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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.

photo of gnocchi in bowl with burrata, asparagus, and for, basil on table

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.

gnocchi cooking in skillet with butter and pesto

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!

gnocchi in bowl with butter and burrata, asparagus,

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!

@halfbakedharvest
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♬ Sunny Day – Ted Fresco