15-Minute Butter Gnocchi with Spicy Chili Crisp, Capers and Parmesan Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 (17.6 oz) packages gnocchi
• 6 tablespoons salted or unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons capers in brine, well drained
• 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil (such as Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp)
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a steady simmer. Add the gnocchi and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until they float to the top. Drain the gnocchi, reserving a few tablespoons of the cooking water.
2. While the gnocchi is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Let it melt until its hot and sizzling, which should take about 2 minutes.
3. Add the drained capers and chili crisp oil to the skillet. Let them sizzle together, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
4. Now, add the drained gnocchi to the skillet, along with a couple of tablespoons of the reserved cooking water. Stir or shake the pan to ensure the gnocchi are evenly coated with the red oil mixture and everything is heated through.
5. Serve the gnocchi immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to taste.

Cook's Note

Feel free to substitute the Parmesan cheese with a vegetarian alternative if needed.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 507
• Total Fat: 19g (25% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 10g (50% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 90mg (30% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 385mg (17% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 69g (25% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (13% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 14g (28% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 12mg (13% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 134mg (10% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (21% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 447mg (10% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind 15-Minute Butter Gnocchi with Spicy Chili Crisp, Capers, and Parmesan

Gnocchi, often referred to as Italian dumplings, have a history stretching back centuries, originating in Northern Italy. Traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, gnocchi were considered a peasant food, offering a hearty and inexpensive way to use local ingredients. Over time, regional adaptations appeared, incorporating semolina, ricotta, or even pumpkin. The version with butter, capers, chili crisp, and Parmesan is a modern twist, blending Italian comfort food with Asian-inspired flavors, particularly the bold, umami-laden chili crisp, which has surged in popularity outside its native China.

Regional Variations and Unique Features

While classic Italian gnocchi are usually paired with simple sauces like tomato, sage-butter, or pesto, this recipe introduces an international fusion element. Capers, traditionally common in Southern Italian cuisine, add a briny, tangy note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of butter. The addition of chili crisp, originally from Sichuan cuisine, creates a subtle heat and crunch, offering a textural and flavor complexity not found in typical Italian preparations. Parmesan cheese, universally Italian, rounds out the dish with its nutty depth.

How It Stands Out from Similar Dishes

Unlike heavier gnocchi recipes, which often rely on creamy sauces or tomato-based preparations, this dish emphasizes speed, simplicity, and bold flavor contrasts. The combination of silky butter, crispy chili bits, briny capers, and sharp Parmesan makes it uniquely layered while requiring only 15 minutes from stove to table. Its a delicate balance of heat, salt, and richness, distinct from more traditional Italian gnocchi that lean toward a single dominant flavor.

Where Its Typically Served

This fusion gnocchi is well-suited for casual weeknight dinners, but it also finds a home in modern bistro-style restaurants offering globalized comfort food. Its quick preparation makes it popular for home cooks seeking gourmet flavors without long cooking times. Paired with a crisp white wine or sparkling water, it works equally well as a light main course or an appetizer-style dish for entertaining guests.

Interesting Facts

• Gnocchi literally means knots in Italian, referring to their small, rounded shape.
• The spicy chili crisp used in this recipe was popularized internationally by the Lao Gan Ma brand, famous for its crunchy chili oil with fermented soybeans.
• This recipe illustrates the trend of fusion cuisine, where traditional Italian recipes meet bold, global flavors.
• Although it cooks in just 15 minutes, the dish retains a sophisticated balance, showing how quick-cook recipes can also be gourmet.
• Capers were historically considered medicinal in Italy, believed to aid digestion and improve flavor in simple peasant meals.

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