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Pesto Gnocchi

These Pesto Gnocchi are a wonderful comfort food that is simply bursting with flavor. It combines homemade gnocchi with tasty pesto to create a dish everyone will love!

If you’ve never made gnocchi from scratch this is the recipe you need. And with a quick sauce these Pesto Gnocchi will tantalise your tastebuds!!

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A bowl of pesto gnocchi on a grey cloth with jar of pesto in the background.

Why you will love this recipe

Pesto Gnocchi made with your very own homemade potatoes gnocchi are so rewarding and taste like heaven! Making gnocchi at home isn’t that complicated. And paired with a basil pesto, this is the perfect comfort meal for all the family.

Learning how to make gnocchi is satisfying and much easier than you think. This step by step recipe will teach you to make gnocchi as good as any Italian. Here you will find my family’s recipe with all the secrets for success. Whether you use nut free pesto or my Authentic Bolognese sauce, homemade gnocchi will be a family favorite!

Basil Pesto Gnocchi is a sure fire way to enjoy your first batch of homemade gnocchi. My nut free pesto with a classic variation can be made in advance so once the gnocchi are cooked all you need to do is stir through the pesto. Of course, if you are short on time, use good quality store bought basil pesto for quick pesto gnocchi.

Tomorrow you can try out my tasty tortellini alla panna that I sometimes like to serve as a first course. 

For complete ingredient quantities and full instructions, please scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Ingredients

Ingredients to make the recipe prepared on a wooden cutting board
  • Potatoes – Choose a floury, starchy potato, not one that is waxy or a “salad” potato. Look for varieties that are good for mashing, baking or roasting so basically an all rounder will be good.
  • All purpose plain flour – my family always used all purpose flour and still does. If you have Italian Tipo 00, that would be very good but not essential.
  • Egg – I always prefer free-range eggs but use whatever you have.
  • Salt – just regular cooking salt is fine or whatever you have. 
  • Basil pesto – to complete the recipe, use homemade basil pesto made with fresh basil leaves, good olive oil, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, use a good quality store bought pesto. 
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – don’t purchase package, pregrated cheese. Buy a block of cheese and grate it as you need it. I always prefer Parmigiano Reggiano cheese from Italy but if you can only get local Parmesan cheese, use that.

Once you’ve mastered this pesto gnocchi recipe, make my gnocchi carbonara and my gnocchi alla sorrentina – they’re both sublime!

Instructions

6-step photo collage showing how to make the recipe
  1. Boil the potatoes with skins on until tender then peel and put through a potato ricer while hot.
  2. Allow to cool a little then add flour, egg and a pinch of salt then knead lightly to form a dough.
  3. Roll into a long rope then cut into 1 inch/2.5cm lengths.
  4. Press each gnocchi against a gnocchi board or tines of a fork with your fingers making an indentation on one side and ridges on the other side.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi. When they rise to the surface, remove with a slotted spoon. 
  6. Gently combine with basil pesto and freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano).

Serve pesto gnocchi while still warm with extra Parmesan cheese.

Substitutions

  • Gnocchi – for a super quick easy pesto gnocchi dinner, cook store bought gnocchi according the package instructions then combine with basil pesto and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Basil Pesto – use a different variety of pesto – try sun dried tomato pesto or make pesto with arugula.
  • Parmesan cheese – or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or even Asiago if you prefer.

Variations

  • Creamy pesto gnocchi – while the gnocchi are boiling, heat 1 cup of heavy cream with the basil pesto over medium heat. When the gnocchi are cooked, combine gently with with the creamy pesto sauce.
  • Chicken pesto gnocchi – stir 1 ½ cups of skinless, shredded rotisserie chicken into the creamy pesto sauce above. Warm through before combining with gnocchi.
  • Cheesy baked gnocchi – prepare pesto gnocchi as directed in the recipe card then stir in ½ cup of reserved cooking water plus 1 cup grated provolone or mozzarella cheese. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes at 400ºF/200ºC.

Equipment

To make gnocchi, the potatoes must have no lumps. For best results, use a potato ricer or a vegetable mouli. Alternatively, you can use a potato masher or a fork for mash the potatoes. Never use a food processor or the potatoes will be gluey.

Traditionally gnocchi are shaped using a fork or a ribbed gnocchi board. 

Storage

Generally I will make gnocchi and cook them straightaway. However, I have prepared gnocchi to the point of cooking then refrigerated gnocchi overnight. In this case be sure to place gnocchi in a single layer, on baking paper lined and floured trays.

While I have never frozen gnocchi, I have read that gnocchi can be frozen directly on the trays in a single layer. Once frozen, the gnocchi can be placed in clip sealed bags and kept frozen for a few weeks. Cook from frozen.

If you have leftover basil pesto gnocchi, store in a sealed container in the fridge for a day or two and reheat in the microwave oven. Leftover pesto gnocchi don’t freeze well.

Tips for success and FAQs

I learnt to make pesto gnocchi by my father’s side. He made the lightest and most delicious gnocchi. When you are first learning to make gnocchi, adding an egg will help you succeed and hold your dough together. Once you feel you have mastered this recipe you can gradually add less egg if you want to make eggless gnocchi.

