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This simple Lemon Pesto Burrata and Brown Butter Gnocchi makes for the perfect spring dinner. Store-bought gnocchi with golden garlic cooked until crispy, then tossed with basil pesto. Serve this quick-cooking gnocchi with creamy burrata cheese and sautéed asparagus. Every bite is layered with delicious spring flavors.

It’s officially spring! Now that I’ve had a glimpse of warmer days I’m really starting to lean-into (and be inspired by) spring recipes. I have things like Easter menus on my mind and plenty of fresh herby recipes.
I’m excited, and today feels like the perfect day to really celebrate the start of spring.
I’m not sure about all of you, but to me, spring means lots of fresh asparagus, artichokes, sweet strawberries, and plenty of herbs. All are the perfect fresh produce to accompany light, bright, fresh recipes.
Of course, as with most of my recipes, I still like to add a sliver of specialness and indulgence. I just can’t help it. Which brings me to this gnocchi. It’s fresh, quick, and can basically be made by anyone, but at the same time, it feels very, very special.
All thanks to the burrata and buttery sauce!

The details are quick – start with the asparagus
As mentioned, springtime is the best time for asparagus. And thankfully, it’s one of my family’s favorite green vegetables. All of my brothers, even the pickiest one, enjoy asparagus, as does my mother (who can also be a bit of a challenge to feed).
It’s safe to say that asparagus is a universally loved vegetable around here. Which means I use it often in the spring.
My favorite ways to cook asparagus are to either roast it or quickly stir fry it in a skillet. Since I knew this dish could easily be a one-pot recipe, I started by stir-frying the asparagus with butter, garlic, and lemon zest. I kept it simple because asparagus has a lot of flavor.

The gnocchi
Next, the gnocchi. I used store-bought potato gnocchi, which really works great for this recipe. It’s cooked in butter until the butter turns golden around the gnocchi and the bottom becomes crispy.
It really is delicious with a bit of garlic stirred in.
Fresh basil pesto is added at the end just before being serving.

To serve
You need room-temperature burrata cheese, which I do think is very important. You want the cheese to be at room temp so that when you poor over all the warm gnocchi and yummy butter sauce, the gnocchi really melts into the cheese – creating deliciousness.
I always top with extra parmesan and a drizzle of pesto too. Then serve the asparagus on the side.

Everything is completed in well under 30 minutes so this is perfect for super busy nights! But at the same time? It really does feel special enough to serve to guests on the weekend too.
No one needs to know just how easy this is, all that matters is that it’s delicious. Everyone will be heading back for seconds…so maybe double the recipe!

Looking for other quick spring recipes? Here are my favorites:
Sheet Pan Lemon Rosemary Dijon Chicken and Potatoes
Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon
One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Lastly, if you make this Lemon Pesto Burrata and Brown Butter Gnocchi, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Lemon Pesto Burrata and Brown Butter Gnocchi
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 568 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 pound fresh potato gnocchi
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 8 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature
- fresh parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- 1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook until tender, 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon butter, 1 clove garlic, lemon zest, and chili flakes. Cook until the butter browns, 1-2 minutes. Remove from the skillet. 2. To the same skillet, add the gnocchi and 5 tablespoons butter. Allow the gnocchi to get crispy, about 4-5 minutes, then toss with the butter and add the garlic. Cook another 2 minutes, then stir in the pesto and remove from the heat. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Break the burrata into serving bowls. Add the asparagus, then spoon over the gnocchi. Top with parmesan and extra pesto.

You forgot to say boil the gnocchi first! I thought it was weird to add straight to the pan without boiling first, but i did it. Then i watched your video… still tasty though!
Hi Julia,
Thanks for giving this recipe a try! It calls for fresh gnocchi so you shouldn’t have to boil first, the only reason I boiled it in the video was because I didn’t have fresh gnocchi. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
So happy I found this! I bought some gnocchi & searched your site for recipes & found this one. Love that it includes asparagus too! This instantly became a “make again meal” from my husband, & our 11 month old loves it too. 😊
Hey Danielle,
Fantastic!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! xx
I made this last night for my family. We loved! Delicious and so easy!Yet another keeper recipe. Many thanks!
Thanks so much Lynn!! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear the dish was a hit! xT
Wow! So much flavor, yet such a simple recipe. This will be a new staple in my home!
Hi Jessica,
Happy Wednesday!! Thank you so much for making this recipe and sharing your review, I am so glad it was delish! xT
So good and so easy to make!! Made this on a week night and it felt fancy but it was so easy!
Hey Nina,
Happy Wednesday!! Thank you so much for making this recipe and sharing your review, I am so glad it was delish! xT
This recipe is so amazing. It’s a go to that I have made many times since Tieghan created and shared it. So tasty and not too complex so those of us with “low” kitchen skills can make a great meal. Thank you!
Hey Tonya,
Happy Monday!! 🍋🫐 I truly appreciate you making this recipe and your comment, love to hear that it was a hit! xT