25-Minute Pesto Gnocchi with Crispy Pancetta
This pesto gnocchi with crispy pancetta is summer comfort in a bowl. Light, pillowy potato gnocchi—homemade or store-bought—are tossed in vibrant basil pesto, then finished with salty pancetta (or guanciale) and plenty of grated Parmesan. Easy, full of flavor, and simple enough for a weeknight. Gluten-free.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 482kcal
Video
Equipment
Small paper towel-lined bowl
Gnocchi board optional for if you want to give the gnocchi ridges
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi, store-bought or homemade
- 4 oz pancetta or guanciale, cubed
- ½ cup pesto, homemade or store-bought
- 3 Tbsp mascarpone cheese
- 2 Tbsp Parmigiano Reggiano grated, for serving
Instructions
- Crisp the pancetta. Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. When hot, add 4 oz pancetta or guanciale. Cook until crispy on all sides, about 3-5 minutes. Do not overcook, you want the pancetta to have a slight chew to it. Transfer to a paper towel-lined bowl. Drain and discard all except two tablespoons of grease.
- Cook the gnocchi. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the potato gnocchi, then cook just a few minutes, or until they begin to float. Immediately drain the gnocchi, reserving ½ cup cooking water, into the preheated skillet, along with ½ cup of basil pesto and 3 Tbsp mascarpone.
- Finish cooking in sauce. Immediately drain the gnocchi, reserving ½ cup cooking water, then add to the preheated skillet, along with ½ cup of basil pesto and 3 Tbsp mascarpone. Stir until evenly coated and the cheese has melted.
- Finish, then serve. Add a few tablespoons of reserved gnocchi cooking water, then stir until well mixed. Serve immediately with crispy pancetta and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Gnocchi shortcut: We love DeLallo’s shelf-stable gnocchi kit—it comes together in minutes and makes light, tender gnocchi with minimal effort.
- Pesto options: Use any homemade pesto recipe you like.
Nutrition
Calories: 482kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 908mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 812IU | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 4mg
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