Description
This Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is a delightful blend of tender potato gnocchi, succulent shrimp, and vibrant broccoli, all tossed in a flavorful pesto sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese. Quick and easy to prepare, it offers an elegant yet comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi and Vegetables
- 2 lbs potato gnocchi (such as De Cecco)
- 6 cups broccoli florets
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 3 lbs extra-large shrimp (21–25 per lb), peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for a spicy kick
Sauce and Garnish
- 4–5 tbsp pesto (like De Cecco Pesto alla Genovese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Boil gnocchi & broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and broccoli florets together and cook until the gnocchi floats to the top and the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with freshly cracked black pepper and lemon zest. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine & toss: In the same skillet (with heat off), add the cooked gnocchi, tender broccoli florets, pesto, grated Parmesan cheese, and sautéed shrimp. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients in the creamy pesto sauce.
- Finish: Top the dish with extra grated Parmesan cheese, a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, and sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired for a spicy kick. Serve the dish warm immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh pesto or a high-quality store-bought pesto for the best flavor.
- Extra Parmesan cheese can be added to suit your taste preference.
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like the dish.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; they are done when pink and opaque.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly; watch carefully to avoid overcooking and mushy texture.
