Creamy Red Pesto Gnocchi

This recipe is comfort food at its best. I absolutely LOVE gnocchi as they are like pillows of yumminess as you bite into them. Douse them in this creamy red pesto sauce with a hint of chilli, mixed with fresh basil and garlic and you have yourself one of the best dishes that will satisfy your soul and keep you warm and fuzzy during the colder days.

I'm all for using fresh ingredients where possible as it adds so much flavour and aroma to a dish that you wouldn't get from a pre-made paste or dried spices. The fresh basil, garlic and chilli give this dish a delicious boost to balance it out with the creamy base.

This NEEDS to go at the top of your list for your next Italian night! And the best part is that you can whip this up in half an hour so it is perfect for your busier dinner nights. So what are you waiting for? Grab and spoon, fork, or spork (do they still make those??) and dig in!

INGREDIENTS (serves 4):

• 3 tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto

• 500g gnocchi

• 1 tsp corn flour

• 300ml double cream

• 1 tsp rapeseed oil

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 1/3 tbsp minced green chillies

• 1/2 salt

• black pepper to taste

• fresh basil, chopped

• parmesan for topping (optional) / cheddar if vegetarian

METHOD:

1. Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions (about 2 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. While water is coming to a boil, combine corn starch and 2 teaspoons of cream in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.

3. Place a saucepan on the stove over a medium heat and heat the oil. Add chilli and garlic and sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add remaining cream, corn starch mixture, pesto, salt and pepper to the pan. Stir until sauce begins to thicken, then turn off the heat.

5. Add the cooked gnocchi and stir to combine. Stir in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

6. Serve with parmesan or cheddar cheese if you are keeping it vegetarian.

NUTRITIONAL INFO - per serving:

603 kcal

53.6g carbs

39.1g fat (23.4g saturated)

8.3g protein

2.8g fiber

1.2g sugar