This Skillet Gnocchi and Peas recipe is one of those warm comforting meals that I love to whip up for my family when time is of the essence. I have it on the table in 30 minutes and is always a hit.
My family loves these tender little pillows. Here are a few more of their favorites: my alfredo gnocchi and my sheet pan gnocchi with sausage.
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Why this Pan Fried Gnocchi with Peas Recipe is a Keeper
Their soft, pillowy texture is incredibly comforting and satisfying, making them a perfect dish for a cozy evening. They have a more substantial feel than regular pasta due to the potato content, making them a filling meal.
- 30 Minute Meal: It’s a remarkably fast meal, often ready in under 30 minutes, making these 30 minute pan fried gnocchi recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatility: You can easily swap out vegetables, proteins, and sauces to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Make your own homemade gnocchi if you wish. This flexibility prevents the dish from becoming monotonous, even if you make it frequently.
- One-Pan Wonder:Most variations can be prepared in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup.
- Comfort Food Factor:Gnocchi’s combined with the savory flavors of the best gnocchi sauce and other ingredients creates a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Family-Friendly:It’s generally a crowd-pleaser, especially for families with children. The mild flavors and familiar ingredients make it accessible to a wide range of palates.
- Affordability:The base ingredients (gnocchi, peas, and basic seasonings) are relatively inexpensive. You can elevate the best gnocchi recipe with more premium ingredients if desired, but it’s perfectly delicious on a budget.
- Year Round Appeal:While fresh spring peas are wonderful, frozen peas are a great substitute, meaning this meal can be enjoyed year round.
- Textural Variety:When prepared correctly, you get a great contrast between the crispy golden browned gnocchi, and the soft peas. This textural contrast makes eating this meal very enjoyable.
How do I prevent gnocchi from sticking to the skillet?
Use the Right Skillet: A properly seasoned cast iron skillet can also work well, but it requires careful preheating and enough fat. Non-Stick Skillet: This is the most reliable option. A good quality non-stick skillet will minimize sticking. Use a generous amount of olive oil or butter to coat the bottom of the skillet. This creates a barrier between the crispy pan fried gnocchi and the pan.
Pro Tip for this Dinner Recipe
Add the peas in the last couple of minutes to keep them vibrant and tender.
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Recipe Ingredient Notes and Variation Suggestions for Simple Pan Fried Gnocchi
One of the reasons that I love this recipe is that I can use shelf stable gnocchi and mix it up with any vegetables that i have on hand to make an amazingly delicious and quick dinner.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Gnocchi: Shelf stable in the pasta aisle or in the refrigerator section of the supermarket or try making your own, it is truly so easy. Use gnocchi that is flavored or use a delicious potato gnocchi for this dish.
- VARIATION: There are so many types of gnocchi you can use homemade sweet potato or cheese if you prefer.
- Peas: This recipe is great because you can use frozen peas, try sweet baby peas.
- VARIATION: Try mushrooms,asparagus, red peppers, broccoli or whatever your family loves to eat for this pan seared gnocchi. It is the perfect spring recipe.
How to Make Pan-Fried Gnocchi Recipe with Peas
You can season the best gnocchi sauce the way you like for flavor. Season with salt and pepper, crushed red pepper, Italian seasoning or whatever you like for this super simple recipe.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Toast: First, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Then add gnocchi, toss to coat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until lightly brown and toasted. Continuously spread gnocchi evenly in the pan to ensure a crispy outside.
- Sauce: Next, add the garlic and thyme and allow the flavors to release, for about one minute. Stir in the broth and the all-purpose seasoning. Let simmer and cook for 3 minutes, add peas and cook until liquid reduces by half.
- Finish: Finally, stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter; stir until the butter melts. Lastly, remove from the heat and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stirring frequently.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for this Simple Dinner Recipe
This gnocchi is a staple in our house. The recipe is a perfect dinner and is super quick. However, there are some things you can do in advance.
- Grate the cheese
- If using fresh peas, clean and remove from pods. Mince garlic etc.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Skillet Gnocchi Pasta Recipe
- Storage: Air tight Containers: Store the leftover gnocchi in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Separate Sauces (If Applicable): If your gnocchi had a sauce, consider storing it separately to prevent the gnocchi from becoming soggy. Leftovers are best consumed within 2-3 days.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop (Best for Texture): Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Remove the pan and serve.
- Using Leftovers: Gnocchi Frittata: Whisk eggs with cheese, herbs, and seasonings the cook the gnocchi.
