This crispy pan fried gnocchi is a simple and quick recipe to make only 20 minutes for an easy weeknight meal. Crispy gnocchi coated in a light sauce made with garlic, herbs, butter and parmesan.
What Is Gnocchi?
Gnocchi is an Italian dish. They are small lumps of dough that most commonly contain either cheese or potato. They are pressed to create ridges on the edge, which give gnocchi their classic look.
Pan Fried vs. Boiled Gnocchi
Traditionally, gnocchi are boiled in water before being served with sauce.
Boiling gnocchi is technically faster (about 3 minutes) than pan frying gnocchi. However, when you add in the time it takes for the water to reach a boiling point, there is not that much difference between the two methods.
Boiling gnocchi results in a softer gnocchi. When fried on a pan, gnocchi become crispier and have a slight crunch which tastes delicious.
Ingredients
- Gnocchi: Use your favorite type of gnocchi. I used potato gnocchi for this recipe.
- Herbs: You can substitute these herbs for any combination of dried herbs that you like. A savory mix of herbs would also work well with this recipe.
Instructions
Melt the butter on the saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add in the gnocchi.
Cook the gnocchi for about 15 minutes, flipping them occasionally, until they are slightly golden brown on the outside.
In a separate pan, melt the remaining butter. Add in the garlic and herbs and cook until fragrant.
Once the gnocchi are done, pour the sauce over them and stir to coat. Add in the parmesan and mix. Serve immediately!
FAQ
Yes you can use homemade gnocchi for this recipe. However, you may need to boil the gnocchi first before frying it to help it hold its shape better.
There are many flavors that go well with gnocchi. Typically light sauces that won’t overpower the gnocchi are the best options to choose.
Expert Tips
- Keep the gnocchi in a single layer. When frying the gnocchi, spread the gnocchi into a single layer on the pan so they will cook evenly.
- Adjust the level of crispiness. Some people prefer gnocchi crispier than others. If you want these gnocchi extra crispy, cook them for a few extra minutes until they are more golden brown on the outside.
📖 Recipe
Crispy Pan Fried Gnocchi
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This crispy pan fried gnocchi is a simple and quick recipe to make in only 20 minutes for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp + 4 tbsp butter
- 1 package (500g) gnocchi*
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 3 tbsp parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and cook them for about 15 minutes until they are crispy and slightly golden on the outside. Keep the gnocchi in a flat layer so they cook evenly. Stir occasionally to change their position.
- When the gnocchi are almost done cooking, start making the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the garlic, oregano and thyme and cook for about 2 minutes, until fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the gnocchi and stir to coat. Keep the gnocchi on low heat. Add the parmesan and stir until it is melted. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- *If you are using homemade gnocchi, you may need to boil the gnocchi before frying them to keep them from falling apart.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 1.1g
- Sodium: 297mg
- Fat: 26.4g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.4g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 69g
- Fiber: 3.4g
- Protein: 11.7g
- Cholesterol: 114mg
Sara Welch
This is my kind of comfort food! Hearty, delicious and crispy; easily, a new favorite recipe!
Anjali
This is definitely my new favorite way to make gnocchi! It turned out crispy, cooked through and had a great texture too!
Carrie Robinson
I have a packaged of gnocchi in the fridge right now that I need to use soon! 🙂 I am loving the idea of this simple sauce.
Jess
Loving the slight crunch frying gives the gnocchi!
Liz
I loved thow crispy this gnocchi was!! I'll definitely make this my default method for gnocchi now!
Missy
Loved this. Love gnocchi pan fried anyway, add these spices and made it extra special. And easy.
Ned
I love this so much! Simple yet delicious! Can't wait to make this again for lunch later this week.
Dannii
This was the best way to cook gnocchi. I am never going to boil it again.
Anjali
This is my new favorite way to make gnocchi at home! Usually when I buy store bought gnocchi and boil it, it gets mushy. This method gave the gnocchi great texture while cooking it perfectly!
Kerri
Love this recipe! The sauce is especially delicious on the gnocchi. Will be making this again!
Elisa
Love this crispy pan fried gnocchi recipe, is easy and looks delicious. Will try and make it for dinner, my daughter likes to eat gnocchi and this can do it herself. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Art French
Hi;
I tried this recipe earlier this year and it was a definite star. Tonight I'm doing it again and adding a tomato sauce at the end. Fried gnocchi is the best. 5 stars.
Thanks for the recipe
Art
Angie
These were delicious, fast and easy! I hadn’t tried frying gnocchi before and they are way more delicious this way than boiling! This will definitely be one of my last minute yummy dinners!