Giggling Gnocchi in Lemon-Butter Sauce with Crispy Sage
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.
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
Instructions
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- 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
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.