Zesty Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi With Broccoli Recipe

Whipping up a delightful creamy lemon pesto gnocchi with broccoli can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Soft potato dumplings dance with vibrant green florets in a zesty sauce.

Mediterranean flavors burst through each delectable bite, promising comfort and excitement on your plate.

Bright citrus notes cut through rich, herbal pesto, creating a balanced symphony of tastes.

Quick and simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish perfect for weeknight magic.

Fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice elevate every forkful into something extraordinary.

Lemon Pesto Gnocchi That’s Fresh, Creamy, and Fast

Whip Up Weeknight Wonder: A Quick and Creamy Dinner Delight

• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: This gnocchi recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with just 20 minutes of cooking time, perfect for busy home chefs who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like using broccolini instead of broccoli or adding different nuts for crunch, making this dish super adaptable to personal preferences and pantry contents.
• Nutritious and Satisfying Meal: Packed with vegetables, protein from Parmesan, and comforting gnocchi, this one-pan recipe offers balanced nutrition without sacrificing incredible taste and creamy texture.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the zesty lemon pesto sauce, tender gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables, transforming a simple dinner into an exciting culinary experience everyone enjoys.

What You’ll Use in Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that create a delightful base for the dish, best when fresh and pillowy.

• Broccoli, Broccolini: Fresh green vegetables that add nutrition and texture, choose crisp and vibrant green varieties.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Vegetable Stock: Creamy base ingredients that create rich and smooth sauce texture.
• Pesto: Herbal sauce providing deep flavor, choose high-quality store-bought or homemade.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that helps thicken and enhance sauce, freshly grated recommended.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth, fresh minced preferred.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus elements that balance richness and add freshness.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Basil, Oregano: Spice blend that adds complexity and warmth to vegetables.

• Nuts or Seeds: Crunchy topping that provides textural contrast, toasted for extra flavor.

Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli in a Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Boil Gnocchi

Grab a medium saucepan and bring water to a rolling boil over high heat.

Gently drop the gnocchi into the bubbling water.

Watch for them to float up, which signals they’re perfectly cooked – this usually takes about 4-5 minutes.

Once they’re bobbing at the surface, drain the gnocchi and set them aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Broccoli

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano

Stir and cook the vegetables until they turn a deep green and become wonderfully tender – about 3-4 minutes.

Remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.

Add minced garlic and let it dance around for 1-2 minutes until it releases its aromatic magic.

• Heavy cream
• Vegetable stock
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Allow the sauce to bubble softly for a couple of minutes.

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and whisk until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick consistency.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slide the cooked gnocchi into the creamy sauce.

Add the sautéed broccoli and kale.

Gently stir to ensure every piece gets a perfect coating of the luscious sauce.

Let everything mingle and warm through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Plate and Enjoy

Serve immediately, sprinkling some toasted nuts or seeds on top for a delightful crunch.

Slice up some crusty bread on the side to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.

Gnocchi Tricks for Zesty Lemon Pesto & Broccoli Bowls

• Ensure gnocchi floats to the top when boiling to guarantee they're perfectly cooked and not doughy.
• Add extra greens like spinach or kale for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Toast pine nuts or pumpkin seeds briefly before garnishing to release deeper, nuttier notes and add delightful crunch.
• Cook gnocchi and chop vegetables in advance to reduce total cooking time and simplify weeknight dinner preparation.

Reheat Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli

• Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or cream to revive the sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• The creamy sauce and delicate gnocchi won't maintain their original texture when frozen, so it's best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days of preparation.

Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli Pairings

• Pairing Flavor Explosion: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc Harmony
• Uncork a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with its zesty citrus notes that perfectly complement the lemon-infused pesto sauce. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the creamy richness while enhancing the herbs in the dish.
• Wine Matching Magic: Fresh and Herbaceous Delight
• Select a light, herbaceous white wine like Pinot Grigio to mirror the fresh green broccoli and herbal pesto flavors. Its clean profile will refresh your palate between each creamy, delectable bite.
• Craft Beer Companion: Wheat Beer Wonder
• Choose a light wheat beer with subtle citrus undertones that will beautifully echo the lemon and herbal elements in the gnocchi. The beer's crisp carbonation will cleanse the palate and balance the dish's creamy texture.
• Refreshing Side Kick: Sparkling Water Twist
• Enhance the meal with a sparkling water infused with fresh lemon or herb garnish. This zero-alcohol option provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy sauce while highlighting the dish's bright, vibrant flavors.

Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli Adjustments

• Vegan Pesto Gnocchi: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use dairy-free pesto made from nutritional yeast and herbs. Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a plant-based cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Select gluten-free gnocchi made from potato or rice flour. Use gluten-free pesto and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap standard herbs with fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flair. Replace traditional pesto with a green herb sauce.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for lighter sauce. Reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, creamy texture.

FAQs

• What makes pesto sauce in this recipe special?

The pesto provides a rich, herbal flavor with basil’s freshness and nutty undertones, creating a complex and aromatic sauce that elevates the entire dish.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this gnocchi recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly, using vegetable stock and vegetarian-based ingredients without any meat products.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

While fresh broccoli is recommended for better texture and flavor, you can use frozen broccoli – just thaw and pat dry before sautéing to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or pan-fried tofu cubes to increase protein content while maintaining the dish’s creamy and flavorful profile.

Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi With Broccoli Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky pesto lemon gnocchi delivers Italian comfort with a zesty twist, blending tender potato dumplings and crisp broccoli florets. Parmesan cheese and bright citrus notes elevate this simple dish, promising a quick, delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) package potato gnocchi
• 2.3 cups broccoli or broccolini
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cream and Seasonings:

• 1.5 cups organic heavy cream
• 1/4 cup organic vegetable stock/broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Garnish:

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Chopped walnuts, toasted

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Instructions

1. Prepare a medium saucepan with water and bring to a rolling boil. Gently drop gnocchi into the bubbling liquid, allowing them to cook until they rise to the surface, approximately 4-5 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce broccoli to the pan, seasoning generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, basil, and oregano. Toss vegetables vigorously, cooking until they transform into a deep green and achieve tender consistency, roughly 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Initiate sauce preparation by melting butter in a large skillet. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for 1-2 minutes. Introduce pesto, creating a fragrant base. Stream in heavy cream, vegetable stock, fresh lemon juice, and delicate lemon zest. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, developing rich flavors for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.
4. Merge the components by folding cooked gnocchi and sautéed broccoli into the creamy sauce. Ensure every morsel is lavishly coated, stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors completely.
5. Transfer to serving plates immediately, garnishing with toasted nuts or seeds for textural contrast. Accompany with crusty bread to transform this dish into a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or plant-based cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Roast broccoli beforehand to enhance caramelization and develop deeper, nutty flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free gnocchi to make recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
• Toast pine nuts or pumpkin seeds quickly in dry skillet for maximum crunchiness and added nutritional boost before sprinkling on top.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 80mg