- Gnocchi Salad: Toss the leftover gnocchi with fresh greens, vegetables, and a vinaigrette dressing.
- Gnocchi and Ham (or Bacon) Hash: If your gnocchi and pea dish goes well with ham, or bacon, add some diced ham, or bacon to a skillet, and then add the gnocchi. Even gnocchi soup with some italian sausage in it.
Common Questions About This Crispy Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Of course, try using cauliflower gnocchi, ricotta cheese or even broccoli or spinach gnocchi for this easy dinner.
Consider the overall flavor profile of your dish. If you want a more subtle flavor, opt for ricotta or mozzarella. If you prefer a bolder flavor, choose Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or Gorgonzola.
Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat. A hot skillet is essential for searing and crisping the gnocchi. Overcrowding the skillet lowers the temperature and causes the gnocchi to steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
To make this pan fried gnocchi, there is no need to boil the gnocchi first.
Expert Tips for Making this One Skillet Weeknight Dinner
- Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs. Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or basil elevate the dish.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds brightness and acidity.
- Timing: Add the peas towards the end of cooking, especially if using frozen peas, to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Deglazing: If you cook bacon or sausage, deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth to capture the flavorful bits.
- Pasta: There are many great brands out there however, it is easy to make your own. Find out how to make this pasta like an Italian grandma.
- Variation tip: Pancetta or bacon bits on top really enhance the flavor of the dish. Cubed chicken is wonderful or add spinach. Top with mozzarella cheese. Add 1 minute to mix in basil pesto or stir in tomatoes. Cook on high and boil for a softer bite for a more traditional recipe. Use a pan for crispier texture.
- Serve this recipe with: Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad with Apple, Air Fried Garlic Breadsticks and 5 Minute Rice Pudding.
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Skillet Gnocchi and Peas
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Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Butter, divided
- 16 ounces Potato gnocchi, fresh (not frozen)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 ½ cups Chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning
- 10 ounces Sweet peas, frozen
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, fresh grated
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Add garlic and thyme, and cook, for about 1 minute.
- Add broth and House Seasoning blend and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the gnocchi for 3 minutes; add peas and continue to simmer for 2 more minutes or until liquid is reduced by half.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter; stir until butter melts.
- Remove from heat and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Christina’s Notes
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- Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs. Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or basil elevate the dish.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds brightness and acidity.
- Timing: Add the peas towards the end of cooking, especially if using frozen peas, to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Deglazing: If you cook bacon or sausage, deglaze the pan with white wine or broth to capture the flavorful bits.
- Pasta: There are many great brands out there however, it is easy to make your own. Find out how to make this pasta like an Italian grandma.
- Variation tip: Pancetta or bacon bits on top really enhance the flavor of the dish. Cubed chicken is wonderful or add spinach. Top with mozzarella cheese. Add 1 minute to mix in basil pesto or stir in tomatoes. Cook on high and boil for a softer bite for a more traditional recipe. Use a pan for crispier texture.
- Serve this recipe with: Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad with Apple, Air Fried Garlic Breadsticks and 5 Minute Rice Pudding.
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For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
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Nutrition
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
We love honest feedback, but to keep reviews helpful for everyone, we reserve the right to remove star ratings if it is clear the recipe has not been made, if the comment does not provide meaningful input, or if significant substitutions or alterations were made. Please note that ratings should reflect the original recipe as written to avoid confusing other readers.
This recipe is my personal adaption of an ethnic-inspired recipe. It is not intended to be an authentic recipe. I’ve recreated this recipe because I enjoy the flavors and I want to encourage my readers to expand their tastes and try new flavor combinations. The recipe, ingredients, and processes may have been adapted to make the recipe accessible to the average American. I have provided links to authentic versions of the recipe in the post above. I encourage you to visit these pages and learn more about the traditional version(s) of this recipe.
Absolutely delicious.
I LOVE that this is a one pan meal and just 30 minutes?! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when I need to get something delicious on the table for everyone without losing my mind 😉
I am so excited to make Gnocchi! This recipe looks so great!
I have never made gnocchi before. It sounds easier than I thought it would be.
These beautiful images have me salivating with delight! My sister-in-law made this gnocchi-and-peas recipe and it was FABULOUS! I’m so glad she shared it with me. I look forward to making this for my family on Wednesday.
Gnocchi is one of my family’s favorite recipes. We have never had it with peas though. It is a fun twist that I am excited to try. Thank you!
I love it when gnocchi gets seared in a pan. That crunchy flavor on the outside plus the soft pillowy interior is so wonderful. I really like this pairing too with the peas parmesan and lemon!