Delicious Green Gnocchi with Spinach & Walnut Pesto

Crafting a complete and flavourful meal can often feel like a challenge, particularly on busy weeknights. This recipe for green gnocchi with spinach and walnut pesto has been specifically designed for those very occasions. Everything comes together seamlessly, without any unnecessary delays or complex steps, allowing you to bring a vibrant and nutritious dish to the table with minimal effort. The delicate flavour of fresh spinach, perfectly complemented by the pleasant crunch of walnuts, creates a fresh and inviting sauce that generously coats the gnocchi. It’s a truly reliable option for anyone seeking quick culinary solutions without compromising on taste or quality.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 17.6 oz (500g) fresh potato gnocchi
• 5.3 oz (150g) fresh spinach (pre-washed)
• 1.1 oz (30g) shelled walnuts
• 0.7 oz (20g) grated Parmesan
• 1 small garlic clove (optional)
• 2 fl oz (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• Fine salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

1. Bring a large pan of generously salted water to a rolling boil for the gnocchi.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the pesto: combine the spinach, walnuts, Parmesan, garlic clove (if using), extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a grind of pepper in a food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth, homogeneous cream, adding a tablespoon of the gnocchi cooking water if needed to adjust the consistency.
3. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
4. Drain the gnocchi using a slotted spoon, transferring them directly into a large bowl or back into the same pan (after discarding the water).
5. Dress the gnocchi with the spinach and walnut pesto, tossing gently to ensure everything is well combined.
6. Serve immediately, garnishing with an extra dusting of Parmesan, if desired.

Serving & Leftovers

These green gnocchi are best enjoyed hot, freshly dressed. For a complete meal, they can be accompanied by a simple fresh side salad. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for one day, but it’s best to consume the dish straight away to truly appreciate its freshness and texture.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

One Last Thing

Incorporating dishes like this into your weekly routine means you’ll always have a practical and delicious solution at your fingertips. The ease of preparation and readily available ingredients make this recipe an excellent foundation for evenings when time is limited but the desire to eat well remains a priority.