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Crispy Brown Butter Garlic Gnocchi with Spinach and Prosciutto

crispy brown butter garlic gnocchi - featured image

A quick and comforting weeknight dinner featuring crispy pan-fried gnocchi in nutty brown butter with garlic, wilted spinach, and savory prosciutto.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi, store-bought or homemade
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces (115g) prosciutto, thinly sliced and roughly chopped
  • 4 cups (about 120g) fresh baby spinach, washed and stems removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: mince the garlic, roughly chop the prosciutto, and rinse the spinach thoroughly. Drain well.
  2. Optional but recommended: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate or bowl.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the gnocchi in a single layer without overcrowding. Let cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy on the bottom. Flip and repeat to crisp multiple sides.
  4. Push the gnocchi to one side of the pan. Add butter and minced garlic to the empty side. Swirl the butter as it melts and turns golden brown. Toss the gnocchi gently in the brown butter and garlic to coat evenly, watching carefully to avoid burning the garlic.
  5. Add the chopped prosciutto and spinach to the skillet. Toss gently until the spinach wilts but remains bright green. Season with salt and pepper. The prosciutto will crisp slightly.
  6. Give everything a final toss. If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure gnocchi crisp properly. Use moderate heat to avoid burning butter. Add garlic after gnocchi start crisping to prevent bitterness. Wilt spinach last to keep color and nutrients. Leftovers reheat best in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: gnocchi, brown butter, garlic, spinach, prosciutto, crispy gnocchi, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food