If you’re searching for a dish that’s both effortlessly elegant and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, look no further than this Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe. It’s a heavenly combination of pillowy gnocchi bathed in a luscious, creamy pesto sauce made from fragrant basil, toasted pine nuts, and whipped ricotta. Perfectly portioned for two, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special, making weeknight dinners or date nights feel extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe is all about simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that luscious texture and bright, herbaceous flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
- 6 oz. uncooked gnocchi: These tender potato dumplings are the perfect canvas, soaking up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tbsp. unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness and depth to the sauce base.
- 1/4 cup basil pesto: Bursting with fragrant basil and pine nuts, it’s the heart of this dish.
- 1/4 cup whipped ricotta: Makes the sauce creamy and smooth with a light, fresh tang.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water: The secret ingredient to achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan: Adds savory umami and melts beautifully in the sauce.
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish with a subtle citrus lift.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed: For that extra hit of herbal freshness in the pesto.
- 2 tbsp. toasted pine nuts: Give the pesto a delicious nuttiness and crunchy texture.
- 1 clove garlic, smashed: Brings aromatic depth and a touch of spice to the pesto.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Binds everything together and lends a fruity richness.
- 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice: Part of the pesto ingredients for balanced brightness.
- 1/4 tsp. sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan: For finishing the pesto with rich, cheesy notes.
How to Make Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil and add your gnocchi. They cook quickly—usually 2 to 3 minutes—until they float to the surface, which is your green light to scoop them out. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s a magical ingredient that helps create your silky sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Pesto
While the gnocchi cooks, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re golden and fragrant—about 7 to 8 minutes—stirring frequently so they don’t burn. Once cooled slightly, pulse the pine nuts together with fresh basil leaves and smashed garlic in a food processor. As it blends, slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil until the mixture becomes a lush, green pesto. Finish it off by pulsing in fresh Parmesan, lemon juice, and sea salt to taste. This vibrant pesto is the secret star of your creamy sauce!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large non-stick pan, melt the butter gently over low heat. Stir in the freshly made basil pesto, warming it through without cooking out the fresh flavors. Add whipped ricotta and stir until you get a smooth, luscious sauce. Slowly incorporate 3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until your sauce feels silky and thick enough to coat your gnocchi beautifully. If you want it a bit looser, add the pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach just the right texture.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Add the drained gnocchi directly into your sauce pan, tossing them gently so each piece gets luxuriously coated. Stir in the Parmesan and a splash of lemon juice for that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and bright flavors. Serve this warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or pine nuts if you’d like a little crunch—this is comfort food elevated to a whole new level.
How to Serve Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe, add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top and a scattering of toasted pine nuts for texture contrast. A few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add a fresh burst of color and flavor that makes the dish look as stunning as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for brightness, or simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes to add sweetness and crunch. A crusty piece of garlic bread can soak up every bit of that luscious sauce too!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce’s silkiness. Garnish with a basil leaf tower or a few whole toasted pine nuts to give an artisanal look. For a fun twist, try plating with colorful edible flowers or a light dusting of smoked paprika, which adds warmth and a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from this Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, but try to enjoy them sooner rather than later to preserve that fresh basil flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing gnocchi with this delicate pesto cream sauce isn’t recommended since the texture of the sauce might separate upon thawing. Instead, freeze uncooked gnocchi separately if you want to keep some on hand, and prepare the sauce fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, do so gently over low heat on the stove to prevent the sauce from breaking. Add a splash of water or extra olive oil to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Microwaving can be done but stir frequently to avoid hot spots and keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade pesto really elevates this recipe, a high-quality store-bought basil pesto can save time and still deliver delicious results. Just be sure to taste and adjust seasoning to keep the flavors bright.
What if I can’t find gnocchi?
No worries if gnocchi is hard to find near you. You can try small potato dumplings or even potato gnocchetti if available. Alternatively, soft pasta shapes like cavatelli or orecchiette can work well with the creamy sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use vegan ricotta (or blended tofu for creaminess), and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast in the pesto.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
The consistency of the sauce can easily be adjusted by modifying the amount of reserved pasta water you add. Adding more water loosens it up, while using less results in a thicker sauce that clings more to the gnocchi.
Can this recipe be doubled for four servings?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve four, but be careful to toss the gnocchi and sauce in a pan large enough to evenly coat all pieces. The cooking time for the gnocchi won’t change.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—a perfect blend of comforting creaminess and fresh, herbal brightness. Whether you’re cooking for a special person or simply treating yourself to a beautiful dinner, it’s a recipe that’s sure to delight and impress. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious moment of indulgence that’s surprisingly quick and easy to make!
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Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Pesto Gnocchi for Two is a quick and satisfying Italian-inspired dish perfect for a cozy meal. Featuring tender gnocchi tossed in a luscious ricotta-infused pesto sauce, enhanced with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and a hint of lemon, this recipe delivers vibrant flavors and creamy texture in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Gnocchi & Sauce
- 6 oz. Uncooked Gnocchi
- 1 tbsp. Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 cup Basil Pesto (see pesto recipe below)
- 1/4 cup Whipped Ricotta
- 1/4 cup Reserved Pasta Water
- 1/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
Homemade Basil Pesto
- 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, tightly packed
- 2 tbsp. Toasted Pine Nuts
- 1 clove Garlic, smashed
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt
- 1/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Boil the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes until they float. Before draining, scoop out and reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Then drain the gnocchi thoroughly.
- Make the Sauce: In a large non-stick pan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the basil pesto until warmed through. Add the whipped ricotta and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Gradually add 3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce achieves a smooth and creamy consistency. Adjust by adding more pasta water one tablespoon at a time if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked gnocchi to the pan and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated with the sauce. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until fully incorporated. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Prepare the Pesto: Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn golden and fragrant. Allow to cool slightly. In a food processor, pulse basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and garlic until finely minced. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until fully emulsified. Add the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and sea salt, then pulse a few more times until everything is well combined. Use the pesto immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Toast pine nuts gently to bring out their nutty flavor without burning.
- Whipped ricotta adds creaminess without heaviness; you can prepare it by blending ricotta until smooth.
- This recipe serves two; to serve more, simply multiply the ingredients accordingly.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; gnocchi can become sticky if left to sit too long.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
