Crispy Gnocchi with Pancetta (20 Minutes)

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When you’re short on time, it can be tempting to reach for a frozen meal or order takeout. But with this recipe, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in just 20 minutes. Delicious pan-fried gnocchi is tossed with salty pancetta, garlic, and fresh herbs, creating a savory and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Let’s dig in!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb potato gnocchi
  • 4 oz pancetta, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Begin by cooking the gnocchi according to package instructions, then drain and set aside (estimated time: 3-5 minutes).
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crisp, stirring occasionally (estimated time: 5 minutes).
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Increase the heat to high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is crispy and golden brown (estimated time 3-4 minutes)
  5. Once the gnocchi is crispy, remove the skillet from the heat and add the butter and chopped parsley. Toss the gnocchi until the butter is melted and the parsley is evenly distributed.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

The key to getting perfectly crispy gnocchi is to make sure your pan is hot and to avoid overcrowding the pan. My family loves this quick dish on its own or served alongside a simple salad or roasted veggies. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 370 calories
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Pair this with...

Fennel Slaw

First things first, grab a fennel bulb, a couple of carrots, a small head of cabbage, and some radishes. Give 'em all a good wash. Thinly slice the fennel, shred the cabbage, grate the carrots, and thinly slice the radishes. Mix all these veggies in a big bowl. For the dressing, whisk together some olive oil, apple cider vinegar, a bit of honey or sugar for sweetness, salt, and pepper. Pour that goodness over the veggies, toss everything together until well mixed, and let it chill in the fridge for a bit. The longer it sits, the better it gets, but even a quick 20 minutes will do the trick. Before serving, toss it once more to get everything nicely coated.

Fresh Spinach Salad

Start by washing and drying fresh spinach leaves, which will serve as the vibrant base of your salad. Hull and slice some ripe strawberries, their juicy sweetness a perfect contrast to the spinach. Crumble in some creamy feta cheese, which adds a delightful salty tang. For that crunch, toss in a handful of your favorite nuts—be it toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans. When it comes to dressing, a simple balsamic vinaigrette works wonders. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Begin with fresh Brussels sprouts, trimming the ends and cutting them in half for a flat, roasting surface. In a mixing bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, ensuring each one is glistening and ready for the oven's heat. Now, drizzle them with good-quality balsamic vinegar, which will reduce and caramelize as they roast, imparting a deep, rich flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to balance out that balsamic sweetness. Spread the sprouts evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring each one has space to become crisp. Roast in a preheated oven until they’re beautifully browned and slightly crispy on the outside, while maintaining a tender bite inside.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!