Description
Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired vegetarian dish featuring tender potato gnocchi and bright green broccoli florets tossed in a luscious lemon-infused basil pesto cream sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh garnishes. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner packed with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Blanch Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender. Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and set aside to retain their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
- Cook Gnocchi: In the same boiling water, add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically about 2–3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, basil pesto, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Toss Together: Add the cooked gnocchi and blanched broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly in the lemon pesto cream sauce.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another minute until melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- For convenience, use store-bought gnocchi, or substitute with cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter, lower-carb option.
- This dish can be enhanced with extra vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition.
- For a protein boost, try adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for stronger or milder lemon flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
