Gnocchi – which means dumplings in Italian – are made from potatoes and flour. They are easy
enough to make, although we use bought gnocchi here, and should be light and fluffy (like pillows).
Pesto, too, is very simple; it comes originally from Genoa in northern Italy and traditionally is made
with basil, garlic and pine nuts crushed and blended with Parmesan and olive oil. But there are
times when you have to cheat and this dish is fantastic for making it look as if you have spent hours
in the kitchen by opening a few packets; but it is all in the presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 x 400g packets of fresh potato gnocchi
- 30g pine nuts
- 130g pot fresh basil pesto
- 30g watercress, washed and ready to eat
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- freshly grated Parmesan to serve
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Cook the gnocchi according to packet instructions (they are usually ready when they float to the top) and drain. Meanwhile, tip the pine nuts into a non-stick frying pan and cook gently until they are roasted and golden, stirring frequently (keep an eye on them as they scorch quite quickly). Tip the pasta back into the saucepan and stir in the pesto.
- Spoon into warm bowls, sprinkle with pine nuts and arrange a little watercress on top. Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve with freshly grated Parmesan.
Top Tip for making Cheats’ gnocchi with pesto
The hard cheese we call Parmesan is known as Parmigiano Reggiano in Italy because it is made around Parma, Reggio Emilia, Bologna and Modena, all in Emilia-Romagna; Parmigiano is the Italian adjective for Parma, Parmesan the French name for the cheese which we have adopted in Britain. So if it says Parmigiano Reggiano on the label (or in the rind) it’s Parmesan!
Trusted, informative, and empathetic – GoodTo is the ultimate online destination for mums. Established in 2007, our 15-year-strong archive of content includes more than 18,000 articles, 1,500 how-to videos, and 7,000 recipes.
-
Gnocchi recipe with sage and lemon
Our gnocchi recipe with sage and lemon is a simple but delicious vegetarian main, perfect for dinner parties. Only a few ingredients are needed for it too.
By GoodtoKnow • Published
-
Air fryer pesto salmon
This tasty air fryer salmon pesto recipe is by nutritionist and cookbook author, Jenny Tschiesche...
By Jenny Tschiesche • Published
-
Baked sausage and fennel gnocchi gratin
Baked sausage and fennel gnocchi gratin is ready in 30 mins, which makes in the perfect midweek dinner choice. At 83p per serving, it's a winner
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Air fryer French toast bites
If you like French toast, you're going to love these air fryer French toast bites - the perfect weekend treat...
By Nathan Anthony • Published
-
Air fryer fish tacos
Say hello to these mouthwatering air fryer fish tacos ready and on the table in just 20 minutes...
By Nathan Anthony • Published
-
Air fryer sweet potato and chorizo hash
Flavoursome brunch or dinner, this air fryer sweet potato and chorizo hash is a 15 minute favourite in the air fryer...
By Nathan Anthony • Published
-
Super cheap patio cleaning hack revealed ahead of UK heatwave
Cleaning fans have revealed the basic supermarket product that can keep your patio clean for less this summer
By Emma Dooney • Published
-
The Queen’s dinner table rule means this everyday essential isn’t ‘allowed’ for her royal relatives
The Queen reportedly prefers a more 'formal' approach to mealtimes and prioritises traditional etiquette with her nearest and nearest...
By Emma Shacklock • Published
-
Surprisingly cheap Mother's Day gift mums ACTUALLY want as chocolate and jewellery drop in popularity
New research has found that many mums in the UK have a very simple wish list this Mother's Day
By Emma Dooney • Published