Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce
Pillowy soft potato gnocchi tossed in a simple yet elegant brown butter sauce infused with crispy sage leaves. A comforting Italian-American classic that comes together in under 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil the Gnocchi
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
- c.Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water. Stir gently once to prevent sticking.
- d.Cook for 2-4 minutes. The gnocchi are done when they float to the surface.
- e.Before draining, use a heatproof mug to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. This is crucial for the sauce.
- f.Drain the gnocchi in a colander.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- b.While the gnocchi cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- c.Once the butter is fully melted and foaming, add the fresh sage leaves in a single layer.
- d.Cook for 3-5 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally. The butter will foam up, then subside. Watch for the milk solids at the bottom of the pan to turn a toasted brown color and for the air to fill with a nutty aroma.
- e.The sage leaves will darken and become crispy. Be very careful not to let the butter burn; remove it from the heat as soon as it's golden brown.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Emulsify
- b.Add the drained gnocchi directly into the skillet with the brown butter and sage.
- c.Toss gently to coat the gnocchi. Return the skillet to medium-low heat.
- d.Pour in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and sprinkle in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- e.Stir and toss continuously for about 1 minute. The starchy water will help the butter and cheese emulsify into a creamy sauce that clings to the gnocchi.
- f.If the sauce is too thick, add another tablespoon or two of pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- g.Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Divide the gnocchi among four warm bowls or plates.
- c.Garnish with the crispy sage leaves from the pan and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- d.Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcrowd the pot when boiling gnocchi. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly.
- 2Use a light-colored skillet (like stainless steel) to make the brown butter. This allows you to see the color change clearly and prevent burning.
- 3The reserved pasta water is liquid gold. It contains starches that are essential for creating a smooth, emulsified sauce that isn't greasy.
- 4For an extra layer of texture, you can pan-sear the boiled gnocchi in the brown butter for a minute or two until they are golden and slightly crisp before adding the pasta water and cheese.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Nuts
Toast 1/4 cup of pine nuts or chopped walnuts in a dry pan and sprinkle over the finished dish for a crunchy texture.
Add ProteinAdd Protein
For a heartier meal, add crispy pancetta or prosciutto to the sauce along with the gnocchi.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted butternut squash cubes are excellent additions. Add them to the skillet with the gnocchi.
Add a Bright NoteAdd a Bright Note
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest stirred in at the end can cut through the richness of the butter.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Quick Energy
The potato gnocchi is a good source of carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source, providing the energy needed for daily activities.
Source of Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Butter is a source of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune function, and Vitamin K2, which plays a role in bone and heart health.
Contains Antioxidant Properties
Sage is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as rosmarinic acid, which can help protect the body's cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this dish contains approximately 450-550 calories, primarily from the gnocchi (carbohydrates) and the butter (fats).