Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Easy Pan-Fried Brown Butter Gnocchi
• What Exactly Is Gnocchi?
• Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
• How to Master Brown Butter Gnocchi
• Boil or Fry the Gnocchi? Why Both!
• Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Gnocchi
• What to Serve with Brown Butter Gnocchi
• Storing and Reheating Gnocchi Leftovers
• More Irresistible Pasta & Gnocchi Recipes
• Brown Butter Gnocchi Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pan-Fried Brown Butter Gnocchi

This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary hack for deliciousness without the fuss. Here’s why this brown butter and sage gnocchi will quickly become a household favorite:

• Incredibly Fast: Ready in 20 Minutes! Life gets hectic, and dinner shouldn’t add to the stress. Like many of my favorite under-30-minute meals, this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. It primarily uses one skillet (after a quick gnocchi boil), making both cooking and cleanup incredibly efficient.
• Unforgettable Flavor: Rich & Nutty Brown Butter. The magic of browned butter truly can’t be overstated. It’s an effortless extra step that yields profound flavor rewards. In just about 5 minutes, butter transforms from a simple fat into a golden, aromatic, nutty sauce that elevates the entire dish. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through the browning process perfectly below.
• Effortlessly Easy & Impressive. I frequently prepare this brown butter gnocchi for family dinners, but it’s equally fantastic when entertaining friends. There’s no need to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen, yet every single time, guests rave about the exquisite taste and buttery texture of this gnocchi. It looks and tastes impressive, but your secret is how truly simple it is!
• Versatile & Customizable. While the classic sage brown butter combination is stellar, this recipe serves as an excellent base. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, add a squeeze of lemon, or even toss in some roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrition.

What Exactly Is Gnocchi?

Often perceived as a type of pasta, gnocchi (pronounced “NYOW-kee”) is actually a delightful variety of Italian potato dumpling. These small, soft dough dumplings are traditionally made from cooked potatoes, flour, and sometimes egg. They boast a wonderfully tender, pillowy texture that’s incredibly satisfying. Gnocchi is incredibly versatile and can be served with a myriad of sauces, much like the savory sage brown butter sauce featured in this recipe. Beyond sauces, gnocchi also makes an excellent addition to hearty soups, or it can even be used as a unique alternative to traditional pasta in dishes like pasta salad.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

While gnocchi pairs wonderfully with a wide array of sauces, from creamy homemade alfredo to rich bolognese, the classic sage brown butter combination remains an enduring favorite for its simplicity and depth of flavor. This recipe relies on just a handful of straightforward ingredients. I’ve included some helpful notes here, and you’ll find a complete, printable list with precise measurements in the **recipe card at the end of this post.**

• Gnocchi: For convenience, you can easily find ready-to-cook potato gnocchi in the pasta aisle of most major grocery stores. These packaged varieties are perfect for quick weeknight meals. If you’re feeling adventurous and have more time, making your own fresh gnocchi from scratch is a rewarding culinary experience – definitely one for the bucket list, but not for a busy Tuesday!
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for pan-frying the gnocchi, giving it that beautiful golden crust and helping to prevent sticking.
• Butter: This is the star of our sauce! You can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference and how much control you want over the final seasoning. I’ll guide you through the simple process of browning it to perfection.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic depth that perfectly complements the nutty butter and earthy sage. Don’t skimp on this!
• Sage: Fresh sage leaves are truly a game-changer in gnocchi recipes. Their distinct, slightly peppery and earthy flavor pairs exquisitely with browned butter. While fresh is highly recommended, you could substitute dried sage in a pinch (use about 1/3 the amount of fresh). Other herbs like fresh basil or thyme could also work for a different flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is an optional but highly recommended topping. Its salty, umami notes enhance the overall richness of the dish.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings to taste are crucial for balancing and elevating all the wonderful flavors.

How to Master Brown Butter Gnocchi

Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have this golden, pan-fried **brown butter gnocchi** ready to savor in under 20 minutes! Remember to **scroll down to the recipe card for the complete printable instructions and exact measurements.**

Is It Better to Boil or Fry Gnocchi? Why Both!

