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Homemade Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi with Peas dish photo

Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi with Peas

This Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi with Peas is quick, comforting, and bursting with fresh basil and nutty pine nuts in a luscious cream sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound gnocchi fresh or frozen potato gnocchi
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves washed and dried
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts lightly toasted
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese good quality
  • 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas thawed or quickly blanched
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (about 2-3 minutes until they float). Drain using a slotted spoon or colander, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the frozen peas for 2-3 minutes until tender and bright green. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the prepared basil pesto and stir until smooth and heated through.
  5. Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss in the creamy pesto sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Plate the gnocchi and peas, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil for the brightest flavor; avoid dried or wilted leaves.
  • Toast pine nuts carefully to prevent burning and maximize nutty flavor.
  • Do not overcook gnocchi; they are done as soon as they float to the surface.
  • Adjust creaminess by reducing cream and adding more pesto or pasta water if preferred lighter.
  • Taste and season gradually to avoid over-salting, especially because Parmesan is naturally salty.