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Savory Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi Recipe with Walnuts

brown butter sage gnocchi - featured image

A comforting and elegant dish featuring pillowy gnocchi coated in nutty brown butter, crispy sage, and toasted walnuts. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 10 fresh sage leaves
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the surface when ready. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi to a bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and set aside.
  2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes, or until they’re fragrant and lightly toasted. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir often to prevent burning. After about 3-5 minutes, the butter will begin to foam and turn golden brown. You’ll notice a nutty aroma—this means it’s ready.
  4. Stir in the garlic slices and sage leaves. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sage to crisp up and the garlic to soften. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
  5. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Toss gently to coat each piece in the brown butter sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  6. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and grated Parmesan over the gnocchi. Toss lightly, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve immediately while the gnocchi is warm and the sauce is fresh.

Notes

[‘Don’t rush the brown butter; keep the heat at medium and stir often to avoid burning.’, ‘Use fresh sage leaves for the crispiest texture and most aromatic flavor.’, ‘Adjust the seasoning gradually to ensure the perfect balance of salt and pepper.’, ‘If doubling the recipe, cook the gnocchi in batches to ensure even coating.’, ‘Experiment with different nuts like hazelnuts or almonds for a unique twist.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: gnocchi, brown butter, sage, walnuts, vegetarian, comfort food, easy dinner, quick recipe