Description
This Quick Pan Fried Gnocchi recipe transforms simple shelf-stable gnocchi into a crispy, flavorful dish in just 20 minutes. Featuring garlic, lemon zest, and parmesan, it’s perfect as a satisfying side or a light main course, showcasing crispy texture and rich flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 lb shelf-stable gnocchi
Butter and Seasonings
- 5–6 tablespoons butter, separated
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until lightly browned and fragrant.
- Add Gnocchi: Place the gnocchi in the skillet in a single layer. Let cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to ensure even browning. Adjust heat if necessary to prevent burning. Continue until gnocchi are crispy and golden on all sides.
- Finish with Seasonings and Lemon: Turn heat to low, then add the remaining butter, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sea salt. Toss to coat evenly and melt the butter.
- Incorporate Parmesan and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and let sit for a few minutes to meld flavors. Serve topped with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Boiling the gnocchi before frying is optional; frying directly saves time and results in a crispy exterior. Boiling briefly before frying can make it softer if preferred.
- Ensure the skillet is large enough for the gnocchi to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Maintain medium heat for optimal browning without burning.
- Serves 2-3 as a main dish or 4 as a side.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 150g)
- Calories: 338 kcal
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 743 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 42 mg
