Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas recipe

Weeknight dinners in our house are often a dance between speed and deliciousness. Finding that sweet spot where a meal is both quick to prepare and genuinely satisfying can feel like hitting the jackpot. Enter Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas – a recipe that has become a true weeknight hero. From pantry to plate in under 30 minutes, this dish is not only incredibly easy but also bursting with flavor and texture. The gnocchi, pan-fried to golden perfection and delightfully crispy on the outside, are tossed with sweet, tender peas and a simple yet vibrant sauce. Even my picky eaters devour this, and the minimal cleanup is an absolute bonus. If you’re searching for a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly meal, look no further – this Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas is a game-changer.

Ingredients for Irresistible Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas

The beauty of this Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients to create a dish that’s both impressive and incredibly flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to bring this culinary delight to your table:

For the Gnocchi & Peas:

• 1 pound (450g) Shelf-Stable Gnocchi: Shelf-stable gnocchi is perfect for this recipe due to its quick cooking time and readily available nature. Look for potato gnocchi for a classic flavor. You can find this in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores. Fresh gnocchi can also be used, but cooking times may vary slightly, and it might not crisp up as readily in the skillet.
• 1 cup (150g) Frozen Sweet Peas: Frozen peas are a fantastic pantry staple, offering sweetness and vibrant color. No need to thaw them beforehand – they cook directly in the skillet. Fresh peas, if in season, are also a delightful option; simply blanch them briefly before adding to the skillet.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Olive oil is essential for pan-frying the gnocchi and adding richness to the dish. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor, but regular olive oil will also work well.
• 2 tablespoons Butter: Butter adds a wonderful richness and nutty flavor that complements the gnocchi and peas beautifully. For a vegan option, you can substitute with vegan butter or simply use more olive oil.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is a flavor powerhouse that forms the aromatic base of this dish. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: Salt is crucial for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust the amount to your taste.
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.

For the Flavor & Finish:

• ½ cup (120ml) Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth): Broth adds moisture and flavor to create a light sauce that coats the gnocchi and peas. Vegetable broth keeps the dish vegetarian, while chicken broth adds a slightly richer flavor.
• ¼ cup (30g) Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for serving, optional): Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory, and umami-rich element that elevates the dish. For a vegetarian version, ensure you are using vegetarian Parmesan or nutritional yeast. For a vegan version, omit or use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the butter and cheese. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant green color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish. Other fresh herbs like mint, basil, or chives would also be delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas Perfection

This Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas recipe is designed for ease and speed. Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and satisfying meal in no time:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the fresh parsley.
2. Measure out the olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, vegetable broth, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
3. Have the frozen peas and gnocchi readily available. Having everything prepped and measured will make the cooking process seamless.

Step 2: Crisp the Gnocchi

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a skillet with a wide surface area to ensure the gnocchi crisp up nicely and don’t steam. A cast iron skillet or a large non-stick skillet works well.
2. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the shelf-stable gnocchi directly to the skillet. There’s no need to boil the gnocchi beforehand.
3. Spread the gnocchi in a single layer in the skillet.
4. Cook the gnocchi, undisturbed, for 5-7 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy. Resist the urge to stir too frequently; allowing the gnocchi to sit in contact with the hot skillet is key to achieving that golden crust.
5. Once the bottoms are golden, stir the gnocchi and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. The gnocchi should become slightly puffed up and develop a delightful golden color.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Peas

1. Once the gnocchi are nicely browned, reduce the heat to medium.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Add the frozen peas to the skillet.
4. Stir to combine the garlic and peas with the gnocchi.

Step 4: Create the Light Sauce

1. Pour the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) into the skillet.
2. Bring the broth to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits (fond) are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce.
3. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the broth has slightly reduced, creating a light sauce that coats the gnocchi and peas.

Step 5: Finish with Flavor and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy and savory coating.
3. Stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
4. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, reserving a little for garnish if desired.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, if needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so taste before adding more salt.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas is best enjoyed hot, right out of the skillet.

Nutrition Facts for Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas

Understanding the nutritional profile of your meals can be helpful for making informed choices. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for a serving of Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas. Please remember that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

• Servings: This recipe typically serves 4 people as a main course.
• Serving Size: Approximately 1 ¼ cups

Approximate Nutrition Information per Serving:

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Protein: 15-18g
• Fat: 20-25g
  • Saturated Fat: 8-10g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
  • Sugar: 5-7g (naturally occurring from peas and gnocchi)
  • Fiber: 4-5g
• Sodium: 500-600mg (can vary depending on broth and cheese)

Important Notes:

• These values are estimates and can vary. For precise nutritional information, use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients.
• The sodium content can be reduced by using low-sodium broth and limiting added salt.
• The fat content comes primarily from olive oil, butter, and Parmesan cheese. You can reduce the fat by using less butter and cheese or opting for lower-fat cheese.
• This dish provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and some fiber, along with vitamins and minerals from the peas and other ingredients.

