Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter and Toasted Pine Nuts

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

Golden pan-seared potato gnocchi tossed in rich brown butter infused with fresh sage leaves and topped with crunchy toasted pine nuts for a comforting Italian-inspired dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 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: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb potato gnocchi in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring until the bottoms are golden and crisp.
  2. Step 2: Flip the gnocchi and cook an additional 3 minutes until golden all over and tender. Remove the gnocchi to a plate and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 6 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Cook the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until it foams and turns a light brown color with a nutty aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add 12 fresh sage leaves and 1/4 cup pine nuts to the browned butter. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the sage is crisp and the pine nuts are toasted.
  5. Step 5: Return the gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sage brown butter sauce. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, sprinkled with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Sage Brown 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-Seared Gnocchi with Sage Brown 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 potato gnocchi from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Sage Brown 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-Seared Gnocchi with Sage Brown 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-Seared Gnocchi with Sage Brown 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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