Description
This quick and easy 20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi recipe delivers crispy, golden gnocchi with a delicious garlic butter sauce, accented with lemon zest, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it offers a satisfying texture and rich flavor with minimal ingredients and fuss.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 lb gnocchi (shelf stable package)
Butter and Seasoning
- 5-6 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon sea salt
Finishing Touches
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Chopped parsley (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a 10-inch skillet or pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it is lightly browned and fragrant.
- Fry Gnocchi: Add the uncooked gnocchi to the pan and fry for 12-15 minutes. Stir every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Adjust the heat to avoid burning. Continue frying if you desire a crunchier, more browned texture.
- Add Seasonings and Butter: Once the gnocchi is golden and crisp on all sides, reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining butter, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, cracked pepper, and sea salt. Toss thoroughly to coat the gnocchi evenly as the butter melts.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for several minutes. Serve garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use shelf-stable gnocchi for convenience, but fresh gnocchi can also be used with slight adjustment in frying time.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred level of heat.
- Stir regularly to prevent the gnocchi from sticking or burning during frying.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
- Serve with a green side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
