Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter and Roasted Butternut Squash

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

Golden pan-seared gnocchi tossed in nutty sage brown butter with sweet roasted butternut squash for a comforting vegetarian dinner. This italian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs potato gnocchi, unsalted butter, leaves fresh sage leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 2 cups peeled and diced butternut squash with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
  2. Step 2: While squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (about 2-3 minutes) until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 12 fresh sage leaves and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 3-4 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally until butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove sage leaves and set aside on paper towel.
  4. Step 4: Add cooked gnocchi to the brown butter skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until gnocchi edges are crisp and golden.
  5. Step 5: Stir the roasted butternut squash into the skillet with gnocchi, season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Transfer to serving plates, sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and reserved crispy sage leaves before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter and Roasted Butternut Squash take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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-Seared Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter and Roasted Butternut Squash?

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 potato gnocchi from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter and Roasted Butternut Squash?

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-Seared Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter and Roasted Butternut Squash 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 Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter and Roasted Butternut Squash 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.

Related recipes