Description
This Lemon and Basil Gnocchi is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light and satisfying meal. Tender gnocchi is tossed with sautéed zucchini, fresh spinach, and a bright lemon sauce, then finished with Parmesan cheese, basil, and mozzarella for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 500g gluten-free potato gnocchi
- 30g salted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 large zucchini, thinly sliced
- 60g baby spinach leaves
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn, plus extra for serving
- 1 ball (200g) fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
- Sea salt
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Zucchini: Melt the butter with olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the zucchini slices, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 minutes, or until slightly softened. Stir occasionally.
- Cook Gnocchi: While the zucchini is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water before draining.
- Prepare Sauce: Add the spinach and lemon juice to the pan with the zucchini. Pour in the reserved gnocchi cooking water and stir. Add the cooked gnocchi and toss until the spinach wilts and the sauce lightly coats the gnocchi.
- Finish with Fresh Flavors: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the lemon zest and Parmesan cheese, tossing gently to combine. Scatter the basil leaves and torn mozzarella over the gnocchi. Cover the pan for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Divide the gnocchi mixture among bowls. Top with extra Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to thinly slice the zucchini for even cooking.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried basil.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of the reserved gnocchi cooking water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 550kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
