Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with our mouthwatering Pesto Gnocchi with Asparagus! This delightful dish combines pillowy potato gnocchi with fresh, crisp asparagus, all enveloped in a rich and aromatic pesto sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe promises to elevate your dining experience in just 25 minutes! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover how easy it is to create a gourmet dish right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of potato gnocchi, 1 bunch of asparagus (trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces), 1/2 cup of pesto sauce, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the gnocchi.
- While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the asparagus. Rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim the tough ends and cut the asparagus into approximately 1-2 inch pieces.
- Once the water is boiling, add the potato gnocchi to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are done. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and transfer them to a plate. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In the same pot, add the asparagus pieces to the boiling water and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender but still crisp. Drain the asparagus and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crispy on the outside.
- Next, add the cooked asparagus to the skillet with the gnocchi. Gently toss them together to combine.
- Pour in the 1/2 cup of pesto sauce and a splash of the reserved pasta water (start with a couple of tablespoons). Stir everything together until the gnocchi and asparagus are well coated with the pesto. If the mixture seems too thick, add more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and continue to cook for an additional minute to heat through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve the Pesto Gnocchi with Asparagus warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Gnocchi: For the best texture, opt for high-quality potato gnocchi. You can find fresh or frozen options at your local grocery store. If using frozen gnocchi, there's no need to thaw them before cooking!
- Salt Your Water: Don't skimp on salt when boiling the water for the gnocchi. It enhances the flavor of the pasta and ensures your dish is well-seasoned from the start.
- Perfect Asparagus: To keep your asparagus bright green and crisp, avoid overcooking. They should be tender yet still have a slight crunch. A quick blanch in boiling water does the trick!
- Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to get creative with your pesto! You can use store-bought or make your own. Adding nuts, garlic, or even a squeeze of lemon can elevate the flavor profile.
- Adjust Consistency: If your pesto sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. This will help the sauce coat the gnocchi and asparagus evenly.
- Garnish Generously: Don't hold back on the Parmesan cheese! A generous sprinkle on top adds a savory finish that complements the dish beautifully.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve it right after cooking for the best texture and flavor!With these tips in mind, you're all set to create a delightful Pesto Gnocchi with Asparagus that will impress everyone at the table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
