Name: Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup basil pesto; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Crushed red pepper flakes; Fresh basil leaves; Extra lemon zest

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 62 reviews

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors yet wrapped in a luscious, velvety sauce, then the Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli Recipe is here to make your dinner dreams come true. This recipe marries pillowy potato gnocchi with bright broccoli florets, all coated in a zesty lemon-enhanced pesto cream sauce that feels indulgent without weighing you down. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight meal or showcasing your cooking skills for friends, this dish offers an exquisite balance of tangy lemon, herbaceous basil, and rich Parmesan, making every bite memorable and utterly comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple, well-chosen ingredients that work harmoniously to create a dish full of texture, color, and flavor. Each component plays a role, from the delicate gnocchi providing softness, to the broccoli’s tender crunch, and the creamy pesto sauce brightened beautifully with lemon. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, you’re well on your way to a show-stopping meal.

1 pound potato gnocchi: Use shelf-stable or refrigerated for that perfect pillowy texture that melts in your mouth.
2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh and vibrant, they add a lovely crunch and beautiful green color.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps gently cook the garlic without burning it.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic depth.
1/2 cup heavy cream: The secret to that irresistibly silky, creamy consistency.
1/3 cup basil pesto: Bursting with fresh herbs and nuts, giving the dish its signature pesto punch.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce, balancing the richness perfectly.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Elevates the lemon flavor with an aromatic twist.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick that adds depth.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles on umami magic and creamy thickness.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle hint of heat.
Fresh basil or extra lemon zest for garnish: The finishing touch that brightens the plate and nose.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Broccoli to Brighten and Tenderize

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your broccoli florets and cook them briefly, just 2 to 3 minutes, until they turn a vibrant green and yield slightly to your bite. This quick blanch locks in their beautiful color and maintains a pleasant crunch. Using a slotted spoon, remove the broccoli carefully and set it aside; you’ll add it back in later to the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi to Pillowy Perfection

In the same pot of boiling water, drop in the gnocchi and cook them according to package directions—which usually means waiting for them to float to the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes. Their buoyancy tells you they’re perfectly tender inside. Drain and keep them ready for the sauce stage.

Step 3: Create the Flavorful Lemon Pesto Cream Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until its aroma fills your kitchen. Be sure not to brown it, letting the natural sweetness shine. Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer, creating the creamy base. Stir in the basil pesto, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, swirling everything together until the sauce is smooth and vivid with green flecks of basil and zesty lemon.

Step 4: Combine Gnocchi and Broccoli in the Sauce

Carefully add the cooked gnocchi and broccoli florets to your beautiful lemon pesto cream sauce. Gently toss them to ensure every piece becomes luxuriously coated. Continue simmering for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken just enough. This step is key for that restaurant-quality finish right at home.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Serve Warm

Once the sauce has the perfect creamy texture, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Its nutty sharpness brings everything together with a silky, slightly stretchy quality that makes the dish instantly comforting. Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes if you love a touch of heat, plus fresh basil leaves or extra lemon zest for a vibrant burst of aroma and color just before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli Recipe really shine at the table, a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or an extra dusting of lemon zest works wonders. The fresh herbs lift the flavors and add that garden-fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. And if you like a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes provide a gentle kick without taking over.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a light garlic bread can make your dinner spread delightfully complete. Think simple arugula with a lemon vinaigrette or crunchy bread to mop up every last bit of that creamy lemon pesto goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For company or a festive occasion, try plating the Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli Recipe in individual shallow bowls, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. Alternatively, serve it family-style in a rustic ceramic dish right from the stove, inviting guests to dig in and enjoy the comfort and brightness of this flavorful dish together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to save some for much later, freeze the cooked gnocchi and broccoli with the sauce in a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within 1 to 2 months for peak freshness. Be mindful that the texture of the broccoli may soften slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to that silky smoothness that makes this dish so special.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well when fresh isn’t available. Just steam or blanch it until tender before adding to the sauce to avoid excess water diluting your creamy goodness.

Is vegetarian pesto okay to use?

Yes, vegetarian pesto without Parmesan or with a plant-based alternative is a fine choice if you prefer to keep this recipe vegetarian or accommodate dietary restrictions.

Can I add protein to this recipe?

Definitely! Cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even white beans make fantastic additions to boost the protein content while keeping the dish balanced and filling.

What type of gnocchi is best for this recipe?

Potato gnocchi works best because of its soft, pillow-like texture that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Shelf-stable or refrigerated options both work fine, just follow the cooking instructions on the package.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute. Just be mindful that this will slightly change the flavor profile but still yield a deliciously creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli Recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a celebration of flavor and comfort. Its perfect blend of creamy richness, fresh lemon brightness, and tender gnocchi makes it a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how simple it is to create such a stunning, satisfying meal right in your own kitchen!

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