Enjoy this simple yet incredibly flavorful Gnocchi in Brown Butter Sauce. It is a quick, satisfying dinner that brings comfort and warmth to your table.
Author:Mei Sprout
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian Inspired
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound potato gnocchi
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Pinch of salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Cook the gnocchi according to package directions until they float. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the gnocchi.
While the gnocchi cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Continue cooking the butter, swirling the pan frequently, until it foams, subsides, and brown bits form at the bottom, releasing a nutty aroma. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
Add the sliced garlic and sage leaves to the brown butter. Cook for about 1 minute until the sage is crisp and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the brown butter sauce.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of the reserved pasta water. Toss until a light sauce forms that clings to the gnocchi. Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
Brown butter (beurre noisette) adds a deep, nutty flavor that makes this simple dish special.
Crispy sage leaves are a wonderful textural contrast to the soft gnocchi.
You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness, if you like.