Print

Crispy Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi with Pancetta

crispy brown butter sage gnocchi - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring pan-fried gnocchi in nutty brown butter with crispy pancetta and fragrant sage, delivering a perfect balance of crispy and creamy textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh or store-bought potato gnocchi
  • 4 ounces diced pancetta (or thick-cut bacon)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1012 fresh sage leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden. Remove pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Add unsalted butter to the pancetta fat. Swirl the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until the butter foams and turns a deep golden brown with a nutty aroma. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  3. Add fresh sage leaves and minced garlic (if using) to the brown butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sage is crispy and garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Add gnocchi in a single layer to the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden on one side, then gently flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy on the other side. Total cooking time about 6 minutes. If using frozen or store-bought gnocchi, parboil for 1-2 minutes until they float, drain well, then pan-fry.
  5. Return crispy pancetta to the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine without breaking the gnocchi.
  6. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra crisp sage leaves if desired.

Notes

Use medium or medium-low heat to avoid burning the butter. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure gnocchi crisp up properly. Fresh sage leaves are essential for aroma and texture. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: gnocchi, brown butter, sage, pancetta, crispy gnocchi, easy dinner, quick recipe, Italian, comfort food