 minutes.
- Splash in a little heavy cream, chicken broth, white wine, or a simple splash of water if needed to achieve the preferred sauce thickness.
- Garnish with dried cranberries and toasted pecans. Enjoy!
Lisa Hemby says
This looks amazing.
Chuckie says
Thank you! And it's so shamefully easy. 🙂
Pam says
I loved this recipe!!! Amped up my freezer gnocchi!