30-Minute Pesto Gnocchi with Asparagus
30-Minute Pesto Gnocchi with Asparagus is a deliciously vibrant dish that transforms your weeknight dinners into a gourmet experience. With fluffy gnocchi and crisp asparagus enveloped in rich, aromatic pesto, this quick recipe is perfect for busy evenings. In just half an hour, you can serve a colorful meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple—ideal for impressing family and friends or savoring a comforting bite of Italy at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 8 oz), trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté asparagus until tender-crisp (approximately 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently toss the cooked gnocchi with the sautéed asparagus in the skillet.
- Pour in the pesto sauce, mixing well until evenly coated. Heat for another minute to combine flavors.
- Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Swap asparagus for seasonal vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for variety. Incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp for an added protein boost. Experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or arugula, for unique flavors.