The Best Easy Gnocchi with Buttery Sauce

Soft gnocchi tossed in a rich buttery sauce, topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, served in a rustic bowl.

Gnocchi with buttery sauce and  fresh sage is an elegant dish that brings together soft gnocchi, tender snails, and a rich, velvety butter sauce. The sage adds a fresh contrast, making this dish a unique and flavorful experience. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe combines sophistication with comfort. Let’s create this exquisite dish!

Preparation time ⏰:

Total Time: 45 minutes

Number of Portions 🍽:

Serves 4

Ingredients:

For the Gnocchi (or use store-bought):

  • 2 cups (500g) potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ½ tsp salt

For the Buttery Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (optional)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Toppings:

  •  fresh sage for flavour
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for garnish)
  • few walnuts

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 560 kcal

Protein: 12g

Fat: 36g

Carbohydrates: 54g

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific brands of ingredients used.

Instructions:

Prepare the Gnocchi (Skip if Using Store-Bought):

  • In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, egg yolk, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead lightly until smooth. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
  • Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each into a long rope about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick.
  • Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces and, if desired, roll each piece along the back of a fork to create ridges.
  • Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the gnocchi in batches and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Prepare the Buttery Sauce:

  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  • Add the chicken or vegetable broth, a little of sage for flavour and heavy cream. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, until thickened.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Combine the Gnocchi and Sauce:

  • Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the remaining sauce and toss gently to coat.

Serve gnocchi:

  • Plate the gnocchi on a serving dish
  • Drizzle any remaining sauce over the dish, and garnish with Parmesan cheese and walnuts.

Serving Tip 💡:

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light sparkling wine. The unique combination of buttery gnocchi, sage, cheese and walnuts creates a luxurious and memorable dining experience. Enjoy!