Cheesy Gnocchi with Corn and Pesto Recipe
This Cheesy Gnocchi with Corn and Pesto is a quick and comforting skillet dish that features crispy pan-seared gnocchi mixed with sweet corn and vibrant pesto, topped with bubbly melted mozzarella cheese. Finished under the broiler for a golden, slightly charred crust, this recipe combines textures and flavors for an irresistible weeknight meal or cozy starter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Main Dish
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound shelf-stable gnocchi
- About 3 cups canned or fresh corn kernels (from two 15-ounce cans or about 4 fresh cobs)
- ½ cup store-bought or homemade pesto, plus more for topping
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces grated whole-milk, low-moisture mozzarella
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sear Gnocchi: In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, heat the extra-virgin olive oil until sizzling hot, approximately 2 minutes. Add the shelf-stable gnocchi in a single layer and sear undisturbed for about 4 minutes to get a crispy bottom crust.
- Cook the Corn: Add the corn kernels to the skillet. Stir occasionally for 2 minutes until the corn is slightly softened but still retains a bit of bite. Then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Mix in the Pesto and Season: Stir the pesto into the gnocchi and corn mixture until evenly combined. Taste, and season with salt as needed and add a few cracks of black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Preheat the Broiler: Place an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler element and set the broiler to high heat to prepare for melting the cheese topping.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Evenly spread the grated mozzarella cheese on top of the gnocchi and corn mixture in the skillet. Carefully place the skillet under the hot broiler. Broil for about 4 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly charred on top. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve with Extra Pesto: Remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon additional pesto over the cheesy gnocchi. Divide the dish among bowls and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- The shelf-stable gnocchi can be substituted with fresh or frozen gnocchi, though cooking times for searing may vary.
- Using fresh corn cobs will enhance the flavor, but canned corn is a convenient alternative.
- If homemade pesto is unavailable, choose a good quality store-bought pesto for best flavor.
- Broiling times may vary depending on your oven; keep a close eye to avoid burning the cheese.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: cheesy gnocchi, gnocchi with corn, pesto gnocchi, skillet gnocchi, Italian gnocchi recipe, easy vegetarian dinner
