Best Garlic Butter Parmesan Fried Gnocchi Recipe for Cozy Nights

My weekend cooking adventures recently discovered this incredible garlic butter parmesan fried gnocchi that instantly became a comfort food sensation.

Crispy potato pillows dance with golden edges, promising an irresistible flavor experience.

Parmesan creates a delectable crust that makes each bite absolutely magical.

Melted butter infuses rich depth into every delightful morsel.

Quick ingredients and simple techniques mean you can whip up this dish in under 20 minutes.

Fragrant garlic weaves through the gnocchi, creating an aroma that will make everyone rush to the kitchen.

Savor every delicious moment of this restaurant-quality meal made right at home.

Why Garlic Butter Parmesan Fried Gnocchi Is Addictively Good

• Savor Quick Comfort: This gnocchi recipe delivers a speedy, satisfying meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes.
• Master Simple Technique: Beginners can easily learn pan-frying skills by creating crispy, golden gnocchi with minimal cooking expertise and basic kitchen tools.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Garlic, butter, and Parmesan create an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: With just a few pantry staples, you can craft a delicious meal that feels gourmet without complicated shopping or extensive preparation.

What You Need for This Crispy, Cheesy Pasta Snack

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that become crispy and golden when fried.
• Butter: Creates a rich, flavorful base for cooking and adds a creamy texture to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor and creates a delicious golden crust.

• Garlic, Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh flavor and aromatic depth to the fried gnocchi.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Additional Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for extra cheesy goodness and visual appeal.

How to Pan-Fry Gnocchi for the Best Texture

Step 1: Melt Butter

Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Add three tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely, creating a golden liquid base for cooking.

Step 2: Fry Gnocchi

Carefully place gnocchi into the melted butter. Sprinkle salt evenly across the pan.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure each piece turns crispy and develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 3: Enhance With Flavor

• Remaining butter
• Minced garlic
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Stir constantly to help ingredients meld together and create a rich, aromatic coating on the gnocchi.

Step 4: Finish With Fresh Herbs

Remove skillet from heat. Gently fold in fresh parsley and remaining Parmesan cheese.

The residual heat will help blend the flavors and slightly melt the cheese.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Transfer gnocchi to a serving plate right away.

The dish is best enjoyed hot, when the exterior remains crisp and the inside stays tender. The combination of buttery, cheesy, and herbal notes will tantalize your taste buds.

Golden Tips for Garlic-Parmesan Success

• Perfectly crisp gnocchi requires consistent stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even golden-brown edges.
• Use high-quality butter for richer flavor and better browning when frying the gnocchi.
• Fresh garlic delivers more intense aromatics compared to pre-minced versions, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• For gluten-free option, select potato gnocchi made from gluten-free flour or alternative wheat-free ingredients.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet to maintain the crispy texture, avoiding microwave which can make gnocchi soggy.

Twists to Reinvent Fried Gnocchi Flavor

• Pesto Power: Swap parsley for fresh basil pesto, drizzle over gnocchi after frying for an herbal Mediterranean touch.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes and a dash of cayenne during the final cooking stage to create a zesty, heat-packed version.
• Mushroom Medley: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms alongside gnocchi, adding earthy depth and extra umami flavor.
• Truffle Elegance: Finish the dish with a light drizzle of truffle oil and sprinkle extra aged Parmesan for a luxurious restaurant-style experience.

What to Serve with This Crispy Comfort

• Elevate Garlic Butter Parmesan Fried Gnocchi with These Pairings
• – Select a Crisp White Wine: Pair with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, buttery gnocchi and complement its crispy texture.
• – Match with Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a bright, peppery contrast.
• – Create a Protein Companion: Add grilled chicken or pan-seared salmon to transform the gnocchi into a complete meal, enhancing the overall protein content and flavor profile.

Keep That Crunch—Storage Tips for Gnocchi

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled gnocchi to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Skillet Reheating: Warm a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of butter or olive oil, then reheat gnocchi for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to restore crispiness and prevent sticking.

FAQs for Fried Gnocchi Fans

• Is gnocchi better fried or boiled?

Frying gnocchi creates a crispy, golden exterior with a soft inside, which many people prefer over boiled gnocchi’s softer texture. Frying adds a delicious caramelized flavor and crunchy bite that boiling cannot achieve.

• Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi directly from the package without thawing. Just ensure you pat them dry before frying to prevent excess moisture and help achieve a crispy texture.

• What type of Parmesan cheese works best?

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most flavor and best melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting and reduce overall taste.

Garlic Butter Parmesan Fried Gnocchi Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy garlic butter parmesan fried gnocchi delivers an irresistible Italian-inspired comfort dish that sizzles with golden edges and rich flavor. Cheese-lovers and pasta enthusiasts will savor each perfectly caramelized bite of this quick and indulgent meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (500 grams) gnocchi
• 1/2 cup (45 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Butter and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat medium skillet to medium-high temperature, melting first portion of butter until it starts to shimmer and become slightly foamy.
2. Carefully introduce gnocchi into hot skillet, seasoning with a pinch of salt to enhance flavor profile and encourage golden browning.
3. Allow gnocchi to fry undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, creating crispy exterior, then gently toss to ensure even caramelization across all surfaces.
4. Continue cooking for additional 5-6 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and promote uniform crunchiness.
5. During final cooking moments, introduce remaining butter and minced garlic, creating aromatic base that coats each gnocchi piece.
6. Sprinkle half the Parmesan cheese into skillet, stirring continuously to distribute melting cheese and develop rich, savory coating.
7. Remove skillet from heat source, immediately incorporating fresh parsley and remaining Parmesan cheese for vibrant color and layered flavor complexity.
8. Transfer golden, crispy gnocchi directly to serving plate, ensuring each piece maintains its crackling texture and herb-infused essence.
9. Recommend consuming immediately while butter remains glossy and gnocchi retains optimal crispness.

Notes

• Ensure gnocchi is completely dry before frying to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent oil splattering.
• Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan to prevent gnocchi from sticking and breaking apart during cooking.
• Experiment with different cheese variations like pecorino or aged cheddar for unique flavor profiles that complement the garlic butter base.
• Consider gluten-free gnocchi options for those with dietary restrictions, which work equally well in this simple yet delicious recipe.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 375 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 49 mg