Spelt Gnocchi with Spinach and Almond Pesto

Wholesome and Comforting in Every Bite

These Spelt Gnocchi with Spinach and Almond Pesto are a healthy twist on a classic Italian favourite. Nutty spelt flour creates light, tender gnocchi, while the spinach and almond pesto adds a vibrant, flavourful punch.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. The combination of spelt gnocchi and green pesto provides protein, fibre, and essential minerals in a colourful, easy-to-prepare meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutty, tender gnocchi with wholesome spelt flour
Vibrant, creamy spinach and almond pesto
Quick, easy, and packed with nutrients
Ideal for vegetarians and light, healthy eating

This recipe elevates a simple pasta dish to a restaurant-worthy plate without complicated steps.

Prep Time 25 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Rest Time 40 mins

Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Courses: Main Dish

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Estimated Cost: 8

Calories: 380

Best Season: Spring, Summer

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

Tender spelt gnocchi served with a fresh spinach and almond pesto — a healthy, vibrant, and satisfying vegetarian dish.

Ingredients

For the gnocchi:

250 g spelt flour (plus extra for dusting)
300 g cooked potato (mashed and cooled)
1 egg
¼ tsp salt

For the spinach and almond pesto:

100 g fresh spinach leaves
50 g almonds (toasted)
50 g Parmesan or vegan alternative (grated)
1 clove garlic
50 ml olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
pinch salt and pepper

Optional garnish:

Extra Parmesan
almond flakes (toasted)

Instructions

Make the gnocchi dough.

1
Mash potatoes and allow to cool. Mix with egg, salt, and gradually fold in spelt flour until a soft dough forms.

Shape gnocchi.

2
Dust a surface with flour, roll dough into long ropes (~2 cm thick), and cut into 2 cm pieces. Optional: press gently with a fork for ridges.

Cook gnocchi.

3
Boil a large pan of salted water. Drop gnocchi in batches; cook until they float to the surface (2–3 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Prepare the pesto.

4
In a food processor, blend spinach, almonds, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Slowly add olive oil until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Combine and serve.

5
Toss cooked gnocchi in the pesto until coated. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or almond flakes if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 380kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 45mg15%
Sodium 280mg12%
Potassium 550mg16%
Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
Dietary Fiber 6g24%
Sugars 2g
Protein 12g24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Additional Notes

Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Pesto can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days.
For a gluten-free alternative, substitute spelt with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: spelt gnocchi, spinach pesto, almond pesto, vegetarian pasta, healthy Italian

Tips & Variations

Nut-free pesto: Replace almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Creamy variation: Add a spoon of Greek yoghurt or cream to the pesto.
Extra greens: Include kale or rocket in the pesto for extra nutrients.
Vegan option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Conclusion

Spelt Gnocchi with Spinach and Almond Pesto is a vibrant, wholesome, and satisfying vegetarian meal. The nutty spelt gnocchi pairs perfectly with the fresh, green pesto, making it ideal for any season or occasion. Enjoy a simple yet flavourful dish that feels indulgent but stays healthy.

Read it online: https://greatbritishspeltrecipes.com/recipe/spelt-gnocchi-with-spinach-and-almond-pesto/

Valentina

A dietitian with a passion for spelt cooking. After trying different diets, I found spelt works best in my kitchen. Join me for simple, delicious recipes that bring out the best in this ancient grain!