Crispy Gnocchi with Roasted Red Pepper Cream, Basil, and Hazelnuts
Italian Food
Intermediate

Crispy Gnocchi with Roasted Red Pepper Cream, Basil, and Hazelnuts

An original Italian recipe featuring pan-crisped gnocchi served over a silky roasted red pepper cream, finished with fresh basil, Parmesan, and toasted hazelnuts.

20 minPrep
25 minCook
45 minTotal
4Servings
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 500 g potato gnocchi (preferiblemente fresh or envasados al vacío)
  • 2 approx. 300 g red bell peppers (cut por the mitad and without semillas)
  • 120 g yellow onion (sliced finas)
  • 3 cloves garlic (pelados)
  • 120 ml heavy cream
  • 50 g grated Parmesan cheese (more extra for servir opcionalmente)
  • 40 g hazelnuts (tostadas and chopped gruesas)
  • 15 g fresh basil (leaves whole or rasgadas)
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 20 g butter
  • 15 ml balsamic vinegar
  • 1 g red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 6 g salt (or to taste)
  • 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)

Nutrition facts

per serving

468 kcal
Calories
12 g
Protein
49 g
Carbs
25 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
45 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairyTree Nuts

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Place the red bell peppers, yellow onion, and garlic cloves on a baking tray. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then toss to coat.

  2. 2

    Roast the vegetables for 20 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, until the peppers are tender and lightly charred at the edges.

  3. 3

    Transfer the roasted peppers, onion, and garlic to a blender. Add the heavy cream, balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes if using, and 30 g of the grated Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with a little more salt and black pepper if needed.

  4. 4

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the potato gnocchi in a single layer.

  5. 5

    Cook the gnocchi for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until golden and crisp on the outside. If the pan looks dry, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

  6. 6

    Briefly toast the chopped hazelnuts in a small skillet for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat, just until fragrant, watching carefully so they do not burn.

  7. 7

    Warm the red pepper cream again in a small saucepan over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring so it becomes fully combined.

  8. 8

    Spoon the warm cream onto shallow bowls. Top with the crispy gnocchi, fresh basil, toasted hazelnuts, and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese. Finish with a little extra black pepper and serve immediately.

Chef tips

For extra crisp texture, do not move the gnocchi constantly; let them develop a crust before turning. For an even silkier sauce, peel the roasted peppers after baking.

Substitutions

You can swap the hazelnuts for almonds or walnuts if preferred. Heavy cream can be replaced with unsweetened plant-based cream, though the flavor will be less rich. Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino for a sharper profile.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon

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