Lemon Basil Gnocchi with Zucchini
Ingredients
- 1 package of uncooked gnocchi
1-pound
- 4 tablespoons butter
divided
- 2 large zucchini
diced, about 1.5 pounds
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- juice of 1 medium lemon
- 2/3 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
plus extra for topping
- 2/3 cup roughly-chopped fresh basil leaves
plus extra for topping
- fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
Directions
- 1
Prep the water. Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil for the gnocchi.
- 2
Sauté the veggies. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and sauté for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nearly cooked through and tender. At this point, go ahead and add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Then meanwhile, add the garlic to the zucchini and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring the mixture frequently, until fragrant. Remove sauté pan from heat.
- 3
Mix together. Once the gnocchi float to the top of the surface of the boiling water, use a strainer to transfer them to the sauté pan with the zucchini mixture. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, Parmesan, basil, plus a few twists of black pepper and toss until evenly combined. If the mixture seems a touch dry, add in 1/4 cup (or more) of the starchy gnocchi water.
- 4
Season. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- 5
Serve. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh basil and black pepper. Enjoy!
Lemon Basil Gnocchi with Zucchini
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Based on 14 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Looking for a lightning-fast, flavor-packed meal that feels gourmet? This Lemon Basil Gnocchi with Zucchini delivers a vibrant, satisfying dinner that's ready in a remarkable 20 minutes.
The beauty of this dish lies in its delightful simplicity. Tender gnocchi forms the perfect canvas for fresh, seasonal zucchini, bright lemon, and aromatic basil. With a few staple ingredients, you'll achieve a balanced meal where each component shines, proving that incredible flavor doesn't have to mean hours in the kitchen.
You'll discover soft, pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a light, buttery sauce infused with fragrant garlic and a refreshing burst of lemon. The diced zucchini adds a delicate texture and a hint of earthy sweetness, beautifully complemented by generous amounts of freshly chopped basil and savory Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting yet remarkably fresh dish that brightens any table.
Easily adapt this recipe to suit your pantry or preferences. For an added boost of protein, consider stirring in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. To incorporate more vegetables, halved cherry tomatoes or a handful of spinach would be excellent additions. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, swap some of the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano cheese.
Serve this vibrant gnocchi as a delightful, light lunch or a quick, elegant weeknight dinner. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette would be a perfect complement.