Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter Sauce
Golden pan-fried gnocchi coated in a nutty brown butter sauce infused with crispy fresh sage leaves. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes blends 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 370 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 potato gnocchi
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 10 leaves fresh sage leaves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated, for garnish Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, then add 1 lb potato gnocchi in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp.
- Step 2: Flip the gnocchi and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until golden on the other side and cooked through.
- Step 3: Remove gnocchi from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-low and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet.
- Step 4: Cook butter, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma.
- Step 5: Add 10 fresh sage leaves to the brown butter and cook for 1 minute until the leaves are crisp.
- Step 6: Return the gnocchi to the skillet, toss gently to coat with the sage brown butter, and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 7: Transfer to plates and garnish with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Pan-Fried 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 Pan-Fried 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 Pan-Fried 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.
What goes well with Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter Sauce?
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.
