Brown Butter Gnocchi with Asparagus & Peas: Your Perfect Easy Spring Skillet Dinner
Brown Butter Gnocchi With Asparagus & Peas is a warm and fresh skillet of pure joy. The crisp, green vegetables with soft and pillowy gnocchi are tossed with rich brown butter and savory crispy prosciutto. It’s the ideal spring meal that you’ll crave again and again!
There’s truly nothing quite like the invigorating feeling of spring arriving, and this particular dish is my personal “welcome to spring!” celebration on a plate. As the days begin to lengthen, bringing with them a renewed sense of energy and warmth, a meal that captures this fresh, vibrant essence is absolutely essential. Here in Colorado, even before the last of the winter chill fully recedes and the trees burst into full foliage, the determined tulips pushing their way through the earth and the return of gentle, warm weather are unmistakable signs of the season’s joyful arrival. This annual awakening fills me with an undeniable sense of renewal and excitement for the brighter days ahead.
This Brown Butter Gnocchi with Asparagus & Peas encapsulates everything I adore about spring, combining the finest seasonal produce with comforting, rich flavors. It’s a dish that celebrates the freshness of new growth while providing the satisfying depth that makes a meal truly memorable.
I must admit, I’ve missed the warm weather immensely these past several months, and anyone who’s followed along knows I’ve enthusiastically (and perhaps repeatedly) expressed this sentiment. But now, finally, those blissful moments are within reach! I can once again finish up with the dishes, step out into our backyard, and settle into a cozy chair to unwind. Lounging there, listening to an engaging audiobook, and slowly sipping on a chilled glass of crisp white wine while our dogs happily romp around, feels like pure heaven. It’s these simple, cherished moments that truly define the warmer seasons for me.
These are the little joys I deeply cherish as the seasons change – the extra hours of daylight, the open sunroof on my car, and, of course, dishes like this Brown Butter Gnocchi. This skillet meal, bursting with seasonal flavors and rich textures, perfectly encapsulates the essence of spring’s warmth, freshness, and sheer delight. It’s a recipe that feels both deeply comforting and wonderfully invigorating, a true culinary reflection of the season’s beautiful transition.
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Why This Brown Butter Gnocchi Skillet is a Springtime Essential
This brown butter gnocchi skillet is my new favorite way to indulge in gnocchi.
This dish is truly a vibrant celebration of all the incredible flavors and textures that spring has to offer! From the very first bite, you’ll understand why it’s become a fast favorite in my kitchen and an absolute staple for the season. It promises an explosion of freshness combined with a satisfying comfort that’s simply irresistible.
Each forkful is a harmonious blend of crisp-tender asparagus and sweet green peas, offering a delightful and refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the incredibly soft and pillowy gnocchi. The bright, zesty kick of fresh lemon and the savory, salty notes of freshly grated Parmesan cheese elevate the entire experience, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a bowl full of happiness, thoughtfully designed to bring a smile to your face with every single bite.
But the magic of this skillet doesn’t stop with the fresh vegetables and tender gnocchi. The addition of perfectly crispy prosciutto provides a wonderfully savory, salty kick and an irresistible textural contrast. Its delicate crunch against the tender gnocchi adds an unexpected yet perfectly complementary layer of flavor that makes the dish truly unforgettable.
And then, there’s the undisputed showstopper: the rich, nutty brown butter sauce. This golden, aromatic elixir coats every single ingredient, infusing the entire dish with an incredible depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. It gracefully ties all the diverse elements together, creating a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more long after your plate is clean. Honestly, I could happily eat this gnocchi every single night! The various components in this skillet might seem distinct, but they harmonize in the most perfect and utterly delicious way imaginable.
What makes this Brown Butter Gnocchi with Asparagus & Peas even more fantastic is how incredibly simple it is to prepare. Despite its sophisticated flavors, you can easily whip it up on a busy weeknight, making it a perfect quick and satisfying meal for your family. Yet, it presents with such an impressive “wow factor” that it’s also absolutely ideal for serving at your next dinner party, sure to impress your guests without hours of effort. It strikes that perfect, enviable balance of being both approachable for everyday enjoyment and elegant enough for entertaining, and that is definitely my plan for it this season! 😉
Exploring the Delicious Components of This Spring Gnocchi
Let’s dive deeper into what makes this Brown Butter Gnocchi with Asparagus & Peas an absolute standout. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the symphony of flavors and textures that define this extraordinary dish.
