Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.
Once water boils, add gnocchi and cook just until they float (about 2 to 3 minutes).
Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain gnocchi.
Prepare Pesto:
While water comes to a boil, combine garlic and nuts in a food processor. Process until finely chopped.
Add basil, parmesan, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt to the garlic mixture. Process until smooth (or desired texture).
Season generously to taste with additional salt.
To Serve:
Once gnocchi is done cooking, return it to the pot (off heat) and add pesto. Mix until sauce coats gnocchi, adding just enough pasta cooking water (a bit at a time) to create a cohesive sauce. Season to taste.
Serve hot, sprinkled with parmesan and nuts, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
This recipe serves four people (or two to three with heartier appetites). For families or crowds, just double the recipe. Can also be served as a side dish, in which case it will feed about six people.Feel free to use any kind of homemade pesto for this recipe. The pesto used here is a classic, however it's also delicious with Kale Pesto, Macadamia Pesto, or even Cilantro Pesto.Don't worry if your gnocchi package isn't one-pound exactly. This recipe has a generous amount of pesto, so you have a little wiggle room.Check out info before this recipe card for lots of tips, tricks, and variations.