Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli

If you’re craving a comforting yet fresh dish that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at a cozy Italian bistro, then Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli is the answer. Picture this: pillowy soft gnocchi, coated in a rich and creamy pesto sauce, with a zesty hit of lemon and a burst of vibrant, crunchy broccoli. The best part? It’s all made in one pan, so clean-up is a breeze! This dish strikes that perfect balance between indulgence and freshness, making it a go-to weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for guests. Trust me—once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli

• Creamy, Zesty, and Flavorful: The combination of creamy pesto and zesty lemon brings a punch of flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for when you want a hearty, comforting meal without all the fuss.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan—gnocchi, broccoli, and pesto—so you can spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy pesto and soft gnocchi are a hit with little ones and adults alike. Sneak in some veggies with the broccoli for a well-rounded dish.
• Customizable: You can switch up the pesto by adding extra garlic, spinach, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra rich flavor.

Ingredients

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy gnocchi are the perfect base for this creamy pesto sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own homemade gnocchi!
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds crunch, color, and a healthy green element to the dish, balancing out the rich sauce.
• Pesto: You can use store-bought or homemade basil pesto for this dish, making it extra flavorful.
• Heavy Cream: For that velvety, creamy sauce that coats the gnocchi and broccoli so beautifully.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a refreshing citrusy kick that brightens up the rich pesto.
• Garlic: A little garlic adds depth and savory richness to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami finish to the dish, making every bite even more irresistible.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic and broccoli and adding a bit of richness to the dish.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

(Note: Full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions (usually around 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top). Once they’re done, drain the gnocchi and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli

While the gnocchi cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re tender but still have a nice crunch. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Pesto Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the pesto sauce, followed by the heavy cream, and stir until well combined. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Add in the lemon juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked gnocchi and sautéed broccoli to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, making sure the gnocchi and broccoli are coated in the creamy pesto sauce.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish, tossing again to incorporate. If you’d like, add more lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil to finish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, and enjoy every creamy, zesty bite!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories per serving: 400-450 calories
• Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Vitamin A: 15%
• Vitamin C: 80%
• Calcium: 20%
• Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli

• As a Main Dish: This dish is hearty enough to be enjoyed as a satisfying dinner on its own.
• Pair with a Side Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect side to complement the creamy richness of the gnocchi.
• Add Protein: For an extra boost of protein, top the dish with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: For the ultimate Italian-inspired meal, serve this with some crispy garlic bread to soak up that luscious sauce.

Additional Tips

• Make It Vegan: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free pesto to make this dish vegan.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even zucchini for added flavor and texture.
• Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?

A1: Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well. Simply cook it according to the package instructions.

Q2: Can I make the pesto at home?

A2: Yes! Homemade pesto is easy to make with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts (or walnuts), and olive oil. You can make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge.

Q3: Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

A3: Yes, you can use half-and-half or a lighter cream, but it will affect the creaminess of the sauce. For a non-dairy option, coconut cream or cashew cream works well.

Q4: Can I add protein to this dish?

A4: Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon would make a delicious addition to this dish.

Q5: How can I make the dish spicier?

A5: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pesto sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Q6: How can I make this dish gluten-free?

A6: Use gluten-free gnocchi (many stores carry gluten-free options), and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this dish.

Q7: Can I freeze this dish?

A7: While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze it before adding the Parmesan cheese. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet when ready to serve.

Q8: Can I use another vegetable instead of broccoli?

A8: Yes! Spinach, kale, or even peas would make great substitutions for broccoli in this dish.

Q9: How do I reheat leftovers?

A9: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave in intervals, stirring in between.

Q10: Can I make this dish in advance?

A10: Yes, you can prep the gnocchi and sauce ahead of time. Keep the sauce separate and reheat it with the gnocchi and broccoli when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli is a fresh and satisfying dish that combines creamy pesto, zesty lemon, and tender gnocchi in a way that’s both comforting and vibrant. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll want to make again and again—whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special meal with loved ones. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to impress and become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every bite!

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