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Crispy Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Creamy Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy pan-fried gnocchi tossed in creamy pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes, perfect for a comforting midweek dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) store-bought potato gnocchi
  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin or light)
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
  • Small handful fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Zest of half a lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: halve cherry tomatoes, mince garlic, zest half a lemon, grate Parmesan cheese, and have pesto ready.
  2. Heat 2-3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add gnocchi in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
  4. Flip gnocchi gently and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp all around but soft inside.
  5. Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes; stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften and blister but hold shape.
  6. Lower heat and spoon in pesto sauce; stir gently to coat gnocchi and tomatoes evenly. Cook 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
  7. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and lemon zest; toss once more.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure gnocchi crisp properly. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Add garlic near the end to prevent bitterness. If gnocchi stick, add a splash more olive oil. Reheat leftovers in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: gnocchi, crispy gnocchi, pan-fried gnocchi, pesto, cherry tomatoes, easy dinner, quick recipe, vegetarian

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/crispy-pan-fried-gnocchi-recipe-easy-creamy-pesto-and-cherry-tomatoes/