Skillet-toasted Gnocchi with Peas – Quick and Delicious
Table of Contents
Quick and Comforting Gnocchi
Q
One chilly spring evening, I found myself staring into my pantry, searching for inspiration. I wanted something quick, something comforting, yet vibrant enough to shake off the lingering winter blues. My gaze fell on a package of potato gnocchi—a pantry staple that had been waiting for its moment to shine. I had recently returned from a farmers’ market, and among my haul were some sweet peas, bursting with freshness, and a bunch of fragrant thyme. As I held these ingredients in my hands, memories of a trip to Italy flooded back to me, where I had savored the simplest yet most exquisite dishes, often made with just a few fresh ingredients.
The idea hit me—why not marry the hearty gnocchi with the fresh peas and a touch of lemon to brighten everything up? It would be a perfect way to bring a taste of Italy to my table, with a nod to the freshness of spring.
How to Make Skillet-toasted Gnocchi with Peas
The first time I made this dish, the gnocchi turned out golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft, pillowy interior. The peas added a lovely pop of color and sweetness, while the thyme and garlic infused everything with a wonderful depth of flavor. The finishing touch was a hint of lemon zest and juice, which added just the right amount of zing, balancing the richness of the butter and Parmesan.
As I took the first bite, I was transported back to that small Italian trattoria, where the food was made with love, simplicity, and the freshest ingredients. This Skillet-toasted Gnocchi with Peas has since become a favorite in my household, especially on those nights when I need a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, reminding me that even in the simplest meals, there’s a world of comfort and joy to be found.
Chef’s Notes – Skillet-toasted Gnocchi with Peas
- Achieving Crispy Gnocchi: Let the gnocchi sit in the pan without stirring for a few minutes to develop a golden crust. Stirring too frequently can prevent them from getting crispy.
- Adding Extra Flavor: A splash of white wine added with the chicken broth can elevate the dish with an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this Skillet-toasted Gnocchi with Peas with a light, citrusy salad or garlic bread to complement the richness of the gnocchi and butter sauce. Try out our Tangzhong Rye Bread recipe or this Easy Chicken Flatbread!
- Zest and Juice Your Lemon: Always zest your lemon before juicing it. It’s much easier, and you get more zest without the hassle!
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to refresh the flavors.
Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Peas
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes350
kcal30
minutesElevate your pasta night with this delightful Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Peas! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Italian dumplings are sautéed to perfection and paired with sweet peas, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. Inspired by the flavors of spring, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate your favorite vegetables, herbs, or proteins. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy and delicious meal!
Ingredients
1/4 cup salted butter, split into two portions
1 package potato gnocchi
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic (about 1 large clove)
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 package thawed frozen peas or 1 1/2 cups fresh shelled peas
2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup)
Directions
- Sautéing Gnocchi – Heat half of the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides.
- Adding Aromatics – Incorporate the minced garlic and chopped thyme into the skillet. Stir frequently for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth along with the salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes until the liquid reduces by half. - Final Touches – Add the peas, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely, about 1 minute.
- Serving – Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and serve immediately.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 10mg
Chicken Fiesta Flatbread
Cooks in 40 minutesDifficulty: EasyGet ready to wow your taste buds with this Chicken Fiesta Flatbread! This easy-to-make dish combines a crispy crust with a flavorful chicken topping and a zesty chile-lime yogurt sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, it’s a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Tangzhong Rye Bread
Cooks in 185 minutesDifficulty: MediumDive into the world of bread-making with this Tangzhong Rye Bread! This loaf, enriched with rye and wholemeal wheat flour, is perfect for toasting, smearing with butter, or dipping in hot soup. It’s a delightful challenge for any home baker, offering a unique twist with the tangzhong method. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and hearty bread!
FAQs – Skillet-toasted Gnocchi with Peas
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before cooking to ensure they brown evenly in the skillet.
What can I substitute for peas?
You can substitute peas with other vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or even spinach. Just be mindful of the cooking times for different vegetables.
Can I make this Skillet-toasted Gnocchi with Peas vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with vegan butter or olive oil, the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the pan?
Use a nonstick skillet and ensure the butter is hot before adding the gnocchi. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the gnocchi to steam rather than crisp up.