Moisture is the enemy to gnocchi. The most important tip when making gnocchi is to keep the potatoes as dry as possible. This may seem difficult when the first step is to boil the potatoes. So, the trick here is to boil unpeeled potatoes. Be sure that the potatoes are completely tender but not overcooked and water logged. Tender potatoes ensure smooth pesto gnocchi.

Incorporating the flour and egg into the potatoes requires a light hand. This is not bread or pasta which needs to be kneaded. Gnocchi dough is gently pressed together. The dough should be airy inside. Potatoes will become gummy and gluggy if worked too much.

Potato gnocchi are traditionally shaped by pressing onto a fork or gnocchi board to create ridges on one side and an indentation on the other. It’s to catch all the sauce so that you have extra good pesto gnocchi! Gather the family around, give them each a fork and learn how to shape gnocchi using my video. That’s how we Italian children learnt. Gnocchi making was and still is a family affair.

What is the correct pronunciation of gnocchi?

A word like “gnocchi” can be tricky but it’s actually quite simple. Often you’ll hear gnocchi pronounce “nokki” which is incorrect. Instead think of it like this. The “gn” (while impossible to compare to anything in English) is pronounced “ny” with your tongue beginning flat to the roof of your mouth. The “o” part is a short sound like “oh” as in chocolate. Finally the “cchi” is just like the work “key”. So pronounce “gnocchi” – “ny-oh-key”.

What does gnocchi go with?

Gnocchi goes well with so many different sauces and are very versatile. Try a traditional Bolognese sauce or a San Marzano tomato sauce. My Gnocchi Carbonara are a good example of how unlimited the possibilities are for pairing with potato gnocchi. 

How do you make gnocchi without them falling apart?

To begin with, use the right potatoes. Choose potatoes that are floury rather than waxy. Waxy potatoes have too much moisture. Next mix the potatoes, flour and egg lightly but until completely combined. Including an egg with the potatoes and flour provides extra security to ensure the gnocchi don’t fall apart. Finally, don’t over boil gnocchi. Remove from the boiling water as soon as they rise to the top for homemade gnocchi or according to package instructions.

Could I serve gnocchi as a cold dish?

Traditionally pesto gnocchi aren’t served as a cold dish. However, there’s no reason why you can serve gnocchi as a cold dish similar to a pasta salad.

Serving suggestions

a bowl of gnocchi on a grey cloth with bowl of grated parmesan on the side viewed from above.

Pesto Gnocchi can be served as a first course or a main meal. Serve with garlic ciabatta bread and chicken cutlets for a delicious Italian dinner. Followed with a strawberry crostata or baked peaches,   this Pesto Gnocchi recipe will be popular with everyone!

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a bowl of pesto gnocchi on a grey cloth with jar of pesto in the background.

Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

These Basil Pesto Gnocchi are a wonderful comfort food that is simply bursting with flavor. It combines homemade gnocchi with tasty basil pesto to create a dish everyone will love!
5 from 91 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 5 minutes
cooling time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
Servings:4 people
Author: Marcellina

Ingredients

  • 2.2 pounds (2 pounds 3 ounces/1 kilogram) potatoes (See note 1)
  • 2 cups (250 grams) all purpose plain flour or Tipo 00 flour (See note 2)
  • 1 egg beaten
  • ¾ cup basil pesto homemade or store bought
  • salt to taste
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano) as desired

Instructions

How to make gnocchi dough.

  • Place unpeeled potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water and add a large spoonful of salt. Bring to the boil.
  • Boil for 20-30 minutes or until potatoes can be easily piece with a knife.
  • Once potatoes are tender, drain and allow to cool a little until you can manage to handle them. They need to be quite warm.
  • Peel the potatoes and while still hot pass them through a potato ricer or vegetable mouli onto the work surface.
  • Spread out so that the steam evaporates. Potato needs to cool a little so that the egg doesn't cook and the flour and potato don't become gummy. Sprinkle over most of the flour, a pinch of salt and add the egg. With your fingers or a fork stir lightly to combine
  • Gently and gradually press the mixture together. It is important to not over knead but thoroughly combine. The dough should be light, not gooey or gummy which is a sign of over kneading and will result in heavy gnocchi.
  • Form the dough into a ball.

To shape the gnocchi

  • Cut small portion of dough and roll into a long rope about the thickness of your thumb.
  • Cut into 1 inch/2.5cm lengths.
  • Take each nugget of dough and using your index and middle finger, press the dough onto the tines of the fork ( or a gnocchi board which can be purchased in specialty shops) and roll. Making a concave indentation on one side and ridges on the other side.
  • Place gnocchi on a baking tray that has been dusted with flour.
  • An optional idea is to line the tray with baking paper and flour the paper as well. This way when you are ready to cook, you just pick up the ends of the paper and slip all the gnocchi into the boiling water.
  • Continue making gnocchi until all the dough is used up.

