Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts
Golden pan-fried gnocchi tossed in nutty sage browned butter and topped with crunchy toasted pine nuts for a simple Italian delight. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs potato gnocchi, unsalted butter, fresh sage leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 12 fresh sage leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 1/4 cup pine nuts. Toast, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and melt over medium heat. Add 12 fresh sage leaves and cook for 3-4 minutes, swirling the pan, until the butter foams, turns golden brown, and smells nutty.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb potato gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface. Using a slotted spoon, transfer gnocchi directly to the skillet with the sage brown butter.
- Step 4: Increase heat to medium-high and sauté the gnocchi for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop a golden crispy exterior. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle toasted pine nuts and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi, toss gently, and serve immediately.