Preparation Time Breakdown for Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas

One of the greatest appeals of Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas is its speed. Here’s a quick breakdown of the time you can expect to spend on this recipe:

• Prep Time (Mincing Garlic, Chopping Parsley, Measuring Ingredients): 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time (Crisping Gnocchi, Sautéing Garlic, Cooking Peas, Simmering Sauce): 15-20 minutes

Total Time (Approximate): 25-35 minutes

As you can see, this is a truly quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve Your Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas: Delicious Serving Suggestions

Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal:

• As a Main Course: This recipe is perfectly satisfying on its own as a vegetarian main course. The combination of crispy gnocchi, sweet peas, and savory Parmesan sauce is flavorful and filling.
• With a Simple Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the gnocchi. Arugula salad, mixed greens salad, or a simple tomato and cucumber salad would all be excellent choices.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Add extra vegetables by serving the gnocchi with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds another layer of flavor and texture to the meal.
• With Grilled Chicken or Fish: For those who prefer a non-vegetarian meal, Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas pairs beautifully with grilled chicken breast or flaky white fish. The lightness of the gnocchi and peas complements the protein without being too heavy.
• Garlic Bread on the Side: Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Toasted baguette slices brushed with garlic butter are a classic and comforting accompaniment.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would pair well with the flavors of this dish, complementing the lemon and herbs while cutting through the richness of the butter and cheese.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice to their liking.

Essential Tips for Achieving Golden Perfection with Your Skillet Gnocchi

While Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas is straightforward, these tips will help you achieve the best possible results and ensure your gnocchi are perfectly golden and crispy:

• 1. Don’t Boil the Gnocchi: For this skillet method, skip boiling the gnocchi altogether. Shelf-stable gnocchi is designed to be cooked directly in the pan, which is key to achieving that crispy exterior. Boiling beforehand will result in softer, less crispy gnocchi.
• 2. Use Enough Oil and Butter: Don’t skimp on the olive oil and butter. They are essential for preventing the gnocchi from sticking to the skillet and for achieving that golden brown crispiness. The fat also contributes to the overall flavor and richness of the dish.
• 3. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the gnocchi in a single layer in a large skillet. Overcrowding will cause the gnocchi to steam instead of crisping up. If necessary, cook the gnocchi in batches to ensure they brown properly.
• 4. Resist the Urge to Stir Too Early: Allow the gnocchi to cook undisturbed for the first 5-7 minutes to allow the bottoms to become golden brown and crispy. Frequent stirring will prevent them from developing that desirable crust.
• 5. Adjust Seasoning at the End: Taste the dish at the end and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so add salt cautiously and taste before adding more. Fresh lemon juice also brightens the flavors and can be adjusted to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas

Got questions about making Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas? Here are answers to some common queries to help you confidently create this delicious dish:

Q1: Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable gnocchi?

A: Yes, you can use fresh gnocchi. However, fresh gnocchi is more delicate and may not crisp up as readily in the skillet as shelf-stable gnocchi. You may need to adjust the cooking time and be more gentle when stirring to avoid breaking the fresh gnocchi. It’s also often recommended to boil fresh gnocchi briefly before pan-frying to ensure it’s cooked through.

Q2: Can I add other vegetables besides peas?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add other vegetables like asparagus, chopped bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Add heartier vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers along with the garlic so they have time to cook through. Add leafy greens like spinach towards the end, just until wilted.

Q3: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. Substitute vegan butter for dairy butter and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan alternative. Nutritional yeast can also be used to add a cheesy, umami flavor. Ensure your vegetable broth is also vegan-friendly.

Q4: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: It’s best to enjoy Golden Skillet Gnocchi with Sweet Peas fresh and hot, right out of the skillet, for the crispiest gnocchi. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time by mincing the garlic, chopping the parsley, and measuring out the other ingredients. Cooking the gnocchi and sauce should be done just before serving for the best texture.

Q5: My gnocchi are sticking to the skillet. What can I do?

A: Sticking gnocchi can be due to a few factors:
* Not enough oil/butter: Ensure you are using enough olive oil and butter to coat the skillet and prevent sticking.
* Skillet not hot enough: Make sure the skillet is properly heated before adding the gnocchi. A hot skillet is essential for crisping and preventing sticking.
* Type of skillet: A well-seasoned cast iron skillet or a good quality non-stick skillet works best for preventing sticking.
* Don’t overcrowd: Overcrowding can lower the skillet temperature and lead to steaming and sticking. Cook in batches if needed.

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