To cook and dress the gnocchi

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil.
  • Add gnocchi in batches and gnocchi are ready when they rise to the surface which will be about 3-5 minutes. The water may not return to the boil but if the gnocchi float, they are cooked.
  • Use a large slotted spoon to lift the gnocchi out. Drain well and place onto a large flat serving plate.
  • Add spoonfuls of pesto (try my nut free pesto recipe which also has the classic version) and a handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano). Gently stir with a silicone spatula. Continue cooking, draining and dressing the gnocchi until they are all done and all the pesto has been used.
  • Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano) and place the platter of gnocchi in the middle of the table for everyone to help themselves.

Notes

  1. Choose a floury, starchy potato not a waxy or a “salad” potato. Look for potato varieties that are good for mashing, baking or roasting.
  2. A little more flour (1/4 cup) may be added if the dough seems too soft.
Tips for Success
  • Keep potatoes as dry as possible by boiling unpeeled potatoes and then draining well.
  • Have potatoes warm but not hot when adding flour and egg
  • Use a light hand to incorporate the flour and egg into the potatoes but be sure to combine well.
Check the extra information above for FAQ.
Tried this recipe? Give it a star rating and leave a comment below!

Nutritional Estimate Per Serving

Calories: 847kcal | Carbohydrates: 148g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 485mg | Potassium: 2398mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1008IU | Vitamin C: 108mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 8mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For accurate results, it is recommended that the nutritional information be calculated based on the ingredients and brands you use.

Food safety

  • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
  • Wash hands after touching raw meat
  • Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
  • Never leave cooking food unattended
  • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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26 Comments

  1. I’m going to try this recipe as I love your other pasta recipes. Could I bake the potatoes instead of boiling them? I’m just afraid of the potatoes getting waterlogged.

    1. Yes, Liliana. I’ve done that and I found the gnocchi were very light. I baked them in their skins. You have to be careful not to take the potato too close to the skin because I find it can be a bit dried out and never really mashes well. Let me know how it goes!

      1. 5 stars
        Thank you so much for your reply. I will try making the gnocchi soon and let you know how they turn out. My girlfriend and I tried making them years ago and they kept taking more and more flour. It turned out like a Lucy and Ethel episode. Hopefully better luck this time.

        1. Haha, that’s too funny! Yes, adding too much flour can end badly! Basically I like to think of it as one part flour to four parts potatoes (in weight). You can go a little more than that if you prefer more solid gnocchi. Good luck! Yes, let me know how you go!

          1. My name is Rina, the best potato for gnocchi I use 2 Good size (Baking Potato,, (its a starchy potato), so they don’t absorb water, plus 1eggs, 2c to 3c flour, I’ve added 1 large yam, (just too try something different), more flavor too the dough, my family absolutely loved it!!🥰
            One thing I do when the holidays are approaching or a special occasion, I prepare the gnocchi a head of time…I get cookie trays ready, place parchment paper, arrange them single file, when the trays are all done, I put them in the freezer for a full day and the next day you get yourself large zip bags…Fill them up and again store them in the freezer and you’ll always be ahead of yourself

  2. 5 stars
    Hello dear Marcellina ! So happy to say I add an egg to the dough as well ! And again, this post proves simple is always the best ! Thank you and enjoy your day ! 🙂

    1. I’ll be making this over the weekend! It looks to be the same recipe (and rolling technique) I remember doing as a child with my mom! We would have the entire kitchen table filled with gnocchi!

  3. During lock down I made this for the first time with my daughter over zoom followed the instructions and worked a treat.
    I’ve made it using the ragu sauce a great combo

    1. Tony, I’m so glad to hear that. What a fun thing to do during lockdown and great father/daughter bonding! This is my family recipe so it warms my heart that you made gnocchi with your daughter.

    1. Hi Kate, no problem if you don’t have a ricer. Mash the potato with a potato masher or a fork. Be sure to not leave any lumps of potato so that your gnocchi are smooth. Don’t use a food processor or anything like that. I would use a fork to make sure the potato is smooth. Enjoy!

  4. HI, my daughter is allergic to wheat. I know the texture would change but do you know if other types of flour might work (like potato or rice)? Thanks!

  5. I’ve only always made gnocchi the lazy way, which means they’re not pretty! I should really figure this out. Your tutorial should help Marcellina, thank you!

  6. What a great tutorial, Marcellina! The video is especially helpful, worth a thousand words trying to describe the technique.

    By the way, I notice you add egg to the dough, just like I do. I understand some people turn their noses at the idea, but it really makes the dough more manageable and the gnocchi less likely to break apart. And no, I don’t find it makes them tough as some people say.

  7. Oh my goodness. These gnocchi look perfect. I wish I had a bowl of them in front of me right now. I have not had good luck with freezing gnocchi when they were uncooked. They turned to mush when I put them in boiling water, even at a gentle simmer. BUT, I found that cooking the gnocchi first, then freezing in a single layer and later putting in plastic bags, works much better. And yes, one MUST make the indentations. Aside from the reasons you mentioned, they’re just prettier that way. My mother always used a fork, but I have a little wooden tool that works great.

    1. Thanks for sharing your experience with freezing, Linda. I have never frozen my gnocchi but I know other people have luck freezing their gnocchi. I like your method. How do you reheat them?