Pesto Pea Gnocchi Skillet (Printable)

Vibrant skillet dish with crispy gnocchi, basil pesto, and green peas. A speedy, colorful weeknight meal in 25 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Gnocchi

01 - 18 oz shelf-stable potato gnocchi

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
03 - 2 cups baby spinach, optional

→ Pesto

04 - 1/3 cup basil pesto, store-bought or homemade
05 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving

→ Aromatics and Oils

06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

09 - Fresh basil leaves, optional
10 - Lemon zest, optional

# How-To:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
02 - Add gnocchi in an even layer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes until golden and crispy on all sides.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Stir in thawed peas and spinach if using. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until peas are heated through and spinach is wilted.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, tossing until gnocchi and vegetables are evenly coated and heated through.
06 - Season with salt and black pepper according to preference.
07 - Transfer to serving dishes immediately. Top with additional Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and lemon zest if desired.

# Insider Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant
  • The crispy gnocchi texture is completely addictive
  • You can keep all ingredients in your pantry and freezer for emergency delicious meals
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd the pan or the gnocchi will steam instead of crisp, work in batches if your skillet is smaller
  • Shelf-stable gnocchi is crucial here, fresh refrigerated gnocchi will not achieve the same crispy texture
  • The pesto can vary in saltiness so always taste before adding additional salt
03 -
  • Reserve a splash of pasta water if you want a saucier consistency
  • Toast some pine nuts and sprinkle them on top for restaurant-worthy presentation
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