Merken This Pesto Pea Gnocchi Skillet is a vibrant, quick meal featuring crispy pan-fried shelf-stable gnocchi tossed with fragrant basil pesto and sweet green peas. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner, this Italian-inspired dish bursts with flavor and color, taking only 25 minutes from prep to table.
Merken By frying the gnocchi directly in olive oil instead of boiling them, you achieve a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender peas and wilted spinach. This method simplifies the cooking process and intensifies the flavors of the dish.
Ingredients
- Gnocchi: 500 g (18 oz) shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- Vegetables: 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas (thawed), 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach (optional)
- Pesto: 1/3 cup (80 g) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade), 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Aromatics & Oils: 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Garnish: Fresh basil leaves and lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2
- Add the gnocchi in an even layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7–8 minutes until golden and crisp on all sides.
- Step 3
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Stir in the peas and spinach (if using). Cook for 2–3 minutes until the peas are heated through and the spinach has wilted.
- Step 5
- Reduce heat to low. Add the basil pesto and Parmesan. Toss until the gnocchi and vegetables are evenly coated and heated through.
- Step 6
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and lemon zest if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure your skillet is large enough to allow the gnocchi to fry in a single layer. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors significantly. Always verify store-bought ingredients for allergens if you have dietary concerns.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, use a dairy-free pesto and omit or substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. To add extra protein, consider mixing in cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy cubes of tofu.
Serviervorschläge
This dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio. Serve it hot with a side of crusty bread to soak up any remaining pesto sauce.
Merken Each serving of this hearty skillet contains approximately 390 calories, 16g of fat, 51g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein. It's a balanced and flavorful way to enjoy a classic Italian-inspired meal with minimal effort.
