Summer Pasta Pesto Gnocchi – Quick and Light
A bright, quick and light summer pasta featuring fluffy gnocchi tossed with fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper, finished with Parmesan.
Looking for a fresh, vibrant meal that’s ready in a flash? Our Summer Pasta Pesto Gnocchi is the perfect choice for those busy weeknights when you crave something both quick and light. It brings together the delightful flavors of summer with the comforting texture of gnocchi, making it a crowd-pleaser!
Summer Pasta Pesto Gnocchi
- Unique blend of fresh summer veggies and pesto.
- Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes.
- Perfectly light for warm summer evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pack of gnocchi (500g) – fluffy and light base.
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto – zesty flavor.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – juicy bites.
- 1 zucchini – sliced into thin ribbons.
- 1 bell pepper (any color) – chopped for crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic – minced for aroma.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
- Olive oil – for sautéing.
- Parmesan cheese – for garnish.
How to Make
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. While the gnocchi is cooking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced zucchini and chopped bell pepper to the pan; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened but still crisp. Once the gnocchi is done, drain it and add it to the pan along with the cherry tomatoes and basil pesto. Toss everything gently to combine, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips
- For a protein boost, include grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use store-bought pesto or make your own for freshness.
- Feel free to swap in any summer vegetables you enjoy!
Make-Ahead
You can prepare the pesto and chop your vegetables a day in advance to save time. Just store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen before adding the pesto. Simply cook the gnocchi and veggies, let them cool, and freeze. Thaw and reheat before adding the pesto.
Reheating
Reheat the gnocchi on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or oil to loosen if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine complements the flavors beautifully.
For essential cooking tools, check out this high-quality sauté pan to make your cooking a breeze!
Related Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 pack of gnocchi (500g) – fluffy and light base.
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto – zesty flavor.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – juicy bites.
- 1 zucchini – sliced into thin ribbons.
- 1 bell pepper (any color) – chopped for crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic – minced for aroma.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
- Olive oil – for sautéing.
- Parmesan cheese – for garnish.
Instructions
Boil gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float.
Sauté garlic
Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Cook vegetables
Add zucchini and bell pepper; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Combine
Add cooked gnocchi and cherry tomatoes to the pan.
Finish
Toss with basil pesto and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a protein boost, include grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use store-bought pesto or make your own for freshness.
- Feel free to swap in any summer vegetables you enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative and use dairy-free pesto.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes, you can prep the vegetables and pesto in advance and cook the gnocchi just before serving.
What goes well with this dish?
A light green salad, garlic bread, or a glass of chilled white wine pairs nicely.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works well; you can make your own for extra freshness.
Can I substitute the gnocchi with pasta?
Yes, you can use your favorite pasta in place of gnocchi.
