Smashed Pea lemon Gnocchi
Alright friends, today we’re keeping things fresh, simple, and incredibly tasty with a recipe that screams warm weather but works any time of year. I’m talking about Smashed Pea Lemon Gnocchi. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, yet it’s packed with flavor that’ll make it feel like you’ve made something extra special. It’s bright, zesty, creamy, and honestly, so easy to pull together. Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients needed
- 4 cups gnocchi
- 1 cup frozen peas (blended)
- ½ cup pasta water
- ½ cup light sour cream
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1 cup leeks (thinly sliced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Olive oil for searing
How to make this Smashed Pea Lemon Gnocchi
- Cook the Gnocchi
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your gnocchi and let them cook until they float to the surface, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate. Don’t toss the water though – you’ll need some of that starchy goodness later. - Sear the Gnocchi
Here’s where the magic happens. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and drizzle in some olive oil. Spoon in your cooked gnocchi and let them sear until they get golden and crispy on one side. That texture contrast between the crispy gnocchi exterior and the soft pillowy insides? Perfection. Once seared, remove them from the pan and set aside. - Create the Sauce
In the same pan, lower the heat a bit and toss in your minced garlic and leeks. Sauté until fragrant and the leeks soften up a bit – about 2-3 minutes. Now it’s time to build some flavor. Pour in about ½ cup of that reserved pasta water, followed by the blended peas. Stir in the light sour cream and let everything come together to create a silky smooth, vibrant sauce. - Finish with Fresh Herbs and Zing
Once your sauce is looking luscious, toss in the crispy gnocchi. Now for the fresh stuff – add in the basil, give it all a good toss, and then sprinkle in the parmesan cheese. Finish it off with a hit of lemon zest to really brighten things up and bring out that fresh, zippy flavor. - Serve and Enjoy!
Scoop your gnocchi into bowls, and if you’re feeling fancy, hit it with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a few basil leaves. Trust me, you’re going to want to dig in right away. The creaminess from the peas and sour cream pairs so perfectly with the citrus from the lemon zest and the fresh pop of basil. This dish is fresh, vibrant, and satisfying all at once.
Why You’ll Love It
What I love about this Smashed Pea Lemon Gnocchi is how quickly it comes together but still feels super special. The peas add this subtle sweetness that balances beautifully with the tang from the lemon and sour cream. The gnocchi, with that crispy exterior and pillowy interior, acts as the perfect base to soak up all that creamy sauce. And don’t even get me started on the fresh basil – it’s the herb that makes everything better.
This recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients coming together in a big way. It’s hearty without being heavy, perfect for those nights when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens without feeling like you’re eating a salad.
So give this Smashed Pea Lemon Gnocchi a try. I promise it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen in no time!
Interested in the Blender I use? Check it out!
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen peas Blend 1 cup frozen peas- blended4 cups gnocchi-boil + searPasta water ½ cup +Blended peas½ cup light sour cream1 cup basil1 cup leeks1 clove garlic¼ cup parm Lemon zest
- 4 cups store bought gnocchi
- 1/2 cup light sour cream
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1 cup leeks, sliced
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup Parmesan chees
- 1 lemon, zested
Instructions:
- Blend the 1 cup of frozen peas for about 30 seconds. Add 1-2 tbs spoons of water to help with the blending.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and once boil is reached drop in the gnocchi and then remove from water once the gnocchi floats.
- Oil a large pan and place over medium high heat. Drop in the cooked gnocchi (careful it may splatter is gnocchi are wet) and cook until gnocchi is seared and browned.
- Add in the garlic, leeks, and basil. Saute for 2 minutes and then add in the peas and sour cream. Toss and laddle in 1/2 cup of the water the gnocchi was cooked in. Cook for 1-2 minutes and remove from the heat.
- Add zested lemon and parm! Enjoy!
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