Description
This Creamy Kale Pesto Gnocchi recipe combines pillowy gnocchi pasta with a rich and flavorful homemade pesto sauce made from fresh basil, kale, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic, all blended together with creamy whipping cream and olive oil. It’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 1/2 lbs to 2 lbs gnocchi pasta
Pesto Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups fresh kale leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface and are tender, usually about 3-4 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Pesto Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, kale leaves, pine nuts, shredded parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, and heavy whipping cream. Blend until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Gnocchi with Sauce: Immediately toss the warm gnocchi with the creamy kale pesto sauce until every piece is well coated. Garnish with any remaining shredded parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve right away for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute kale with spinach if desired for a milder flavor.
- Toast the pine nuts lightly before blending to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for better taste and creaminess.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- If gnocchi is not readily available, homemade gnocchi can be used instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Blending, Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Creamy kale pesto, gnocchi recipe, kale gnocchi, basil pesto, creamy pasta, easy Italian dinner
