An easy, hearty pesto gnocchi recipe for every night of the week.

If you’re anything like me, at the end of a crazy day all I want is to cozy up with a big bowl of pasta — but I also don’t want to completely skip out on my greens. That’s where my 5 Ingredient Pesto Gnocchi comes in. It’s rustic, deceivingly healthy, and checks every box: simple, satisfying, and the perfect comfort meal after a long day. Plus, cauliflower gnocchi sneaks in a full serving of veggies that’s both nutritious and delicious!

With just five simple ingredients — fresh mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, ground turkey, and a dollop of pesto — this mouthwatering pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights and one of my favorite things to make when I need something that feels like a nutritious salad… but really, I’m craving a big, cozy bowl of pasta.

You can watch a step-by-step video of this recipe on The Savvy Spoon Instagram, here!

Why I Love This Easy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

There are a few reasons I keep coming back to this recipe over and over again:

it uses store-bought gnocchi, which keeps everything fast and easy
it comes together in under 20 minutes — truly perfect for busy nights
it tastes indulgent but still feels cozy and balanced
the combo of turkey + pesto + sundried tomatoes creates the best creamy pesto sauce moment without actually needing cream
leftovers store well in an airtight container

Plus, the mozzarella melts into little pockets of happiness between the pillowy gnocchi — which honestly might be the best part.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 package cauliflower gnocchi
1 lb ground turkey thigh
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes
1/2 cup pesto
8 oz buffalo mozzarella

Here’s how you’ll make my 5 Ingredient Pesto Gnocchi:

Bring a pot of water to boil, salting well.
Add gnocchi and boil for 4 minutes.
Add 2 tbsp. oil to a hot sauté pan.
Add turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
Add gnocchi to turkey in pan.
Add chopped sundried tomatoes, pesto, and torn mozzarella. Enjoy!

Best Ways to Enjoy Your Pesto Gnocchi

This skillet is great on its own, but here are a few fun pairings if you want to build a complete meal:

a simple green salad
roasted green beans
garlic bread
a crisp white wine

And if you’re cooking for a relaxed date night, this recipe looks and tastes like you put way more work into it than you actually did — always a win.

Tips for the Best Results

salt the water well — it seasons the gnocchi from the inside out
if you want a creamier texture, stir in a splash of pasta water
use a nonstick pan so the gnocchi stay pillowy and don’t tear
tear, don’t slice, the mozzarella for perfect melty bites
leftovers will keep in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days

FAQs

Absolutely! Any store-bought gnocchi will work perfectly for this pesto gnocchi recipe. Use whatever variety you love — cauliflower, potato, whole wheat, or gluten-free.

Yes! This recipe is all about ease, so store-bought pesto works beautifully. If you have fresh pesto or homemade, even better.

Stir in a splash of pasta water or a little parmesan cheese to loosen and enrich the pesto. It instantly creates a silky, creamy pesto sauce.

Ground chicken, sliced chicken breast, or even crumbled sausage all work well. For a meatless main course, skip the turkey and add extra sundried tomatoes.

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in a sauté pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the texture.

and that’s it! this little pesto gnocchi number is truly one of my weeknight lifesavers — such a simple dinner that somehow still feels like a delicious dinner every single time. it’s one of those dishes you make once and immediately think, “okay wait… this is a great recipe.” hope you love it as much as I do, and that it finds its way into your busy-night rotation!

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