Cheesy Gnocchi with Corn and Pesto Recipe
This Cheesy Gnocchi with Corn and Pesto is a creamy, flavorful skillet dish that combines crispy seared gnocchi with sweet corn kernels and vibrant pesto, topped with melted whole-milk mozzarella cheese. Perfectly broiled to achieve a golden cheesy crust, this easy recipe offers a satisfying blend of textures and rich, fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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, about 2 minutes. Add the gnocchi and sear it undisturbed for 4 minutes until the bottoms become crispy and golden brown.
- Add and Cook Corn: Stir in the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes until the corn softens slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat to stop cooking.
- Mix in Pesto and Season: Stir the pesto into the gnocchi and corn mixture until evenly coated. Season with salt as needed and add freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Broiler: Arrange an oven rack about 4 to 6 inches below the broiler element and preheat the broiler to high.
- Top with Cheese and Broil: Evenly sprinkle the grated mozzarella over the gnocchi and corn in the skillet. Place the skillet under the hot broiler and broil for approximately 4 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly charred on top.
- Serve with Extra Pesto: Remove from the oven and top with additional pesto as desired. Divide into bowls and serve immediately for a warm, cheesy delight.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the gnocchi is dry before searing to get optimum crispiness.
- Fresh corn can be used when in season; otherwise, canned corn works well after draining.
- Use a broiler-safe skillet (such as cast iron) to avoid damage when broiling.
- Adjust pesto quantity based on your taste preference, more pesto can be served on the side.
- Be attentive while broiling as cheese can quickly go from melted to burnt.
Keywords: gnocchi, cheesy gnocchi, pesto, corn, skillet recipe, Italian vegetarian dish, quick dinner, broiled cheese gnocchi, Mediterranean flavors
