Gnocchi with Sage-Butter Sauce Recipe

Name: Gnocchi with Sage-Butter Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 2 (12 ounce) packages potato gnocchi; 0.25 cup butter; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

2 (12 ounce) packages potato gnocchi
cup butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried sage
teaspoon salt
cup grated Parmesan cheese
teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients and have them ready for cooking.

Step 2: In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook until they rise to the surface, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.

Step 3: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and golden brown.

Step 4: Stir in the dried sage and salt to the garlic and butter mixture. Continue to cook for about 1 minute to bring out the flavors.

Step 5: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Then, sprinkle in cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the ground black pepper. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

Step 6: Transfer the gnocchi to serving plates and sprinkle with an additional 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

Calories: 768
Total Fat: 52g (66% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 32g (161% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 140mg (47% Daily Value)
Sodium: 977mg (42% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 62g (22% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 4g (13% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 0g
Protein: 16g (31% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 7mg (8% Daily Value)
Calcium: 290mg (22% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (17% Daily Value)
Potassium: 485mg (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.

Gnocchi with Sage-Butter Sauce Recipe

Recipe Author: Gina Izzy Shores

History and Origin

Gnocchi, a type of Italian dumpling, has its origins in Northern Italy, where it was first crafted from a mixture of flour, potatoes, and eggs. The dish evolved over centuries, with various regions of Italy adapting the recipe to include different ingredients like ricotta, spinach, or semolina. While the precise origins are debated, it is clear that gnocchi was a common food for Italian peasants, providing a hearty and affordable meal. This simple yet comforting dish has since become popular worldwide.

Regional Variations

The beauty of gnocchi lies in its adaptability, with different regions in Italy putting their own spin on the dish. In Naples, the traditional gnocchi is often made with flour, egg, and water, while in other regions, like Piedmont, gnocchi is made with ricotta cheese. The sage-butter sauce, which accompanies this particular recipe, is especially popular in northern Italian cuisine, where butter is more common than olive oil. Sage, a fragrant herb, complements the rich flavor of butter and enhances the gnocchi's delicate texture.

Comparison to Similar Dishes

While gnocchi is similar to other types of pasta, such as ravioli or dumplings, the key difference lies in the doughs consistency and ingredients. Gnocchi is known for its light and airy texture, a result of the potatoes or ricotta used in the dough. This sets it apart from pasta, which is typically made from durum wheat flour and water. The sage-butter sauce, a perfect match for gnocchi, is a much simpler and lighter alternative to more traditional tomato or cream-based sauces found in other Italian pasta dishes.

Where It's Typically Served

Gnocchi with sage-butter sauce is typically served as a main course in Italian homes, especially during colder months. It can be found in many trattorias and restaurants, particularly in northern Italy, where the dish is considered a classic comfort food. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and is often paired with a glass of rich Italian red wine or a refreshing white wine to balance the richness of the butter sauce. It is also commonly served in rustic, family-style meals.

Interesting Facts

Gnocchi was originally made from breadcrumbs or flour before potatoes were introduced from the Americas in the 16th century.
In some regions of Italy, gnocchi is traditionally served on Thursdays, as it was once believed to bring good luck for the rest of the week.
In Italy, gnocchi is often served in a special way during celebrations or holidays, making it a dish steeped in tradition.
Although this recipe calls for dried sage, fresh sage is often preferred in northern Italy, where it grows abundantly.

Recipe Summary

This Gnocchi with Sage-Butter Sauce recipe is a delightful dish that combines pillowy potato gnocchi with a rich, aromatic sage-butter sauce. The addition of garlic and Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor, making it a simple yet indulgent meal perfect for any occasion.

FAQ about Gnocchi with Sage-Butter Sauce Recipe

Leftover gnocchi with sage-butter sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can either warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave it for 1-2 minutes, adding a little extra butter or olive oil if needed to prevent it from drying out.

While it's not ideal to freeze the entire dish with the sauce, you can freeze the gnocchi separately. Boil the gnocchi, let it cool, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to use, reheat in boiling water and toss with the freshly made sage-butter sauce.

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi typically cooks faster than dried, so be sure to boil it only for about 1-2 minutes until it floats. After that, follow the recipe instructions for making the sage-butter sauce.

To prevent gnocchi from becoming sticky, be sure not to overcook it. Boil the gnocchi only until it floats (usually around 2-3 minutes). Additionally, you can toss the gnocchi with a bit of olive oil or butter right after draining to help keep it from sticking together.

Yes! You can add protein such as grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or bacon. Simply cook the protein separately and then toss it with the gnocchi and sage-butter sauce for a heartier meal.

Yes, you can substitute sage with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil. Keep in mind that each herb will give the dish a different flavor profile, so choose according to your preference.

This dish is already quite rich, but you can balance it with a light side salad or roasted vegetables. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette or some roasted tomatoes, spinach, or kale would pair nicely.

Yes, you can use other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano if you prefer. Each cheese will slightly alter the flavor, but all will pair well with the buttery, sage sauce.

To add some spice, you can incorporate red pepper flakes into the sage-butter sauce or add a dash of hot sauce or fresh chili. Some people also like to toss in a bit of black pepper for an extra kick.

