Shaym here, and let me tell you, this One-Pot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Soup was born on a night when I wanted all the comfort and none of the mess. It was the middle of a rainy week, and I was craving something creamy, cozy, and carby, but with a fresh twist. I had leftover pesto in the fridge and a bag of gnocchi in the pantry. What happened next? A weeknight win that felt like a warm hug in a bowl.
This recipe is a full-flavor situation with minimal cleanup. The basil pesto adds brightness, the gnocchi turns pillowy in the broth, and everything comes together in under 30 minutes, one pot, no fuss. It’s the kind of meal you’ll keep on repeat.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Build the broth. Pour in vegetable broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir in pesto, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add gnocchi. Toss in the gnocchi and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until they float and become tender.
- Finish the soup. Stir in baby spinach and parmesan. Let simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.
- Serve it up. Ladle into bowls and top with extra pesto or parmesan if desired.
Shaym’s Tips
- Use homemade pesto for even more punch.
- Swap spinach for kale if you like a heartier green.
- Want extra protein? Add cooked shredded chicken or pair it with these Easy and Flavorful Chicken Quesadillas for a full meal.
- For bread lovers, our High Protein Bagel Recipe is perfect for dipping.
Serving Ideas
This soup is satisfying on its own but even better with something crispy or warm on the side. It’s also a great choice if you’re leaning vegetarian, just skip the chicken and enjoy it with ideas from our Vegetarian High Protein Breakfasts, many of which double beautifully as light dinners.
Hosting friends? Serve it family-style in a Dutch oven with a loaf of crusty bread and a handful of toppings, chopped fresh basil, crushed red pepper, or even a drizzle of olive oil. It’s low-stress but feels impressive.
And let’s not forget leftovers. This soup tastes even better the next day. The gnocchi will absorb more broth overnight, so when reheating, just splash in a bit of broth or water to loosen it up.
The best part? Cleanup is just one pot. So after dinner, you can actually relax. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a friend, or just yourself, this One-Pot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Soup delivers cozy satisfaction with fresh flavors every time.