I’m all for 30-minute meals. But I’m an even bigger fan of 15-minute meals!! :)

So yes, allow me to introduce you to a new favorite main dish that came about today somewhat randomly. I have been trying to clean out the freezer this week, and wanted to use up some shrimp and frozen “ice cubes” of pesto that were calling my name. And since I’d also picked up some beautiful asparagus at the store this week, did a quick google search to see if any creative recipes came up. I was expecting pastas, or a stir-fry, but to my surprise, this yummy recipe popped up for gnocchi — fun!! Already had a package in the pantry, so decided to give it a try.

I admit — calling for just 4 main ingredients had me a little skeptical. But holy cow, I was wrong. This turned out fantastic!!! The combination of the starchy gnocchi with the fresh asparagus and pesto was fantastic, and it was totally packed with flavor (I used homemade pesto, but if you buy storebought, get a good brand!). But the best part was that it literally took less than 15 minutes to prepare. Fannnnnntastic.

Already looking forward to the leftovers tomorrow… :)

 

Gnocchi with Shrimp, Asparagus & Pesto

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Makes: 2 -3 servings
This incredibly delicious Gnocchi With Shrimp, Asparagus & Pesto recipe can be prepared in 15 minutes or less! Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 lb. asparagus, tough ends removed, and cut into 2″ pieces
  • 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and de-veined
  • 1 (16 oz.) package vacuum-packed gnocchi
  • 1/4 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • (optional garnishes: parmesan and toasted pine nuts)

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and saute for 3 minutes. Then add shrimp, season everything with salt and (lots of!) freshly ground black pepper, and continue sauteing until shrimp are cooked (pink and no longer translucent). Remove from heat.
  • Meanwhile, bring 2 quarts of generously-salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add gnocchi to pan; cook 3-4 minutes or until done (gnocchi will rise to surface). Remove gnocchi with a slotted spoon; place in a large bowl. Add asparagus, shrimp and pesto, and then stir until everything is evenly coated.
  • Add extra garnishes if you’d like. Serve immediately.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Ali’s Tip:

Instead of seasoning the shrimp with freshly ground black pepper, feel free to add in some blackening seasoning, smoked paprika, or other favorite seasonings! I love spicy seafood or meat mixed with pesto! :)

Also, I imagine that frozen asparagus and/or pre-cooked shrimp would work well with this too.

About Ali

Hi, I'm Ali Martin! I created this site in 2009 to celebrate good food and gathering around the table. I live in Kansas City with my husband and two young boys and love creating simple, reliable, delicious recipes that anyone can make!

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15 Comments

  1. Melissa says:

    I plan on making this at my commune; you’ve got awesome pictures and recipe!

  2. Dixie says:

    I made this tonight for my boyfriend… His verdit: “Babe, this is AWESOME.”

    Oh yeaaaaah. :)

    PS: I added chopped sundried tomatoes. It was killer! Yummmmmm.

    1. ali says:

      Hi Dixie!

      Ha…awesome. :) Now I’m craving that recipe again…with the sundried tomatoes! Yum!!

      ~A

  3. Melody Fury says:

    What a gorgeous asparagus recipe to celebrate spring’s arrival. Just want to let you know about an asparagus recipe contest that’s super simple to enter and offers gourmet prizes. Hope you’ll join us at Beet ‘n Squash YOU!

    Love, Mel

  4. Michelle @ Italian Mama Chef says:

    Just dropping by to say I made this last night using spaghetti and homemade pesto. Out of this world fantastic. I even used asparagus and liked it. My kids even tried it, didn’t like the shrimp or asparagus but at least they tried.

  5. Megan says:

    This sounds delicious-and looks so hearty and flavorful! I love that it’s simple enough to make for a weeknight dinner, I will definitely be making this soon!

  6. Brandy @ The Moody Fashionista says:

    This looks delicious! I’m going to make this tomorrow. Yum ~ Thank you!

  7. Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says:

    This looks wonderful. Asparagus is one of my favorites! LOVE your picture of the asparagus, too… It’s beautiful.

  8. Michelle @ Italian Mama Chef says:

    Thanks, fresh green beans it is! I can’t wait to go shopping!

  9. Michelle @ Italian Mama Chef says:

    This looks so good. I almost bought shrimp tonight. ok what veg can I substitute for the asparagus? No one here likes it, but we love gnocchi, pesto and shrimp!

    1. ali says:

      Hi Michelle! Mmmm…you could sub in just about anything! Broccoli, mushrooms, green beans, or peppers come to mind…

      Would love to know how it goes! :)

      ~A

  10. Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets says:

    This dish looks yummy! Though I’ve never tried gnocchi, I’m pretty sure everything tastes good with pesto :).

    1. ali says:

      Hi Xiaolu!

      I couldn’t agree more — love all things pesto! :) I hadn’t tried gnocchi until a few years ago either, but it’s fantastic! A great pasta substitute. :) Still have yet to try making it homemade…that’s next on the list!

      Enjoy!
      ~A