Crisp Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-fried potato gnocchi tossed in a fragrant brown butter sauce with crispy sage leaves. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs potato gnocchi, unsalted butter, leaves fresh sage leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb potato gnocchi in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until bottoms are crisp and golden.
  2. Step 2: Flip the gnocchi and cook for another 3 minutes until evenly crisp on both sides. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Cook, swirling occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty.
  4. Step 4: Add 12 fresh sage leaves to the brown butter and cook for 1 minute until the leaves become crispy.
  5. Step 5: Return the gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the sage brown butter. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese over the gnocchi before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 Crisp Pan-Fried 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 potato gnocchi from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Pan-Fried 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 Crisp Pan-Fried 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 Crisp Pan-Fried 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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