Craving comfort food on a busy weeknight? This 20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi delivers irresistibly crispy edges, pillowy centers, and a golden, buttery finish—all in less time than it takes to decide on takeout. You won’t believe how much flavor you can pack into your favorite store-bought gnocchi with just a skillet and a handful of everyday ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Truly Ready in 20 Minutes: Even on your busiest night, this dish comes together fast with minimal mess (and almost zero prep).
- Crispy, Buttery Perfection: Pan frying brings a golden, crunchy exterior to every tender bite—without boiling!
- Elevates Store-Bought Gnocchi: With just a few pantry staples and fresh aromatics, you can turn a humble package into a crave-worthy meal.
- Customizable & Family-Friendly: Swap in your favorite add-ins or toppings—everyone will want seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a short list of simple, delicious ingredients for 20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi. Each one is key for flavor, texture, and that signature buttery crispiness—so be sure to use the best you can find!
- 1 lb shelf-stable gnocchi: The star of the show—look for fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi in the pasta aisle for an ultra-convenient, no-boil shortcut.
- 5-6 tablespoons butter, separated: Rich and decadent, butter helps brown the gnocchi beautifully and creates a lush, silky sauce.
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic depth and warmth that infuses every bite. Fresh garlic really makes a difference!
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: A pop of zesty brightness cuts through the richness and instantly freshens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This simple blend of herbs adds classic Tuscan flavor without fuss.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For a gentle kick—add as little or as much as you like to suit your heat preference.
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper: Savory and a little spicy, it rounds out the flavor and enhances the herbs.
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon sea salt: Seasons the gnocchi and heightens every flavor in the skillet.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan (plus more for serving): Nutty, salty, and melty—parmesan brings a final savory punch you won’t want to skip.
- Chopped parsley, for serving (optional): Brightens things up and adds a pretty pop of color if you’re feeling fancy.
Variations
One of the things I love most about 20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want to add fresh veggies, switch up your cheese, or make it vegan, it’s a dream to customize to your tastes and needs!
- Cheesy Spin: Swap parmesan for pecorino or a combo of Italian cheeses for a richer, extra-cheesy finish.
- Make It Vegan: Use plant-based butter and leave out the parmesan, or substitute with your favorite vegan cheese.
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken sausage, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a heartier main dish.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in a handful of baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for color and extra nutrients.
How to Make 20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a large (10-inch) skillet over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and stir for about one minute—just until the garlic smells fragrant and lightly browns. This step lays the foundation for that irresistible, rich sauce!
Step 2: Pan Fry the Gnocchi
Add your shelf-stable gnocchi right to the pan—no boiling required! Let it fry for 12-15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. The goal is golden, crispy edges without burning, so adjust your heat if needed. The gnocchi will go from pale and chewy to gorgeously browned with a tender, pillowy inside.
Step 3: Finish with Butter, Seasonings & Lemon Zest
When your gnocchi is crisp to your liking, lower the heat and add the rest of your butter, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss gently to coat every gnocchi in those melty, fragrant flavors. The extra butter helps the seasonings stick and infuse the entire dish.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan & Serve
Once the butter has melted and the seasonings are well incorporated, remove the pan from the heat and stir in your parmesan. The cheese will melt slightly, creating a silky, savory finish. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot—topped with more parmesan and a shower of fresh parsley, if you like!
Pro Tips for Making 20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi
- Skip the Boil: For the ideal crispy texture, pan fry your gnocchi straight from the package—no need to boil!
- Give Them Space: Use a large pan so the gnocchi sits in a single layer—crowding leads to steaming instead of browning.
- Medium Heat Magic: Resist turning up the heat; steady medium warmth lets the butter brown without burning the gnocchi or the garlic.
- Custom Parmesan Level: Don’t hold back on extra parmesan for serving—it’s what makes every bite utterly irresistible!
How to Serve 20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi
Garnishes
A flourish of extra parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley add beautiful color contrast and a little kick of freshness against the rich, buttery gnocchi. If you like, a dusting of lemon zest is also lovely for an energetic, fragrant finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your 20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi with a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrients. Warm garlic bread never hurts, either—perfect for soaking up every last drop of that melted butter and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve the gnocchi on a platter surrounded by roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed greens. Individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or a tangle of microgreens look stunning for a brunch spread or dinner party—it’s a showstopper straight from the skillet!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pan fried gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. While it’s best fresh, the crispiness holds up pretty well for a next-day lunch or snack.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, let the gnocchi cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month. For best texture, reheat directly from frozen in a skillet with a bit of butter.
Reheating
Reheat leftover gnocchi in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of butter until warmed through—this helps restore their crisp edges! Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make them chewy rather than crispy.
FAQs
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Do I really not have to boil the gnocchi first?
That’s right! Shelf stable gnocchi can go straight into the skillet—no pre-boiling needed. Pan frying uncooked gnocchi delivers the most irresistible crispy edges, but if you like a softer bite, you can boil briefly and then fry for just 3-5 minutes instead.
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Can I use homemade or refrigerated gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Yes, you can! However, homemade or fresh refrigerated gnocchi are usually softer and may cook faster—so keep a close eye and reduce the frying time slightly to prevent sticking or falling apart.
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What’s the secret to getting my gnocchi super crispy?
Give them plenty of space in the pan and avoid stirring too often. Letting the gnocchi sit undisturbed for a couple minutes at a time allows those golden edges to form—plus, using enough butter ensures maximum crispiness and flavor!
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Is 20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! While gnocchi is best the day it’s made, leftovers keep well for a couple days and reheat beautifully in the skillet. You can also prep your measured ingredients and chopped garlic ahead for a lightning-fast meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner that brings pure joy to the table in minutes, you have to try this 20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi. It’s cozy, golden, and endlessly adaptable—make it once, and it’ll be a staple on your busy nights too. Happy cooking, friend!
Print
20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
Enjoy a quick and easy meal with this 20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi recipe. Crispy, golden gnocchi cooked to perfection in a pan with garlic, butter, and seasonings.
Ingredients
Gnocchi:
- 1 lb gnocchi, shelf-stable package
Seasonings:
- 5-6 tbsp butter, separated
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp cracked pepper
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup parmesan, more for serving
- Chopped parsley for serving, optional
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Garlic: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a 10-inch pan or skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Fry Gnocchi: Add uncooked gnocchi to the pan and fry for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes. Adjust heat if needed to prevent burning.
- Season and Finish: Reduce heat to low and add remaining butter, seasonings, and lemon zest. Toss to coat gnocchi, then remove from heat and stir in parmesan.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving with parsley and extra parmesan.
Notes
- No need to boil gnocchi before frying.
- For a softer texture, boil gnocchi briefly before frying.
- Serves 2-3 as a main dish.
- Keep heat at medium for best results.
- Use a 10-inch pan for even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 338 kcal
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 743 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 42 mg
