Pan fried gnocchi is gnocchi pasta fried in skillet that has a crispy, browned outside and a pillow-y soft texture inside. This 15-minute and 4-ingredient easy recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner. Learn how to pan fry gnocchi without boiling with this easy recipe.
Everyday food doesn’t always have to take a long time to make. This recipe for pan fried gnocchi is quick and inexpensive. You will fall in love with this perfect little pillow of delicious pasta that has a crispy, browned outside and a soft inside.
Pan seared gnocchi makes golden brown crust with airy light and fluffy texture and crispy edges. There’s a day and night difference between the boiled gnocchi and pan fried gnocchi.
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Ingredients
Super simple ingredients are highlight of this recipe. I am suggesting several seasoning options to make it more customizable.
- Gnocchi : I used vacuum packed packet of potato gnocchi also called ‘gnocchi di patate’ . It is a pantry staple and very affordable ingredient. Gnocchi is a light and fluffy Italian dumpling made from potato and wheat flour. I love it as a pasta alternative.
- Butter : To make golden brown crispy outer layer. Use plant based butter to make this recipe vegan. You can also use olive oil if you prefer.
- Salt and pepper : Basic and simple seasoning. Freshly ground pepper is preferred.
- Optional Garnishes : fresh herbs like chopped basil or rosemary. I also love to add crispy sage. Italian seasoning, lemon juice , parmesan cheese.
See recipe card for quantities.
Helpful Hint : There are three different types of gnocchi available in grocery store. Fresh pre-made gnocchi which is typically found in the refrigerated pasta section, Frozen gnocchi in the freezer section and dried gnocchi in dry pasta section. FOr this recipe, I am using dried packed gnocchi.
Variations
Besides just salt and pepper, you can use variety of different seasonings and sauces to enhance the taste and flavor the crispy gnocchi.
- Spicy : add chili pepper flakes while cooking to imbue some spicy heat. Cooking with minced garlic adds a nice zesty flavor to it.
- Additions – add crispy roasted chickpeas, crispy onions or roasted brussels sprouts
- Sauces : a drizzle of homemade basil walnut pesto sauce, sriracha sauce, Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing, or Instant Pot marinara or tomato sauce , are all good options. You can also use ketchup or alfredo sauce for dipping.
- Brown Butter : If you let the butter brown as it’s melting, it adds scrumptious savory taste. Brown butter fried gnocchi is truly exceptional.
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a frying pan or a skillet until melted. Add the gnocchi. Using a spatula, mix it well so that the melted butter coats the gnocchi.
- Sprinkle some salt over it and cook over a medium heat, stirring every few minutes. Gnocchi is done when it’s crisped up to golden brown on all sides.
- Remove from the pan. Season with salt and pepper and optional garnishes or sauces. Serve and enjoy !
Hint: Don’t overcrowd the pan. You want the gnocchi to be spread out in a single layer across the bottom of the pan.
Gnocchi Recipes
Gnocchi is a staple food in my pantry. You can make many last minutes quick meals my cooking dry packed potato gnocchi with vegetables, beans and different sauces.
Similar to Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli, this recipe makes simple pasta into into something delicious and gourmet.
Sheet Pan Vegetable Gnocchi is my all time favorite effortless meal. I love using Trader Joe’s products to make easy Cauliflower Gnocchi Sheet Pan Dinner. And for cozy comforting dinner, our family favorite is Olive Garden Copycat Gnocchi Soup.
Serving Suggestion
- As an appetizer or snack : Crispy food is perfect for quick snack or appetizer, You can serve this with dipping sauces for finger food appetizer.
- As a main meal : serve it along with Air Fryer Garlic Toast or quick and easy Air Fryer Naan Pizza or Pesto Naan Pizza for easy dinner.
- Use it in Buddha Bowl : Another favorite of mine. I add some baby spinach, olives and sun dried tomatoes along with this crispy gnocchi to make easy delicious buddha bowl.
- Easy side dish : Pair it with some salad or creamy soup for hearty comforting weeknight meal.
Recipe FAQs
No. You can simply pan fry dry packed gnocchi without pre boiling it. Cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Store bought dry packed potato gnocchi works best for this recipe. You can also use frozen gnocchi or homemade gnocchi but it will need more cooking time and may not bring out the best texture. Stick to dry packed gnocchi.
A day and night difference in texture. Pan fried gnocchi makes golden brown gnocchi with light and fluffy texture and crispy edges. Boiled gnocchi, on the other hand, is stuffy, heavy and bit lumpy. You can use it similar to pasta.
Our Favorite Pasta Recipes
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Pan Fried Gnocchi
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb. gnocchi I used potato gnocchi
- 3 Tablespoon butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Optional Garnishes
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
- Fresh sage, parsley or basil leaves
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a frying pan or skillet until melted. Add the gnocchi. Using a spatula, mix it well so that the melted butter coats the gnocchi.
- Sprinkle some salt over it and cook over a medium heat, stirring every few minutes. Gnocchi is done when it’s crisped up to golden brown on all sides.
- Remove from the pan. Season with salt and pepper and optional garnishes or sauces. Serve and enjoy !
Notes
Nutrition
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Michelle
Brown butter (cultered vegan butter), kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, finished with a squeeze of the juice of half a small lemon. Delicious!