Ready in about 20 minutes, this gnocchi side dish recipe pairs perfectly with any meat or salad. Tender gnocchi roasted in garlic butter till crispy, then topped with parmesan. Scrumptious!

Easy gnocchi recipe
Busy weeknights call for an easy dinner, and side dishes that aren’t fussy. With just five ingredients, this gnocchi dish fits the bill! You only need to stir it occasionally, so you can focus on setting the table and getting your main dish ready.
It may be quick to make, but it’s not short on flavor! Who can resist pillowy gnocchi with a crunchy exterior and a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce?
I love using my homemade Italian gnocchi recipe, but you can of course use your favorite brand of store-bought gnocchi.
How to make garlic butter gnocchi side dish
- COOK GNOCCHI – In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi just till it floats to the surface. Drain well. (You can do this step a few hours or even the day before.)

- SAUTE – Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

- FLAVOR – Add the minced garlic and salt, cook and stir for another minute. Stir in the parmesan cheese.

- SERVE – If desired, garnish with fresh herbs. It’s a perfect side dish, but it can also be used as two servings for a quick main dish.

Variations:
- We like the flavor of butter, but you can use olive oil instead. You will need to use at least 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Feel free to try sweet potato gnocchi, or even the cauliflower gnocchi from Trader Joe’s.
- For a different flavor profile, add some Italian seasoning, sage, or rosemary with the garlic.
- Add a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice for a hint of zing.
- Love cheese? In addition to the Parmesan, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of the gnocchi.

What to serve with gnocchi:
- Pepperoni Chicken Recipe
- Sirloin Steak Marinade Recipe
- Grilled Pork Chops
- Bruschetta Chicken Recipe
- Balsamic Chicken Salad
- Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

Gnocchi Side Dish
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp salted butter
- 16 ounces gnocchi (Try my homemdade gnocchi!)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp sea salt (or more to taste)
- 1 ounce freshly grated parmesan cheese (5-6 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi in salted boiling water until it floats to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- When the gnocchi is almost done, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the drained gnocchi and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- Add the garlic and salt, saute for 30-60 seconds. Stir in the cheese and cook for about a minute or until melted.
- Serve gnocchi hot; garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Leftover gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The best way to reheat them is in an air fryer or a hot skillet.
- For best results, use a skillet large enough that all the gnocchi will fit in a single layer.
Nutrition
Whether you use homemade or pre-made gnocchi, you are going to love this easy recipe for roasted garlic butter gnocchi!




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