Dive into a culinary adventure with our mouthwatering Pesto Gnocchi with Shrimp and Broccoli! This delightful Italian dish combines tender gnocchi, succulent shrimp, and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, aromatic pesto sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. In just 25 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 lb of gnocchi, 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1/2 cup of pesto, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, generously season the water with salt.
- Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the gnocchi to a colander to drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
- In the same pot, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the broccoli and transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the broccoli and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the cooked gnocchi and broccoli. Pour in the reserved cooking water and the pesto. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the gnocchi and broccoli are well coated with the pesto sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together gently. Cook for another minute to warm the shrimp through.
- Once everything is combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the pesto gnocchi with shrimp and broccoli in bowls, garnished with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Keep an eye on the gnocchi as they cook; they’re done when they float to the surface. Overcooking can make them mushy, so be ready to scoop them out!
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh broccoli and high-quality pesto. You can even make your own pesto if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Shrimp Secrets: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp; this ensures they sear nicely and don’t steam. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque for the best texture.
- Reserve Cooking Water: Always save a bit of the pasta cooking water. It’s starchy and can help loosen the pesto sauce, making it cling beautifully to the gnocchi.
- Garnish with Style: Elevate your dish by garnishing with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for a touch of elegance.
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! You can cook everything in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 180mg
