Pesto Mac n Cheese Gnocchi
Tender pillows of potato gnocchi are coated in a basil infused creamy cheese sauce. Pesto Mac n Cheese Gnocchi an adult twist on a kids favorite meal.

Our office is moving. We say, “Across the street” but it’s really like two blocks over and about 4 or 5 blocks up? It’s on one of the busiest streets in the city, which sucks.
So, S and I have to revamp where he picks me up and I have to make sure I’m more mindful of when he’s on his way and be on the corner when he’s there to pick me up. Before, there was a nice little section for him to wait for me when I was running late. I don’t know how that’s going to work out, but we’ll figure it out.
I’m not really excited to be moving. There’s a serious prejudice? I don’t know if that’s really the word for it. There’s a pre-conceived notion that we’re all morons in our office. Who really wants to work in an environment like that? I know I don’t. But I have no choice. So, to say I’m a little stressed about this move is an understatement.

Here’s the analogy. You’ve given all the pieces to a puzzle. You’re shown one section of the picture. Every month, you’re expected to put your piece of the puzzle together. Sometimes the picture changes, sometimes not. Sometimes the section of the puzzle changes, sometimes not. And somehow, we’re morons because we can’t get the pieces put together the right way each month. Go figure.
What does that have to do with this recipe? Nothing. I just needed to rant about what’s going on in my work life recently. I am trying to remain optimistic, but also skeptical at the same time.
And it doesn’t help that my store no longer carries gnocchi. It sucks. I love those little pillows of potato-y goodness. So, if I want to have gnocchi I either have to figure out how to make them OR go to another store.

Yes. I’m tired. Yes, I’m cranky. Yes, I’m having a pity party for one.
And can I just say that looking/buying a house is SO much more work than I thought!! Holy!! We put a contract in on a cute house that’s perfect for just us, but the seller is being a DH and only knocked off $4K from the price when I KNOW KNOW that it won’t appraise for less than $300 – $310K. So, now we’re looking at townhouses tomorrow. It’s just so tiring!

Yes. I’m tired. Yes, I’m cranky. Yes, I’m having a pity party for one.
I should just talk about this delicious creamy, basil flavored, meat free meal. I can still remember how it tastes! Cheese and basil and sweet, tender pillows of potatoes. Mmmmm….
*confession*
I’m not always a HUGE fan of basil. I’m a take it or leave type of person with it. It is truly a strong flavor to me. Sometimes, I really taste the licorice or anise flavor in the herb. But cut it with some creamy and delicious cheese, basil becomes a flavor I would eat over and over. I think anything with cheese is something I’d eat over and over. Asparagusting and salmon included, I think. Don’t quote me on that.

But this. This dish? So SO yummy. The gnocchi swim in this delicious cheese sauce that’s flavored with amazing basil paste from Gourmet Garden. That’s actually how this started. I have all of these WONDERFUL herbs in tubes from Gourmet Garden and I’m trying to cook through them. The garlic and ginger are pretty much gone. Those are two that I use A LOT! The cilantro based items have found a new home, but the oregano, dill, basil, etc. Those are all just hanging out in the fridge or freezer just waiting to be used.
And use them I will!! They’re too tasty and too easy to not use them. No, this isn’t supposed to be a sponsored post for Gourmet Garden, but honestly, they’re wonderful! Herbs ground and ready to be used easily stored in your fridge? Who couldn’t use that? Especially on week nights.
Like #MeatlessMonday. This was a delicious simple and oh so TASTY meat free meal. What herbs do you love or dislike?

Pesto Mac n Cheese Gnocchi
Tender pillows of potato gnocchi are coated in a basil infused creamy cheese sauce. It's an adult twist on a kids favorite meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fat free half and half
- 6 wedges Creamy Mozzarella, Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Flavor spreadable cheese
- 1/2 cup fat free mozzarella
- 1/3 cup reduced fat Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons basil paste
- 1 pound gnocchi
Instructions
- Place the cream in skillet over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Add the cheese wedges and stir with a whisk until incorporated.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring well until combined. Stir in the basil paste and keep warm, stirring occasionally.
- Cook gnocchi according to package directions omitting salt and fat. Once cooked, drain and toss with the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 467Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 86mgSodium 627mgCarbohydrates 55gFiber 3gSugar 5gProtein 25g