Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-fried gnocchi tossed in nutty sage-infused browned butter and topped with crunchy toasted pine nuts. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs store-bought 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb store-bought potato gnocchi in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until bottoms are golden and crisp.
  2. Step 2: Flip gnocchi and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until all sides are golden. Remove gnocchi from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Add 10 fresh sage leaves and cook butter for 3-4 minutes, swirling occasionally, until it foams, turns golden brown, and smells nutty.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup pine nuts and cook for 1-2 minutes until toasted and fragrant, stirring gently to avoid burning.
  5. Step 5: Return gnocchi to skillet and toss to coat evenly with sage brown butter. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese over top. Serve immediately for a rich, crunchy finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep store-bought potato gnocchi from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts?

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 Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts 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 Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts?

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.

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