Enjoy Asparagus Gnocchi with Lemon Pesto and Burrata—a perfect spring dish for a cozy dinner with friends. Crispy pan-fried gnocchi, tender asparagus, and a zesty lemon-burrata pesto come together in under 40 minutes!

asparagus gnocchi with lemon pesto with a fork.

Why you should try this recipe

  • Super easy to make! Just toss the lemon pesto ingredients in a food processor, cook the gnocchi and asparagus, and assemble everything!
  • Vibrant, super fragrant, and the perfect spring recipe! A great recipe to have on hand to celebrate the (too) short asparagus season! I
  • A great match with Sauvignon Blanc wines. Sauvignon lovers, this recipe is for you!

If you’re looking for more flavor-packed dishes using asparagus, give my Asparagus, Burrata and Goat’s Cheese Crostini a try!


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The ingredients you’ll need

green asparagus, lemon, parmesan, potato gnocchi, pine nuts, garlic, burrata, olive oil, salt and pepper on a wooden table

  • Lemon (preferably organic as this recipe uses lemon peel) – is the main ingredient of the vibrant lemon pesto.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano cheese – brings umami and depth to the lemon pesto.
  • Pine nuts – a classic pesto flavor with a perfect amount of nuttiness.
  • Garlic – for a nice flavor kick.
  • Burrata – adds creaminess and balances the tang of lemon.
  • Green asparagus – for their delicate flavor and a nice crunch.
  • Unsalted butter – gives a rich taste to the pan-fried gnocchi.
  • Potato gnocchi – good quality store-bought gnocchi or homemade gnocchi.
  • Chives – because its vegetal undertones go very well with asparagus.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper – to season.

Love lemon?🍋 Check out my Lemon Pasta (Pasta Al Limone)!

How to make Asparagus Gnocchi with Lemon Pesto and Burrata?

Start by making the lemon peel burrata pesto:

  • Using a vegetable peeler, peel two lemons (don’t peel too deeply to avoid the white pith that will bring bitterness to the pesto).

  • In a food processor, add the lemon peel, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan chunks, and extra-virgin olive oil. Mix until the mixture reaches a paste consistency.
  • Add the burrata and pepper and mix until well combined. The lemon pesto is ready!

Sauté the asparagus: 

  • Thoroughly rinse the asparagus under cold water.
  • Snap off the end of the asparagus, then cut then into ½ inch (1 cm) pieces. Keep the whole heads.

chopped asparagus on a vintage baking sheet
  • Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the asparagus with ½ teaspoon of flaky sea salt. 
  • Sauté in for 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until soft on the outside and al dente. 
  • Set aside and keep the skillet to fry the gnocchi.

Cook the gnocchi:

  1. In a large pot of boiling well-salted water, cook the gnocchi al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Using the same skillet, heat 1 and ½ tablespoons (20 g) of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of extra-virgin olive oil over a medium-high flame.
  3. When the butter is bubbling, add the gnocchi. Pan-fry until crispy and golden. 

Assemble the asparagus gnocchi and lemon burrata pesto:

  1. Add the asparagus to the gnocchi.
  2. Dollop the lemon peel burrata pesto on top. Put a lid on and cook covered for 5-7 minutes, or until hot and the pesto is soft and starts to melt.
  3. Grate extra parmesan cheese, sprinkle optional chives, and serve immediately. 

Enjoy with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc!

asparagus gnocchi with burrata lemon pesto in a skillet with a cheese grated and cutlery on the side

Nim Keys – Useful Tips

Finish cooking with a lid on creates a humid and steamy environment that prevents the gnocchi from drying up. However, if you do not have a lid that fits your skillet, cover it with tin foil. Works wonders too!


asparagus gnocchi with burrata lemon pesto in a skillet with a fork

Wine Pairing 🍷


SAUVIGNON BLANC

Sauvignon Blanc produces aromatic white wines that often display aromas of green apple, citrus, tropical fruits, boxwood, and flint.

Sauvignon Blanc will match the delicate vegetal flavors of asparagus and chives thanks to its herbaceous aroma while complimenting the tanginess of the lemon pesto with its natural acidity and citrus notes.