Yes, you can make the sage-butter sauce in advance. Simply cook the butter, garlic, and sage, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently before tossing with freshly cooked gnocchi.

Comments

naples34102

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I loved this (5 stars!) but hubs not as much (3 stars), but then he's not a fan of gnocchi in the first place. I am, and I thought this sage-butter sauce was perfect with it. I didn't measure seasonings exactly, just to my own taste. What I'd love to try next time is to subtley brown the butter and use fresh sage. Great dish, however, just as is, keeping mind that seasoning measurements are useful as a guide, but don't have to be strictly adhered to!

mnerney

02/03/2024 12:04:13 PM

Great simple recipe! Love how the butter browns and unlocks the woodsy notes from the sage. I used fresh gnocchi, skipped the boiling, and pan-fried for six minutes to give a crispy outside and pillowy inside with a nice bounce when you bite. This also avoids the gnocchi from becoming sticky. Tossed with Italian sausage.

Dyana Hagan

11/18/2015 03:09:32 PM

I made this tonight and it turned out beautifully! I did make just a few changes, however. I browned the butter before I added the garlic, and I also used three teaspoons of fresh, chopped sage. I will be making this again! Thank you for posting.

skyler

04/26/2017 12:19:11 AM

It was delicous! To step it up a bit, I added extra garlic and some penzeys herbs which hit the spot. I also recommend that while adding the gnocchi into the pan that you sear it on both sides to get a light golden brown. This makes the flavor stronger and even more delectable. :-)

CamenZermeno

03/15/2019 12:10:51 AM

We loved it! I like more veges on my pasta, so I roasted tomatoes and kale in Italian seasonings and olive oil. I boiled frozen peas with the gnocci. Followed this recipe. Mixed together and sprinkled Fuegorita for some kick. Yum!

renaec

07/17/2015 04:34:46 PM

Husband, one year old and I all loved this! I did not change the sauce recipe, but used a 16 oz package of gnocchi. To make it heartier, I cooked several chicken tenders in a skillet (just olive oil, salt and pepper) and removed them from the pan when done. When the gnocchi was done boiling (only about a minute and a half) I drained it then tossed it into the pan the chicken had been in and sautéed it for a minute or so- toasts the gnocchi nicely and gives it more flavor. Then the gnocchi and diced chicken all went into the butter sauce together. Wonderful light meal!

crowellc57

04/05/2023 01:51:09 AM

First time making this and I loved it. I made as instructed, tasted it in the skillet, then made slight changes. I added more sage, a little sauté red onions and shredded Parmesan. Oh my stars, delicious!

anniekate3

07/21/2020 03:01:30 AM

Loved it, was fast and delish. Based on other reviews saying it was lacking flavor I sauted some green onions and mushrooms and artichoke hearts before adding gnocchi.

TVCHICK

08/11/2014 02:48:37 PM

Very simple to make and very delicious! I had some fresh tomatoes that I needed to use up, so I chopped and added them to the saute process which gave it some nice texture, color and flavor.

Miss Cheng

12/09/2014 04:43:43 PM

I tried this recipe and I absolutely love it! What I did different is I first cooked the sage for a minute then took it out and set it aside. Then I cooked the garlic added mushrooms and sweet Italian sausage. It was a perfect combo with the sauce! I posted a photo so you can see how my dish came out :)

Stephanie Towery-Haines

10/05/2020 11:18:08 PM

Great, simple sauce. I did not use this on gnocchi but on veggie infused spaghetti noodles. I used fresh sage. Half butter, half olive oil. Since i do not care for the way parmesan melts, i did not add it into the sauce mix but rather grated it off the block right on top of the pasta. This will become a regular go to for me. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

Annette

09/11/2025 07:34:51 PM

easy and taste great

Nicole Thompson

01/21/2025 08:30:00 PM

So light yet so satisfying.

Hollmart

07/30/2024 09:16:39 PM

Excellent ❤️

cmach

12/12/2023 02:52:57 AM

This is my favorite new recipe. There were just 2 of us and I used a 16oz pkg of DelLallo potato gnocchi and adjusted amounts. The only change was i used Romano as that is what I had. Even with 16 oz of gnocchi we had plenty of leftovers! I served with shake and bake chicken from this site and and a tossed green salad. Perfect!

BraveOven3327

08/30/2023 11:01:33 PM

I have made this several times and have found that the gnocchi is best if it is boiled only 2 minutes exactly, any longer than that and it gets "sticky".

DandyYolk2470

07/01/2023 09:18:12 AM

Simple and with really nice flavor.

jbruen

04/12/2023 09:22:19 PM

The flavor is amazing and the recipe is so quicky and easy; however, the gnocchi was rather sticky. Is there something I can do to make it less sticky, or do I need to buy a better gnocci product?

Kay

09/19/2022 09:21:04 PM

Easy and quick use of normal ingredients. Needed something like parsley or red pepper flakes, plus some protein like chicken or bacon. In a pinch might make it again.

Kristin Keevan

08/10/2022 10:22:50 PM

I just added some cooked chicken. YUM!

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Gnocchi with Sage-Butter Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts

History and Origin

Regional Variations

Comparison to Similar Dishes

Where It's Typically Served

Interesting Facts

Recipe Summary

FAQ about Gnocchi with Sage-Butter Sauce Recipe