Imagine a dish that combines the pillowy softness of Italian gnocchi, the vibrant herbaceous punch of pesto, and succulent, perfectly seared shrimp - all coming together in one irresistible plate that promises to transport you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy. This isn't just another recipe; this is a gastronomic journey that will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Gnocchi
- Pesto sauce
- Shrimp
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: gnocchi, pesto sauce, shrimp, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure your shrimp are peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the gnocchi.
- While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the shrimp. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with a drizzle of olive oil, minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves), salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside to marinate for a few minutes.
- Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. This indicates they are done. Drain the gnocchi in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque, then flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side.
- Once the shrimp are cooked through, reduce the heat to low and add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Pour in the pesto sauce, stirring gently to combine everything. Allow the mixture to heat through for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring the gnocchi is well coated with the pesto.
- To serve, plate the gnocchi and shrimp mixture, then sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness and flavor.
- Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious gnocchi with pesto and shrimp!
Tips
- Always salt your boiling water generously - this is your first chance to season the gnocchi.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp; give them space to sear properly and develop a beautiful golden color.
- Watch your shrimp carefully - they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. They're ready when they turn pink and opaque.
- Use fresh, high-quality pesto for the most intense flavor. If using store-bought, consider adding a touch of fresh basil leaves.
- For extra richness, consider using a mix of olive oil and butter when sautéing the shrimp.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the most robust flavor and best melting properties.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 180mg
