Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
A creamy and zesty dish featuring soft gnocchi in a bright lemon-Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package Potato Gnocchi (16-18 oz) Shelf-stable or refrigerated
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Divided
- 3 large cloves Garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated from a block Plus more for serving
- 1 large Lemon For both juice and zest
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
- Salt To taste (for boiling water and sauce)
- Black Pepper, freshly ground To taste
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional, for a gentle warmth
Instructions
Cook the Gnocchi
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the package of gnocchi to the boiling water. Stir gently once to prevent sticking. Cook until they float to the surface, about 2-4 minutes. Reserve at least 1 ½ cups of the starchy cooking water before draining. Drain and set aside.
Pan-Sear the Gnocchi
- In a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the drained gnocchi in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Build the Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Squeeze in juice from half the lemon and return to low heat. Add ½ cup of reserved gnocchi water and simmer, stirring to combine.
Emulsify the Sauce
- Turn off the heat and add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir or whisk vigorously until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth sauce. Adjust consistency with more reserved water if needed.
Combine and Serve
- Add the crispy gnocchi back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir in parsley and lemon zest. Toss gently until well-coated, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a bit of water or broth. Avoid freezing to maintain texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g
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