Serve it chilled: take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving to let it warm up ever so slightly.

WINE APPELLATION SUGGESTIONS

  • Sancerre from the Loire Valley (France)
  • Sauvignon Blanc from San Antonio Valley (Chile)
  • Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough (New Zealand)

asparagus gnocchi with melted burrata lemon pesto in a skillet with a fork

Recipe FAQs

How long does Asparagus Gnocchi with Lemon Pesto and Burrata keep?

This gnocchi is best served immediately but will keep for up to 2 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.

Can I reheat gnocchi?

Yes, you can! Place the leftover gnocchi in a baking dish covered with tin foil (or an oven-safe dish with a lid on). Covering the gnocchi will prevent them from drying up. Heat in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes or until heated.

Other Delicious Pasta Recipes

Asparagus Gnocchi with Lemon Pesto in a skillet with a lid on the side

Asparagus Gnocchi with Lemon Pesto and Burrata

5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time : 15 minutes
Cook Time : 25 minutes
Total Time : 40 minutes
Servings : 4
Enjoy Asparagus Gnocchi with Lemon Pesto and Burrata—a perfect spring dish for a cozy dinner with friends. Crispy pan-fried gnocchi, tender asparagus, and a zesty lemon-burrata pesto come together in under 40 minutes!

INGREDIENTS
 

For the lemon burrata pesto

  • the peel of 2 lemons ¾ cup or 30 g
  • ½ cup (60 g) parmesan cheese (carved into chunks), plus more to serve
  • ¼ cup (35 g) pine nuts
  • 1 small clove of garlic
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5.3 ounces (150 g) burrata
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

For the rest

  • 1 pound (450 g) green asparagus
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 ½ tablespoons (20 g) butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound (500 g) fresh potato gnocchi (either homemade or store-bought)
  • freshly cracked pepper to season
  • chives optional, chopped, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS

Start by making the lemon peel burrata pesto:

  • Using a vegetable peeler, peel two lemons (don’t peel too deeply to avoid the white pith that will bring bitterness to the pesto).
  • In a food processor, add the lemon peel, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan chunks, and extra-virgin olive oil. Mix until the mixture reaches a paste consistency.
  • Add the burrata and pepper and mix until well combined. Set aside.

Sauté the asparagus: 

  • Thoroughly rinse the asparagus under cold water.
  • Snap off the end of the asparagus, then cut then into ½ inch (1 cm) pieces. Keep the whole heads.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the asparagus with ½ teaspoon of flaky sea salt. 
  • Sauté in for 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until soft on the outside and al dente. 
  • Set aside and keep the skillet to fry the gnocchi.

Cook the gnocchi:

  • In a large pot of boiling well-salted water, cook the gnocchi al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In the same skillet you used to cook the asparagus, heat 1 and ½ tablespoons (20 g) of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of extra-virgin olive oil over a medium-high flame.
  • When the butter is bubbling, add the gnocchi. Pan-fry until crispy and golden (about 10 minutes). 

Assemble the skillet asparagus gnocchi and lemon burrata pesto:

  • Add the asparagus to the gnocchi. Season to taste with pepper and salt if need be. 
  • Spoon dollops of the lemon peel burrata pesto on top, spreading it evenly.
  • Put a lid on and cook covered for 5-7 minutes, or until hot and the pesto is soft and starts to melt.
  • Grate extra Parmesan cheese, sprinkle optional chives, and serve immediately. 
  • Enjoy with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc!

NOTES

Finish cooking with a lid on creates a humid and steamy environment that prevents the gnocchi from drying up. If you do not have a lid that fits your skillet, cover it with tin foil. Works wonders too!
Calories: 515kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 19gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 768mgPotassium: 326mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1361IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 426mgIron: 7mg
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian Inspired
Diet Vegetarian
Did you make this recipe?Don’t forget the last step! Leave a comment below to let me know how it went!
5 from 2 votes

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4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I loved the mix of different textures in this recipe. The soft and chewy gnocchi mixed with the crunchy asparagus, that’s what made it great for me. I highly recommend.