Description
This quick and flavorful 20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi recipe combines crispy, golden gnocchi with aromatic garlic, lemon zest, and Parmesan for a satisfying dish that can serve as a main course or side. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, it delivers irresistible texture and taste in just about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 lb shelf-stable gnocchi package
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 Parmesan cheese, grated (more for serving)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a 10-inch skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Fry the Gnocchi: Add the uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking. Adjust heat if gnocchi starts to burn. Continue until all sides are golden and crispy as desired.
- Add Seasonings and Lemon Zest: Turn the heat to low. Add the remaining butter, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, cracked pepper, and sea salt. Toss everything together to coat the gnocchi evenly.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and allow to cool for a few minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Skipping boiling simplifies the process; however, boiling first can make gnocchi slightly softer before frying.
- For a more crispy texture, fry longer until golden brown on all sides.
- Using a 10-inch pan ensures all gnocchi cook evenly in one layer.
- Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning and achieve the desired crispness.
- This recipe serves 2-3 as a full meal or 4 as a side dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 338 kcal
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 743 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 42 mg
