Some meals just feel like a hug in a bowl and this gnocchi with sage butter sauce is one of them. It’s buttery, herby and a little fancy in that effortless Italian way. Think soft pillows of gnocchi pan-tossed in nutty brown butter with crispy sage leaves crackling on top. It’s a total vibe.
This dish is simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to impress your favorite people. Whether you’re cooking for date night or just want a warm bowl of something special, this one’s got you. Bonus points if you pair it with wine and your comfiest playlist.
Feel like making it heartier? Add some Italian sausage for extra flavor and protein. It blends right in with the buttery sauce and takes the whole thing to another level.
And if you’re already dreaming about that next comforting bite, you’ll definitely wanna try the baked ziti too. But first, grab a skillet. Gnocchi’s waiting.
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This gnocchi dish is cozy, flavorful and ridiculously easy to pull off. Whether you’re after something quick or need a dish that feels a little special, it delivers every time.
- Quick and easy: ready in just 25 minutes
- Comfort food: buttery, soft and totally satisfying
- Minimal ingredients: only a handful of staples
- Impressive: feels fancy without any stress
- Customizable: sausage or no sausage, up to you
- Textural bliss: soft gnocchi with crispy sage
It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite.
How To Create the Perfect Gnocchi
Starting with quality gnocchi is essential. Look for fresh or frozen options that provide the best texture.
When cooked properly, these dumplings should float to the surface of the water, signaling that they are ready to be transformed into a gourmet dish.
The key is to avoid overcooking them, which can make them mushy and less enjoyable.
Sage Butter Sauce: The Heart of This Dish
Sage butter sauce is where it all comes together.
Melt some unsalted butter in a skillet and let it brown just enough to get that nutty flavor going. Toss in fresh sage leaves and let them crisp up while the butter turns golden.
It’s a simple combo but the flavor’s big. Rich, herby and totally comforting.
Optional Italian Sausage Addition
Want it heartier? Add sausage.
If you’re into Italian sausage, tossing some into this dish makes it even better. The savory flavor pairs perfectly with the buttery sage and turns the whole thing into a more filling meal.
Serve it solo or with a simple salad or some crusty bread on the side. Either way, it hits the spot.
Serving Suggestions
This gnocchi dish brings cozy and classy all in one plate. It’s easy to style up or keep low-key depending on the night.
Pair it with:
- a glass of chilled white wine
- a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- roasted veggies or garlic green beans
- crusty bread to soak up that butter
Top it with:
- extra Parmesan shavings
- a little cracked black pepper
- more crispy sage if you saved a few leaves
Serve it warm straight from the skillet and let the buttery aroma do the rest.
Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce Recipe
This gnocchi dish features tender dumplings that are lightly sautéed in a nutty, brown butter sauce with fresh sage leaves. When paired with Italian sausage, it transforms into a filling and satisfying meal, bursting with flavor and comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: If using, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sage Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook until the butter is golden brown and the sage is crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the sage butter. If using, add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and mix everything together.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
Ingredient Substitutions
Missing something or need to make it fit your diet? No biggie. This dish is super forgiving and still turns out delicious.
- Gnocchi: use store-bought potato gnocchi or try cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter twist
- Butter: swap with plant-based butter for a dairy-free option
- Sage: dried sage can work in a pinch but fresh gives better flavor
- Parmesan: go with Pecorino or a dairy-free cheese alternative
- Sausage: use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage to mix it up
- Gluten-free: grab gluten-free gnocchi from the freezer section
Make it work with what you’ve got and still keep all the cozy vibes.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? This gnocchi dish saves well and heats up like a charm so you’re in for a good second round.
Storage:
Pop any extras into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or butter. You can also microwave it but stovetop gives better texture.
Freezing:
Not the best option. Cooked gnocchi can get mushy once thawed so it’s better to enjoy fresh or within a few days.
Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: If using, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sage Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook until the butter is golden brown and the sage is crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the sage butter. If using, add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and mix everything together.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
