Gnocchetti with Pea Cream Sauce
Category: Pasta Dishes
Servings: 4
This Gnocchetti with Pea Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together the richness of the peas and the creamy, nutty flavors of Grana Padano and Pecorino Sardo. It’s a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance, ideal for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gnocchetti Sardi | 400g |
| Fresh Peas | 500g |
| Grana Padano DOP | 20g |
| Pecorino Sardo | 30g |
| Vegetable Broth | As needed |
| Nutmeg | To taste |
| Butter | 30g |
| Shallot | 30g |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pea Cream Sauce
Begin by finely chopping the shallot. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Once the shallot is softened, add the fresh peas. Stir gently to combine, and allow the peas to cook for a few minutes, absorbing the flavors of the shallot and butter. Season the mixture with salt to taste.
Step 2: Blend the Pea Mixture
After the peas have cooked through and are tender, transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth, or if you prefer a finer texture, pass the pea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any skins or impurities. Return the smooth pea cream to the saucepan. Add freshly grated nutmeg and a pinch of white pepper to season. Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference, and set aside on low heat to keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchetti
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the gnocchetti. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Once cooked, drain the gnocchetti, reserving a small cup of the pasta water to add to the sauce if needed.
Step 4: Combine the Gnocchetti and Pea Cream Sauce
Add the cooked gnocchetti directly into the saucepan with the pea cream sauce. Gently toss the gnocchetti and the sauce together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Stir in the grated Grana Padano and Pecorino Sardo cheeses, allowing them to melt into the sauce, making it even creamier.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the gnocchetti with the pea cream sauce immediately, garnished with additional grated Pecorino and a sprinkle of fresh ground pepper if desired.
Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a few fresh mint leaves to the pea mixture while blending, as they complement the sweetness of the peas beautifully.
- If you can’t find Gnocchetti Sardi, any short pasta shape like orecchiette or fusilli can be used as a substitute.
- This dish can be served as a light main course or paired with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Sugars | 5g |
This Gnocchetti with Pea Cream Sauce combines the creamy richness of cheeses and the fresh, natural sweetness of peas, creating a comforting yet refined dish. It’s the perfect way to bring a touch of Italian-inspired elegance to your dinner table.
