Pesto Pea Gnocchi Skillet (Print view)

Crispy gnocchi with basil pesto and sweet peas in a quick 25-minute skillet meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Gnocchi

01 - 18 oz shelf-stable potato gnocchi

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
03 - 2 cups baby spinach (optional)

→ Pesto

04 - 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
05 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

→ Aromatics & Oils

06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

09 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)
10 - Lemon zest (optional)

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
02 - Add the gnocchi in an even layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7–8 minutes until golden and crisp on all sides.
03 - Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Stir in the peas and spinach (if using). Cook for 2–3 minutes until the peas are heated through and the spinach has wilted.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add the basil pesto and Parmesan. Toss until the gnocchi and vegetables are evenly coated and heated through.
06 - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and lemon zest if desired.

# Expert Ideas:

01 -
  • You get that restaurant quality crispy texture without boiling water first
  • The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup
02 -
  • Dont overcrowd the pan or the gnocchi will steam instead of crisp
  • Let the pan get properly hot before adding the gnocchi for the best golden exterior
03 -
  • Pat the gnocchi dry if they seem moist from the package for better crisping
  • Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten all the flavors
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