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Crispy Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi with Pancetta

crispy brown butter sage gnocchi with pancetta - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy gnocchi coated in nutty brown butter with fragrant sage and crispy pancetta, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) store-bought potato gnocchi
  • 4 ounces (115 g) pancetta, diced
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter
  • 1012 fresh sage leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Dice the pancetta into small bite-sized pieces. Rinse fresh sage leaves and pat dry, then roughly chop or leave whole depending on your preference. Mince the garlic cloves finely if using.
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown, about 6 minutes. Remove pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the unsalted butter to the same pan. Let it melt and bubble gently. Swirl the pan occasionally as the butter turns golden brown with nutty aromas. Add sage leaves and minced garlic (if using), cooking until leaves crisp and butter smells toasted, about 3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  4. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add gnocchi in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until bottoms are golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels if needed.
  5. Transfer crispy gnocchi to the pan with brown butter and sage. Toss gently to coat evenly. Return pancetta to the pan and mix together. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Serve immediately, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Watch the butter carefully as it browns to avoid burning. Cook gnocchi in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure crispiness. Fresh sage is preferred for best aroma. For vegetarian version, omit pancetta and add toasted nuts or mushrooms. For gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

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