Indulge your taste buds in a heavenly Italian delight with our Gnocchi Brown Butter Crispy Pancetta Sage recipe! Imagine the rich, nutty aroma of brown butter mingling with the crispy goodness of pancetta and the fragrant essence of fresh sage, all enveloping tender, pillowy gnocchi. This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy in just 30 minutes! Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive gathering, this recipe promises to leave your guests begging for seconds. Ready to elevate your culinary game? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- gnocchi
- butter
- pancetta
- fresh sage
- parmesan cheese
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients: fresh store-bought or homemade gnocchi, unsalted butter, diced pancetta, fresh sage leaves, grated parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cut pancetta into small, uniform 1/4-inch dice to ensure even and crispy rendering.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add diced pancetta and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until crisp and golden brown (approximately 5-6 minutes).
- Remove pancetta with a slotted spoon, leaving rendered fat in the pan. Transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same pan with pancetta drippings, add butter and reduce heat to medium. Allow butter to melt and begin to foam, swirling the pan occasionally.
- Add whole fresh sage leaves to the browning butter. Cook until butter turns a golden-brown color and develops a nutty aroma, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add gnocchi directly to the brown butter and sage. Cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop a crispy exterior, then gently toss to ensure even browning.
- Return crispy pancetta to the pan, tossing gently to combine with gnocchi and distribute evenly.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer to serving plates and generously sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional crisp sage leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality, fresh gnocchi, whether store-bought or homemade. The freshness of your ingredients will shine through in the final dish.
- Perfect Pancetta: Cut the pancetta into uniform 1/4-inch dice to ensure it cooks evenly and achieves that irresistible crispy texture.
- Watch the Butter: Keep an eye on your butter as it browns; it can go from perfectly nutty to burnt quickly. Swirl the pan occasionally to monitor its progress.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When adding gnocchi to the pan, give them space to develop a crispy exterior. Avoid stirring too much in the beginning to allow them to crisp up nicely.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper according to your preference. The pancetta will add saltiness, so taste before adding more salt.
- Garnish for Presentation: For a stunning presentation, garnish with additional crispy sage leaves and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it right after cooking for that perfect combination of textures and flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 85mg
