How to Make the Perfect Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi
Italian · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi comes together in just 15 minutes for an elegant yet effortless dinner. Pillowy store-bought gnocchi gets tossed in nutty browned butter with crispy sage leaves for a restaurant-worthy quick meal.
Why this recipe works
This Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 11g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb store-bought potato gnocchi
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 12 leaves fresh sage leaves
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta water then drain the gnocchi and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
While gnocchi cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 3: Crisp the Sage
Add the sage leaves and minced garlic to the browned butter and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sage is crispy and the garlic is fragrant. Remove sage leaves and set aside on a paper towel.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the brown butter. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve topped with crispy sage leaves and generous amounts of grated parmesan and black pepper.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh sage leaves → fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs work beautifully in place of sage
- parmesan cheese → pecorino romano adds a saltier sharper flavor as a swap
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Burning the butter by using too high heat or walking away from the pan
- Overcooking the gnocchi past when they float which makes them mushy and dense
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 11g protein, 52g carbs, 19g fat, 3g fiber.
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