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Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella

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A quick and comforting dinner featuring pillowy gnocchi tossed in a luscious creamy pesto sauce with fresh cherry tomatoes and melted mozzarella.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi
  • 1/2 cup (about 125ml) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 ounces (115g) fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
  2. Cook the gnocchi by dropping them into the boiling water in batches. They are done when they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until softened and juices are released.
  5. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the tomatoes and stir gently to combine.
  6. Pour in the pesto and heavy cream, folding everything together carefully to coat the gnocchi evenly in the creamy sauce.
  7. Tear fresh mozzarella into pieces and gently fold them in. Let sit off the heat for a minute to melt the cheese.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Finish with fresh basil leaves scattered on top.

Notes

Do not over-stir after adding mozzarella to keep melty cheese pockets. If sauce is too thick, add more cream or reserved gnocchi cooking water to loosen. For dairy-free, swap cream for coconut cream and mozzarella for plant-based cheese. Use gluten-free gnocchi for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pesto gnocchi, gnocchi recipe, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, easy dinner, homemade gnocchi, basil pesto, comfort food

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/creamy-pesto-gnocchi-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-with-cherry-tomatoes-and-mozzarella/