Baked Ricotta Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light ricotta gnocchi baked until golden and coated in a fragrant brown butter sauce infused with crisp sage leaves. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs ricotta cheese, all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly oil a baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil. In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 large egg, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix gently until a soft dough forms.
  2. Step 2: Lightly flour a work surface and roll the dough into a 1-inch thick log. Cut into 1-inch pieces and place gnocchi in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Step 3: Bake gnocchi for 15 minutes until firm and lightly golden on the bottom.
  4. Step 4: While gnocchi bakes, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 12 fresh sage leaves and cook for 3-4 minutes until butter turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma.
  5. Step 5: Remove gnocchi from oven, drizzle with the sage brown butter, sprinkle 1/4 tsp black pepper, and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Ricotta Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Ricotta Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ricotta cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Ricotta Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Ricotta Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Ricotta Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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