For the absolute best texture and flavor, the optimal way to cook gnocchi is to do both: first boil, then pan-fry. Boiling ensures that the gnocchi cooks through, becoming wonderfully tender and soft on the inside. However, boiling alone can leave them a little bland and lacking in texture. That’s where pan-frying comes in! A quick sauté in olive oil after boiling creates a fantastic golden-brown exterior, adding a delightful crispness and depth of flavor that complements the soft interior perfectly. This two-step process yields gnocchi that’s both tender and crispy – a true culinary delight!

Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Gnocchi

Even though this brown butter gnocchi recipe is incredibly simple, a few expert tips can ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: This is perhaps the most important tip! Gnocchi cooks surprisingly fast, and cooking times can vary significantly between brands. The tell-tale sign that your gnocchi is perfectly cooked is when it floats to the surface of the boiling water. As soon as you see them bobbing, remove them immediately and drain. Overcooked gnocchi will become mushy, gluey, and lose its delightful texture. Stay vigilant!
• Achieve the Perfect Brown Butter (Not Burnt!): The goal is “browned” butter, not “burnt” butter, which can taste bitter. Keep a close eye on your butter as it melts and begins to foam. Once it starts to turn golden and little brown specks appear at the bottom of the pan, listen for that rich, nutty aroma. If you’re using a dark-colored pan, it might be harder to visually judge the color, so rely more on your sense of smell. As soon as you detect that nutty fragrance, it’s ready! Remove it from the heat or add the sage quickly to stop the cooking process.
• Use a Light-Colored Skillet: If possible, opt for a light-colored skillet (like stainless steel or a light-colored non-stick pan) when browning butter. This makes it much easier to observe the subtle color changes and ensure you achieve that perfect golden-brown hue without going too far.
• Fresh Sage is Key: While dried sage can work in a pinch, fresh sage provides an incomparable aroma and flavor that truly makes this dish sing. The leaves become slightly crispy in the hot butter, adding another layer of texture.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your gnocchi before serving. The amount of salt and pepper needed can vary based on the butter you use (salted vs. unsalted) and your personal preference. Adjust as necessary to bring out the best flavors.

What to Serve with Brown Butter Gnocchi

This savory brown butter gnocchi is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete and balanced meal. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Fresh Salads: A light and refreshing green salad helps cut through the richness of the gnocchi. Try a simple tossed salad with a vinaigrette, or a crisp Caesar salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: Enhance your meal with roasted vegetables. My air fryer asparagus is a quick and healthy choice, or you could roast broccoli, green beans, or cherry tomatoes.
• Crusty Bread: You can never go wrong with warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover brown butter sauce. Homemade garlic bread (made easily in the air fryer!) or fluffy rosemary focaccia bread are perfect options.
• Appetizers: For a more elaborate dinner, start with a classic Italian appetizer like fresh bruschetta.
• Protein Boost: If you’re looking to bulk up the meal with a main protein, the subtle flavors of this gnocchi complement chicken exceptionally well. Consider serving it alongside a flavorful Tuscan chicken or savory Italian stuffed chicken.
• Dessert: And for a sweet finish? We’ve been absolutely devouring these incredible Biscoff chocolate chip cookies lately!

Storing and Reheating Gnocchi Leftovers

This brown butter gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have any delightful leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:

• Refrigerate: Allow any leftover gnocchi to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To help prevent the gnocchi from sticking together or drying out, I recommend drizzling a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over it before sealing the container.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat leftover brown butter gnocchi in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry, and stir gently until it’s warmed through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until hot. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the gnocchi tough.

More Irresistible Pasta & Gnocchi Recipes

If you loved this quick and easy gnocchi recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other favorite pasta and gnocchi dinner ideas:

• Cauliflower Gnocchi Carbonara
• Pesto Cavatappi with Roasted Vegetables
• Creamy Spring Gnocchi with Peas and Asparagus
• One-Pan Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi
• Ham and Cheese Tortellini Bake