Indulge in Comforting Sage Butter Gnocchi Recipe with a Secret Ingredient!
This Sage Butter Gnocchi recipe is the ultimate comfort food that your taste buds will thank you for. The gnocchi is pillowy soft and the sage butter sauce is velvety, but what is the secret ingredient that takes this recipe to the next level? You’ll have to try it to find out!
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Looking for a quick and easy pasta recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor? Look no further than Sage Butter Gnocchi! This classic Italian dish is rich, buttery, and bursting with the fresh flavors of sage and Parmesan cheese.
But where did this tasty dish originally come from? The history of gnocchi can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was enjoyed as a simple, hearty dish made from flour and water. Over time, the recipe evolved, with cooks incorporating potatoes, eggs, and other ingredients to create the light, fluffy gnocchi we know and love today.
The addition of sage and butter to gnocchi is a relatively modern twist, but it has become a beloved classic in Italian cuisine. Sage, with its earthy, savory flavor, pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery taste of the gnocchi. And of course, no Italian dish would be complete without a healthy dose of grated Parmesan cheese!
To make Sage Butter Gnocchi, start by boiling a pot of generously salted water and cooking the gnocchi according to package instructions. While the gnocchi cooks, fry fresh sage leaves in butter until fragrant, then add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss with the sage butter sauce. Add a bit of reserved pasta water to make it saucy, then season with salt and pepper and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
The result? A delicious, indulgent dish that’s perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a cozy night in with the family. So why not try making Sage Butter Gnocchi tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Sage Butter Gnocchi
Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi
Gnocchi cooks quickly, so be sure not to overcook them. Follow the package instructions carefully and keep an eye on them while they cook. Overcooked gnocchi will become mushy and fall apart easily.
Melt the Butter Slowly
Melt the butter slowly over medium heat to prevent the butter from burning and turning brown. Stir frequently and watch it closely.
Crisp the Sage Leaves
When frying the sage leaves, be sure to watch them carefully. Fry for 30 seconds to a minute until they are crispy but not burnt.
Use Reserved Pasta Water to Create a Sauce
The reserved pasta water acts as a starchy thickener for the sauce. It’s important to add it to the skillet to loosen up the sauce and ensure the gnocchi are coated evenly.
Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste
Taste the finished dish and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. You might need to add more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Upgrade Your Cheese Game
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor. You can also use pecorino romano or asiago cheese if you like. For a fun twist, try shaving some truffles or adding a drizzle of truffle oil on top of the grated cheese.
Experiment with Additional Ingredients
This dish can be easily customized with additional ingredients. Consider adding cooked spinach leaves, crispy pancetta, or caramelized onions for a richer flavor.
Reheat Gently
While the leftovers do reheat well, be sure to reheat gently by warming in a skillet over low heat with some additional butter or cream to prevent the gnocchi from becoming dry.
How Many Calories are in Sage Butter Gnocchi?
Nutrition Facts
4 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 440
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 51g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 11g
What Drinks Pair Best with Sage Butter Gnocchi?
Wine pairing: A suitable wine pairing for Sage Butter Gnocchi would be a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines have enough acidity to balance the richness of the butter and Parmesan cheese while also complementing the herbal notes of sage.
Beer pairing: A beer pairing that would complement the richness of Sage Butter Gnocchi would be a Belgian Dubbel. The caramel notes in the beer would balance the buttery flavor, while the high carbonation would help to cleanse the palate after each bite. A good example of a Belgian Dubbel is Chimay Première.
Cocktail pairing: A suitable cocktail pairing for Sage Butter Gnocchi would be a light and refreshing Gin and Tonic. The herbal notes in the gin complement the sage leaves while the effervescence of the tonic balances the richness of the butter and Parmesan cheese.
How to Make Sage Butter Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 lb Gnocchi
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 8-10 Fresh Sage Leaves
- 1/4 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
Instructions
- Boil a pot of generously salted water and cook gnocchi according to package instructions.
- While the gnocchi is cooking, melt 4 tbsp of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once the butter starts to foam, add in 8-10 fresh sage leaves and fry for 30 seconds to a min while stirring frequently.
- Once the gnocchi is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the gnocchi.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss with the sage butter sauce.
- Add the reserved pasta water to make it saucy. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top of the gnocchi and stir until melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich and buttery taste of Sage Butter Gnocchi.