From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4
Instructions
1
Cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Al dente is best for this since you’ll be adding the gnocchi to the pan later.
2
Add the pesto ingredients, except the olive oil, to a large food processor. Blitz everything together until it forms a paste.
3
While the food processor is running, slowly stream in the olive oil until it’s fully incorporated and the pesto looks wet and slightly thick. This recipe makes about a cup of pesto.
4
Add the pancetta to a large pan over medium heat. Sauté until the fat has rendered and the pancetta is fully cooked through.
5
Add the shallot and cook until slightly soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.
6
Add the asparagus and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until slightly soft but not mushy.
7
Add the pesto to the pan and let it heat up and mix with the other ingredients.
8
Mix in the cream and add the cooked gnocchi. Toss the gnocchi with the sauce until everything is fully coated. Taste the gnocchi and sauce for seasoning.
9
Garnish the gnocchi with more parmesan and crushed pistachios, if desired.
Notes
1
*We like this dish saucy but you could make it with up to 2 pounds of gnocchi if you want to stretch it farther.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Toast Pistachios Before Blending 🥜Lightly toast your dry roasted pistachios in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes to intensify their nutty flavor and create a more complex, sophisticated pesto that elevates the entire dish.
- Blanch Asparagus Separately 🌿Pre-blanch asparagus for 2-3 minutes before adding to the pan with pancetta to ensure tender, vibrant pieces that won't become mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Temper Cream with Pasta Water 💧Reserve starchy gnocchi cooking water and whisk a splash into your heavy cream before adding pesto—this prevents the sauce from breaking and creates a silky emulsion that clings beautifully to the gnocchi.
- Add Pesto Last and Off Heat 🔥Stir your arugula-pistachio pesto into the cream sauce away from direct heat to preserve the bright, fresh basil and arugula flavors, preventing them from becoming bitter or oxidized.
- Crisp Pancetta for Textural Contrast 🥓Render pancetta until deeply crispy and drain on paper towels, then fold in just before serving to maintain its textural crunch against the creamy sauce and tender gnocchi.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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