Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, pillowy gnocchi, bursting with the vibrant flavors of homemade spinach pesto. This Italian delight isn't just a meal; it's an experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet night in, our stuffed gnocchi with spinach pesto is a culinary adventure you won't want to miss. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Dive into our recipe and discover how easy it is to create this restaurant-quality dish at home!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the spinach pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh spinach, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked gnocchi with half of the spinach pesto. Make sure the gnocchi are evenly coated.
- To stuff the gnocchi, take a small amount of the coated gnocchi and create a small indentation in the center using your thumb. Place a teaspoon of the remaining spinach pesto into the indentation, then carefully fold the gnocchi over to seal it. Repeat this process until all the gnocchi are stuffed.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the stuffed gnocchi in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the gnocchi from the skillet and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle with any remaining spinach pesto and sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve the stuffed gnocchi warm, garnished with extra pine nuts and a sprinkle of fresh spinach for a delightful touch.
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh spinach and high-quality parmesan cheese. The freshness will really enhance your pesto and overall dish.
- Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with the pesto! You can add garlic for an extra kick or swap out pine nuts for walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the stuffed gnocchi, cook them in batches to ensure they get that perfect golden-brown crust without steaming.
- Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Keep an eye on the gnocchi while boiling. They are done when they float to the top, which usually takes just 2-3 minutes!
- Serve Immediately: Stuffed gnocchi are best served right after cooking while they’re still warm and crispy. Garnish with extra parmesan and pine nuts for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
