Quick & Easy Gnocchi with Vegetables Recipe

If there’s a weeknight dinner that sings “comfort food with a fresh twist,” it’s got to be Quick & Easy Gnocchi with Vegetables. Pillow-soft gnocchi get tossed in a buttery, vibrant medley of sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, delicate shallots, and a handful of basil, finished off with a snowstorm of grated Parmesan. Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, making this a go-to for busy evenings or any night you crave something soul-warming but not heavy. You’ll love how the veggies bring color and brightness to every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Quick & Easy Gnocchi with Vegetables recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that turn into pure magic when cooked together. Each one plays a special part, whether it’s for richness, color, or just a little hint of sweet summer flavor.

• Gnocchi: Store-bought is perfectly fine for a fast meal; these pillowy dumplings soak up all the buttery sauce.
• Butter: Divide it for sautéing and finishing—the key to making that dreamy, velvety sauce.
• Shallots: Offer a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the other veggies.
• Corn: Fresh or frozen both work beautifully; the hint of sweetness is essential for balance.
• Cherry Tomatoes: On-the-vine if possible; they burst and become irresistibly juicy in the pan.
• Grated Parmesan or Vegetarian Alternative: Adds a salty, nutty finish—plus, you can sprinkle extra on top when serving.
• Fresh Basil: Scatters of basil add a fragrant, peppery lift at the end.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Don’t skimp—season to highlight all those lovely veggie flavors!

How to Make Quick & Easy Gnocchi with Vegetables

Step 1: Boil the Gnocchi

Start by bringing a large pan of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions—usually just a couple of minutes, until they float to the top. Drain them, reserving about half a cup of the starchy cooking water, which will help make our sauce creamy later.

Step 2: Sauté the Shallots and Corn

While the gnocchi are cooking, melt half of your butter (2 tablespoons) in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add finely diced shallots and the corn, letting everything cook together until the shallots become sweet and golden, and the corn starts to caramelize. This should take about 8 minutes—don’t rush it! Season well with sea salt and cracked black pepper for a savory base.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes

Lower the heat and tumble in your cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes or so, letting the tomatoes get soft and just begin to burst. They’ll mix with the butter and shallots to create a glossy, slightly tangy sauce. At this stage, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for rich, luscious flavor.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Tip your cooked gnocchi into the skillet. Pour in a little of the reserved cooking water—about a quarter to half a cup—then toss or stir everything to combine. The water and butter unite, clinging to each gnocchi and transforming into a silky, flavor-packed sauce. If you like things extra buttery, feel free to add another tablespoon or two!

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Basil

Stir in the grated Parmesan (or vegetarian alternative) until it melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed. Before serving, shower the Quick & Easy Gnocchi with Vegetables with plenty of fresh basil and even more cheese if you like. Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Gnocchi with Vegetables

Garnishes

For the ultimate finish, scatter lots of chopped fresh basil over your Quick & Easy Gnocchi with Vegetables, along with extra grated Parmesan or even a crack of black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil never hurts, either—simple touches that highlight every flavor.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is hearty but bright, keep sides light! A crisp salad with lemony vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus, pairs wonderfully. Warm crusty bread also makes a perfect partner for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Quick & Easy Gnocchi with Vegetables into an elegant meal by serving it in shallow bowls, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. For a rustic vibe, try a family-style platter straight from the skillet—let everyone dig in and help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover gnocchi completely before popping it into an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing too much of its texture or flavor—just make sure it’s sealed well to avoid drying out.

Freezing

While gnocchi and vegetables freeze decently, the texture of the sauce may change slightly when thawed. If you’d like to freeze, let the Quick & Easy Gnocchi with Vegetables cool entirely, based on portion sizes, and place in freezer containers for up to one month. Defrost in the fridge overnight for the best results.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your gnocchi slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or a dab of butter to restore creaminess. The microwave works too—heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the gnocchi.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have homemade gnocchi on hand, it’ll make this Quick & Easy Gnocchi with Vegetables even more special. Just cook it as you normally would, drain, and follow the same steps.

What can I substitute for shallots?

If you’re out of shallots, finely diced yellow onion or even leeks work well. Both options will provide a mellow, slightly sweet base for the sauteed vegetables.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, especially if you use a vegetarian alternative to Parmesan. Check the cheese label for rennet-free versions to keep everything strictly veggie-friendly and suitable for all your guests.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe welcomes extra veggies—try zucchini, baby spinach, or even peas for more color and nutrition. Just saute firmer vegetables a bit longer before adding softer ones like tomatoes.

What’s the best type of gnocchi to buy?

Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen gnocchi all work for Quick & Easy Gnocchi with Vegetables. Choose your favorite or whatever’s available—just follow the cooking time on the package, as it may vary by type.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Quick & Easy Gnocchi with Vegetables a try—it’s a burst of color, flavor, and comfort in every bite, and it never fails to impress (even if you’re just eating it solo on the sofa). This dish proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a memorable meal. Enjoy!

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