Giggling Gnocchi in Lemon-Butter Sauce with Crispy Sage

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light, airy potato dumplings that 'giggle' when tossed in a bright lemon-butter sauce, with crispy sage for playful texture contrast. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes blends large potatoes, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.8 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil 2 large potatoes until fork-tender (20 minutes). Drain, peel, and mash with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until smooth (do not overwork).
  2. Step 2: Roll dough into 1-inch ropes, cut into 3/4-inch pieces, and press each with a fork to create ridges. Boil in salted water for 3 minutes until they float.
  3. Step 3: While gnocchi cook, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter with 1 tsp lemon zest in a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 fresh sage leaves, cook until crisp (1-2 minutes).
  4. Step 4: Toss drained gnocchi in the lemon-butter-sage sauce, add 2 tbsp grated parmesan, and serve immediately with extra sage for 'giggling' texture.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Giggling Gnocchi in Lemon-Butter Sauce with Crispy Sage take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Giggling Gnocchi in Lemon-Butter Sauce with Crispy Sage?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Giggling Gnocchi in Lemon-Butter Sauce with Crispy Sage?

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 Giggling Gnocchi in Lemon-Butter Sauce with Crispy Sage 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.

Is Giggling Gnocchi in Lemon-Butter Sauce with Crispy Sage vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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