Description
This creamy lemon pesto gnocchi with broccoli is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfectly balanced with zesty lemon, rich pesto, and tender gnocchi. Bursting with fresh broccoli and creamy sauce, it’s an easy 25-minute meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli: In the same boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pesto and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked gnocchi and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy pesto sauce.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.
- Serve: Serve the creamy lemon pesto gnocchi warm, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if you like.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Use fresh pesto for a brighter flavor, or store-bought for convenience.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly – watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Frozen broccoli works well if fresh isn’t available; just be sure to thaw or adjust blanching time.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in a skillet with a splash of cream or water.
