Indulge in the wholesome goodness of Heart-Healthy Pesto Gnocchi, a flavorful and nutrient-packed twist on a classic comfort food. This quick and easy recipe pairs tender whole-wheat potato gnocchi with a vibrant homemade pesto made from fresh basil, baby spinach, walnuts, and nutritional yeast—offering a vegan-friendly, dairy-free alternative with all the savory richness you love. Enhanced with a refreshing hint of lemon juice and finished with juicy bursts of cherry tomatoes, this dish is as visually appealing as it is nourishing. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a go-to for anyone seeking a plant-based, heart-smart meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the whole-wheat potato gnocchi. Cook according to package instructions until the gnocchi float to the top, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Then drain and set aside.
While the gnocchi is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine fresh basil, baby spinach, walnuts, minced garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. Pulse until the ingredients start to break down.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue processing until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the cooked gnocchi and the prepared pesto. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi evenly with the pesto sauce.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and gently stir to combine, allowing them to warm through but not overcook.
Serve the heart-healthy pesto gnocchi immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired.
Serving size | 945.4 grams (945.4g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1690 |
Total Fat 92.40g | 118% |
Saturated Fat 11.80g | 59% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 18.90g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 3231mg | 140% |
Total Carbohydrate 177.40g | 65% |
Dietary Fiber 26.80g | 96% |
Total Sugars 17.00g | |
Protein 45.60g | 91% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 300mg | 23% |
Iron 14mg | 78% |
Potassium 2257mg | 48% |
Source of Calories