The Ultimate Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas Recipe

Comfort meets creativity in this golden skillet gnocchi with sweet peas that promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Soft potato dumplings dance alongside vibrant green peas in a pan kissed by butter and herbs.

Every bite tells a story of simplicity and flavor, melding textures that surprise and delight.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special, and this dish delivers with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Home cooks can whip up this Italian-inspired masterpiece in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Aromatic and inviting, the skillet creates a magical backdrop for these tender gnocchi.

Let’s transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Why Golden Gnocchi with Peas Shines

• Savor Quick Comfort: This gnocchi recipe delivers a satisfying meal ready in mere minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious dinner without complex preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding crispy bacon, swirling in cream sauce, or including different vegetables to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
• Transform Humble Ingredients: Simple components like store-bought gnocchi, frozen peas, and basic seasonings become a restaurant-worthy dish through smart cooking techniques like achieving golden crispy texture.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of crispy gnocchi, sweet peas, and cheesy Parmesan, making this a versatile meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

What You’ll Need for Gnocchi and Peas

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that become crispy and golden when pan-fried.
• Sweet Peas: Bright green, tender vegetables that add a fresh and sweet flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Create a rich, golden base for cooking and add depth to the overall flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic punch that complements the mild gnocchi.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and warmth to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty complexity and creamy texture.
• Fresh Basil, Parsley: Bright, herbal garnishes that bring freshness and color.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a tangy, citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness.

Cook Golden Skillet Gnocchi Just Right

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and butter, letting them melt and combine, creating a golden cooking surface.

Step 2: Create Crispy Gnocchi

Spread gnocchi in a single layer across the skillet. Allow them to sizzle and transform, cooking for 3-5 minutes.

Gently stir occasionally to ensure even browning and achieve a beautiful golden crust.

Step 3: Boost Flavor Profile

Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet.

Stir quickly for about 30 seconds, releasing their aromatic essence and infusing the gnocchi with intense flavor.

Step 4: Add Fresh Green Sweetness

Fold sweet peas into the skillet.

Cook for 2 minutes, letting them warm through and blend with the crispy gnocchi and fragrant seasonings.

Step 5: Season and Elevate

Sprinkle salt and black pepper across the dish.

Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Step 6: Finish with Finesse

Remove skillet from heat.

Shower the gnocchi with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Scatter chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Gently toss all ingredients together.

Transfer to serving plates immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy this delightful golden skillet creation!

Simple Tips for Better Gnocchi Dishes

• Use a non-stick skillet and spread gnocchi in a single layer without overcrowding to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Toast garlic and red pepper flakes briefly to release their aromatic oils and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Add sweet peas at the end of cooking to maintain their bright green color and prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Chop basil or parsley just before adding to preserve maximum flavor and vibrant green color.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the dish and cut through the richness of butter and Parmesan cheese.

Twist Ideas for Gnocchi and Peas

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Skillet: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Vegan Herb Gnocchi: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, use plant-based butter, and add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth of flavor.
• Protein-Packed Veggie Gnocchi: Incorporate diced chicken, crispy tofu, or white beans to increase protein content while maintaining the dish's light and fresh profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Gnocchi: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to transform the recipe with Mediterranean flavors and ingredients.

Sides That Match Gnocchi with Peas

Choose a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate flavors of gnocchi and sweet peas, cutting through the richness of butter and Parmesan.

Craft a fresh basil gin smash that echoes the herb notes in the dish, bringing out the bright, zesty undertones of lemon and green peas.

Select a dry prosecco or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the dish’s light, summery profile and cutting through the butter’s richness.

Serve with a small plate of aged Pecorino Romano or mild goat cheese to create a complementary flavor profile that doesn’t overpower the gnocchi’s delicate texture.

How to Store Gnocchi for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer gnocchi to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with date and contents.
• Place gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with a few drops of water. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Warm a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add gnocchi, stirring gently to restore crispiness and prevent sticking. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated evenly.

FAQs

• What are gnocchi?

Soft, pillowy Italian potato dumplings made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, traditionally served as a pasta alternative with various sauces and seasonings.

• Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen sweet peas work perfectly. Just thaw them before adding to the skillet and ensure they’re heated thoroughly during cooking.

• How do I get the gnocchi crispy?

Use a large skillet, spread gnocchi in a single layer without overcrowding, and avoid constant stirring. Let them develop a golden-brown crust by cooking undisturbed for 3-5 minutes.

• Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this gnocchi recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat and can be easily made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a plant-based alternative.

Golden Skillet Gnocchi With Sweet Peas Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering golden skillet gnocchi with sweet peas delivers Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Crispy potato dumplings dance with bright green peas in a creamy sauce, promising a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
• 1 cup sweet peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Fats and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• 1/2 lemon, juiced

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Instructions

1. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, combining olive oil and butter to create a rich, flavorful base.
2. Arrange gnocchi in a single layer, allowing each piece to develop a golden, crispy exterior for 3-5 minutes, gently turning to ensure even browning.
3. Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring quickly to release their aromatic essence without burning.
4. Fold in sweet peas, letting them warm through and absorb the skillet’s delectable flavors for approximately 2 minutes.
5. Enhance the dish with a delicate balance of salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
6. Remove the skillet from heat, generously garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a vibrant sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley.
7. Finish with a bright burst of fresh lemon juice, gently tossing to distribute the flavors evenly and create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Notes

• Toast gnocchi perfectly by ensuring they’re in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing each piece to develop a golden, crispy exterior that provides delightful texture contrast.
• Swap butter with olive oil for vegan version or use plant-based Parmesan to make this dish dairy-free while maintaining rich, satisfying flavors.
• Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy chickpeas for a more substantial meal that transforms this simple side into a complete dinner.
• Experiment with seasonal vegetable substitutions like asparagus, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes to keep the dish exciting and adaptable throughout different times of the year.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 12 mg