Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter Sauce
Pillowy potato gnocchi baked until golden and tossed in a nutty sage-infused brown butter sauce, finished with Parmesan for a comforting Italian treat. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends store-bought potato gnocchi, unsalted butter, leaves fresh sage leaves 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 450 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
- 1 lb store-bought potato gnocchi
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 12 leaves fresh sage leaves
- 1 clove garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 1 lb store-bought potato gnocchi with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt in a baking dish to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Bake gnocchi for 15-18 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and lightly crisp on edges.
- Step 3: While gnocchi bakes, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 12 fresh sage leaves and 1 minced garlic clove, cooking for 3-4 minutes until butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma—be careful not to burn.
- Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and discard garlic clove. Toss the baked gnocchi in the sage brown butter sauce until well coated.
- Step 5: Transfer gnocchi to serving plates and sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve immediately while warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter Sauce?
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 Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter Sauce?
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 Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter Sauce 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 Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter Sauce 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.
