Pesto Gnocchi

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients

   Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Finely chop the pistachios. Thinly slice the mushrooms. Halve the tomatoes. Grate the Grana Padano on the small side of a box grater.

2. Make the pistachio breadcrumbs

   In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the chopped pistachios and breadcrumbs; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned and toasted. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out the pan.

3. Cook the vegetables

   In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sliced mushrooms in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the halved tomatoes and as much of the red pepper flakes as you'd like, depending on how spicy you'd like the dish to be; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly softened. Turn off the heat.

4. Cook the gnocchi

   Meanwhile, add the gnocchi to the pot of boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top of the pot. Turn off the heat. Reserving 1/2 cup of the gnocchi cooking water, drain thoroughly.

5. Finish the gnocchi & serve your dish

   Add the cooked gnocchi and half the reserved gnocchi cooking water to the pan of cooked vegetables. Cook on medium-high, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until combined. Turn off the heat. Add the pesto and mascarpone; stir until thoroughly combined and the gnocchi are coated (if necessary, gradually add the remaining cooking water to ensure the gnocchi are thoroughly coated). Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished gnocchi topped with the pistachio breadcrumbs and grated Grana Padano. Enjoy!