Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas
Imagine pillowy soft gnocchi, crisped to golden perfection in a sizzling skillet, then tossed with sweet, tender peas and a buttery, garlicky sauce. Sounds like a dream, right? This dish is simple yet indulgent, making it the perfect go-to for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive side dish. Best of all? It comes together in just 20 minutes with minimal effort. Trust me—once you try crispy skillet gnocchi, you’ll never go back!
Why You’ll Love Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas
Versatile Serve it as a satisfying main dish or a flavorful side.
Budget-Friendly Made with a handful of affordable pantry staples.
Quick and Easy Only 20 minutes from start to finish!
Customizable Add protein, extra veggies, or switch up the seasonings.
Crowd-Pleasing Crispy gnocchi + sweet peas = a flavor combo everyone loves.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas
This dish is all about simple ingredients that bring big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Gnocchi The star of the dish! Store-bought or homemade, these soft potato dumplings crisp up beautifully.
Butter & Olive Oil The perfect combo for getting that golden, crispy texture on the gnocchi.
Garlic Adds a rich, aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
Sweet Peas A pop of natural sweetness and freshness to balance the crispy gnocchi.
Parmesan Cheese Melts into the sauce, adding a savory, nutty depth.
Lemon Zest Brightens up the dish with a hint of citrusy freshness.
Salt & Pepper Simple seasonings that enhance every bite.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this golden, crispy perfection:
Heat the Skillet Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Crisp the Gnocchi Add the gnocchi in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides.
Sauté the Garlic Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toss in the Peas Stir in the sweet peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Add the Finishing Touches Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together.
Serve & Enjoy Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Calories per serving Approximately 320 calories
(Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
How to Serve Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas
This dish is incredibly versatile, and you can enjoy it in so many ways:
- As a Main Dish Serve it on its own for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
- With Protein Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta.
- As a Side It’s the perfect side dish for roasted meats or a hearty salad.
- With a Creamy Twist Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone for a richer sauce.
- Topped with Herbs Fresh basil or parsley adds a lovely burst of freshness.
Additional Tips
- Get Extra Crispy Gnocchi Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed!
- Use Frozen Peas No need to thaw; just toss them in straight from the freezer.
- Switch Up the Cheese Try Pecorino Romano or goat cheese for a different flavor.
- Make It Spicy Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Store & Reheat Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use shelf-stable gnocchi?
Yes! Just make sure to pan-fry them without boiling first for the crispiest texture.
2. Do I need to cook the gnocchi before pan-frying?
Nope! Pan-frying them straight from the package gives the best crispy edges.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
4. Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes would be delicious.
5. What’s the best pan to use?
A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best for getting that golden crust.
6. How do I prevent soggy gnocchi?
Make sure the pan is hot enough and avoid overcrowding so they crisp up properly.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but gnocchi is best fresh. If reheating, use a skillet to restore crispiness.
8. What can I substitute for peas?
Try asparagus, green beans, or even edamame for a twist!
9. How can I make it extra creamy?
Add a splash of cream, ricotta, or a dollop of crème fraîche.
10. Can I freeze leftovers?
Gnocchi doesn’t freeze well once cooked, but you can freeze uncooked gnocchi for later use.
Conclusion
Golden, crispy, buttery skillet gnocchi with sweet peas is the ultimate easy, delicious, and comforting meal. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, it’s quick to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to eat gnocchi!
PrintGolden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas
Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas is a simple yet delicious dish featuring crispy pan-fried gnocchi tossed with sweet peas, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a comforting combination of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
– 1 cup sweet peas (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
– 1/2 lemon, juiced
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the gnocchi in a single layer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the sweet peas and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to heat through.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil or parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
7. Toss gently and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
– For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.
– This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
– If using frozen peas, no need to thaw—just add them straight to the skillet.
– For a vegan version, substitute butter with more olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
