There’s something truly magical about a cozy dinner made just for two, and this Creamy Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Imagine pillowy gnocchi coated in a luscious, velvety sauce blending fresh basil pesto with whipped ricotta, kissed by a hint of lemon and finished with toasted pine nuts for crunch. It’s a dish bursting with vibrant colors and comforting flavors that comes together quickly, making it a delightful dinner option any night of the week when you want to impress without stress.

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet powerful players that create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in our Creamy Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe. Each one brings its own magic to the dish, from the tender gnocchi base to the fresh basil that brightens every bite.

6 oz. Uncooked Gnocchi: The soft and pillowy starch that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
1 tbsp. Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the pesto sauce.
1/4 cup Basil Pesto: The bright, herbaceous heart of the dish, packed with basil and garlic flavor.
1/4 cup Whipped Ricotta: Creates the creamy base of the sauce with a smooth, delicate texture.
1/4 cup reserved Pasta Water: Perfect for loosening the sauce to just the right consistency and helping it cling to the gnocchi.
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan: Adds a sharp, salty kick that deepens the flavor profile.
1 tbsp. fresh Lemon Juice: Gives a subtle zesty brightness that lifts the richness of the dish.
1 cup fresh Basil Leaves, tightly packed: Essential for making fresh, vibrant pesto.
2 tbsp. toasted Pine Nuts: Brings a deliciously nutty crunch to the pesto.
1 clove Garlic, smashed: Infuses a gentle but unmistakable aromatic punch.
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The silky base of the pesto, adding flavor and smooth texture.
1/2 tsp. fresh Lemon Juice: Enhances the pesto with a bright note.
1/4 tsp. Sea Salt: Balances and intensifies all the fresh flavors.
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (for pesto): Adds pungent, cheesy depth to the pesto paste.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your gnocchi and cook them according to package instructions; usually, they float to the top in about 2 to 3 minutes when they’re perfectly done. Don’t forget to scoop out and reserve about 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain the gnocchi. This liquid gold will help you create your silky sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce

In a large non-stick pan over low heat, melt the butter slowly so it doesn’t brown. Stir in the basil pesto until it’s warmed through and fragrant. Then fold in the whipped ricotta for that signature creaminess, stirring gently until the sauce is smooth and beautifully combined. Gradually pour in three tablespoons of your reserved pasta water, stirring to loosen the sauce into a perfect, luscious consistency. If you like your sauce a little thinner, add the remaining pasta water one tablespoon at a time — it’s all about personal preference.

Step 3: Combine and Finish

Next, add the cooked gnocchi directly into your creamy pesto pan and toss everything together until every piece is luxuriously coated in sauce. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and bring it all together. Serve this dish immediately — it’s best enjoyed fresh and hot, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top if you’re feeling indulgent.

Step 4: Make the Fresh Pesto

While the gnocchi cooks, toast your pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir frequently until they turn golden and release their irresistible nutty aroma. Let them cool slightly, then toss them into a food processor along with the fresh basil leaves and smashed garlic. Pulse until everything is finely minced. With the processor running, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil slowly to emulsify the pesto. Finish by adding Parmesan, lemon juice, and sea salt, pulsing a few more times until everything is well combined. Use this vibrant homemade pesto immediately in your sauce or store it for later adventures.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can take your Creamy Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe to the next level. Fresh basil leaves bring a pop of color and reinforce the herbal freshness, while toasted pine nuts scattered on top add delightful texture contrast. Don’t forget a final dusting of freshly grated Parmesan to give the dish a gorgeous, melty finish that’s irresistible at first glance and bite.

Side Dishes

Since this recipe is rich and satisfying on its own, keep side dishes light and simple. A crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the gnocchi beautifully. Alternatively, roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes add a sweet, caramelized note and vibrant hues to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this dish in rustic shallow bowls invites you to twirl gnocchi and scoop up every last bit of sauce. For a special touch, drizzle some extra homemade pesto artistically around the edges of the plate. If you want to impress, sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a touch of chili flakes on top to add a burst of flavor and colorful contrast that’s sure to wow your guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The gnocchi will absorb some of the sauce, so it’s best enjoyed quickly to keep that creamy texture intact.

Freezing

Freezing this dish isn’t ideal because gnocchi can become mushy after thawing and reheating. However, you can freeze leftover pesto separately in a small container or ice cube trays to use later in soups, pastas, or even spread on sandwiches.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwaving can work in a pinch but stirring halfway through helps heat it evenly and preserves that creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works wonderfully if you’re short on time, but fresh homemade pesto definitely elevates the dish with brighter, more complex flavors.

Is it necessary to use whipped ricotta?

Whipped ricotta adds a smooth, airy creaminess to the sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can use regular ricotta blended until smooth or even substitute with mascarpone for a richer texture.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

You can swap gnocchi with a vegan variety, use a plant-based butter substitute, replace ricotta with cashew cream, and choose a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep those cheesy notes alive.

What if I can’t find fresh gnocchi?

Frozen gnocchi is a great option; just follow cooking instructions carefully. You could also use small store-bought potato gnocchi, which cooks quickly and delivers that same pillowy softness.

Can I double this recipe for more people?

Definitely! The recipe scales beautifully, just be sure to use a larger pan to evenly coat all the gnocchi in the creamy pesto sauce and adjust seasoning to taste.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Pesto Gnocchi for Two Recipe enough for nights when you want a meal that feels special without a lot of fuss. The combination of fresh pesto, tender gnocchi, and velvety ricotta sauce makes every bite a little celebration. I hope you try making this dish soon — it might just become your new favorite comfort dinner for two!