Quick & Easy Crispy Gnocchi with Zucchini, Corn and Basil | iowagirleats.com

I’ve been seeing signs of summer around here lately!

The birds are happily chirping away when I get up in the morning, and sun hangs around a tiny bit longer each evening.

That said, I can’t help but crave light, veggie-packed meals like Crispy Gnocchi with Zucchini, Sweet Corn, and Basil. I will be making this dish on repeat for the foreseeable future!

Quick & Easy Crispy Gnocchi with Zucchini, Sweet Corn and Basil | iowagirleats.com

You cannot go wrong with the summery combo of zucchini, sweet corn, and basil tossed with a little bit of cream then paired with crispy, sauteed gnocchi. The entire dish comes together in less than 15 minutes, and is packed full of fresh flavors.

Feel free to add whatever’s growing in your garden, too — cherry tomatoes and baby spinach would be amazing additions!

Quick & Easy Crispy Gnocchi with Zucchini, Sweet Corn and Basil | iowagirleats.com

Start the Crispy Gnocchi with Zucchini, Sweet Corn and Basil with a 16oz package of pre-made gnocchi. Gluten free, or regular if you don’t need to eat GF!

CrispyGnocchi_04_mini

Normally you’d drop the gnocchi into a pot of boiling water then wait until they float to the top, but we’re going to saute them in a large skillet in extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until they get nice and crispy on the outside, which takes 6-8 minutes. This makes for SUCH a fun gnocchi texture – much different than the soft and pillowy boiled texture.

CrispyGnocchi_05_mini

While the gnocchi is crisping up, start sauting the vegetable portion of the program.

CrispyGnocchi_06_mini

Add zucchini, sweet corn, and onion to melted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper then saute until tender, 3-4 minutes. Next add garlic cloves and chopped basil leaves then saute for 1 more minute.

CrispyGnocchi_07_mini

Take the skillet off the heat then add a splash of half & half (or heavy cream – I wouldn’t use milk) and freshly grated parmesan cheese. 

CrispyGnocchi_08_mini

Pour the veggie mixture over the crispy gnocchi then toss to combine.

CrispyGnocchi_09_mini

Season with more salt & pepper if necessary, top with a bit more fresh basil, then serve. SO easy, right?!

Quick & Easy Crispy Gnocchi with Zucchini, Sweet Corn and Basil | iowagirleats.com

Crispy Gnocchi with Zucchini, Sweet Corn and Basil

5/5 (6 REVIEWS)

Description

Crispy Gnocchi with Zucchini, Sweet Corn and Basil is a 15 minute dinner recipe that's fresh and fast.

Ingredients

Serves 4

  • 1-1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 16oz packaged gnocchi
  • 1-1/2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 small zucchini, chopped
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 1/4 small onion, chopped
  • salt & pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 8 leaves basil, chopped & divided
  • 1/4 cup half & half
  • 2 Tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add gnocchi then spread in one layer and saute undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom. Toss then continue sauteing for 3-4 more minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Remove skillet from heat then set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, heat butter in another large skillet then add zucchini, corn, and onion, and then season with salt and pepper. Saute until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes, then add chopped garlic and half the basil, and then saute for 30 more seconds. Remove skillet from heat then add half & half and parmesan cheese, and stir to combine. Pour mixture into skillet with gnocchi then toss to combine. Season with more salt and pepper if necessary then serve topped with remaining chopped basil.

This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.

Photo collage of crispy gnocchi with summer vegetables