The Gnocchi: Pillowy Perfection
Gnocchi, those delightful little potato dumplings, are the comforting heart of this skillet. When prepared correctly, they transform into incredibly soft and pillowy bites on the inside, offering a delicate chewiness that is utterly satisfying. For this recipe, we elevate them further by browning them slightly in butter, which creates a beautiful golden crust and a delightful textural contrast. This step also imparts a subtle depth of flavor that complements the nutty brown butter sauce perfectly. For convenience, store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully for a quick weeknight meal, but if you’re feeling adventurous and have the time, homemade gnocchi would be an exceptional treat!
The Brown Butter: A Nutty Elixir
Brown butter, known in French cuisine as beurre noisette, is a true culinary game-changer and a secret weapon for adding gourmet flavor to simple dishes. It’s more than just melted butter; it’s butter that has been gently cooked until its milk solids toast to a rich, golden-brown hue. During this process, a wonderfully complex, nutty aroma and a deep, caramel-like flavor are released. This simple technique transforms ordinary butter into an extraordinary sauce base, infusing the entire dish with an incredible richness and depth that beautifully ties together all the fresh spring ingredients. It’s an easy step that yields profoundly delicious results, making this gnocchi dish truly special and incredibly flavorful.
Asparagus & Peas: The Essence of Spring
Asparagus and peas are undeniably the quintessential spring vegetables, bringing a burst of vibrant color, refreshing crispness, and a subtle natural sweetness to the dish. Asparagus, with its tender-crisp texture and distinct earthy notes, pairs exquisitely with the delicate sweetness of fresh (or high-quality frozen) peas. When lightly cooked, they retain their striking bright green color and a satisfying snap, ensuring that every bite feels like a refreshing breath of fresh spring air. For the best flavor and texture, always look for firm, bright green asparagus spears and intensely vibrant green peas.
Crispy Prosciutto: A Salty Crunch
Prosciutto, a thinly sliced, dry-cured Italian ham, is rendered until wonderfully crispy directly in the skillet. This step is crucial, as it adds an essential layer of savory flavor and a delightful textural contrast to the soft gnocchi and tender vegetables. Its salty, umami-rich notes perfectly balance the inherent sweetness of the peas and the luxurious richness of the brown butter, while its irresistible crispiness provides a welcome counterpoint. Do not skip this step – the crispy prosciutto truly elevates the entire dish, transforming it from delicious to absolutely unforgettable!
Lemon & Parmesan: Bright Finishing Touches
The final touches of a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice brighten the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the brown butter with a zesty, refreshing tang. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts slightly into the warm gnocchi and vegetables, contributing a salty, savory, and subtly creamy element that brings all the flavors into perfect harmony. These two simple yet powerful additions are absolutely crucial for achieving a well-rounded, balanced, and utterly irresistible flavor profile.
Essential Tools for Your Spring Gnocchi
To truly master this Brown Butter Gnocchi with Asparagus & Peas and ensure it shines, having the right kitchen tools can make a significant difference. While not every item listed is strictly indispensable for every home cook, these particular essentials will undoubtedly enhance your cooking experience and contribute to a perfect final result.
First and foremost, a high-quality cast iron skillet is your absolute best friend for this recipe. I personally adore mine because it’s an incredibly versatile workhorse in the kitchen—it’s perfect for achieving that beautiful golden crisp on the gnocchi and prosciutto, ensures the vegetables cook evenly, and boasts excellent heat retention. An added bonus is its rustic charm, allowing it to transition effortlessly from stovetop to table, making it a handsome serving dish as well. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly yet incredibly durable and long-lasting option, a Lodge cast iron skillet is an excellent choice, renowned for its performance and longevity.
Next up are my beloved clongs, which is my affectionate term for click-lock tongs. These aren’t just any ordinary tongs; they feature a clever little stand that ingeniously keeps the tips elevated off your counter, preventing any messy drips – a small but mighty detail that makes a big difference! They are absolutely ideal for gently tossing delicate pasta dishes like this gnocchi, ensuring every pillowy piece is evenly coated in the rich, nutty brown butter sauce without being crushed. They also double as a fantastic and hygienic serving utensil.
Finally, to prepare your prosciutto and asparagus with the precision they deserve, you’ll definitely want a sturdy chef’s knife and a reliable cutting board. Achieving even knife cuts isn’t just for aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in ensuring that your ingredients cook uniformly. This leads to perfectly tender-crisp asparagus and evenly browned, crispy prosciutto, contributing significantly to the overall texture and flavor of the dish. As any seasoned culinary expert (and even Gordon Ramsay!) would emphasize, good knife skills and sharp, dependable tools are truly fundamental to achieving great results in the kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Brown Butter Gnocchi
To ensure your Brown Butter Gnocchi with Asparagus & Peas turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Achieving Golden Brown Gnocchi: When you’re browning the gnocchi in the skillet, it’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, work in batches to ensure each piece has ample space to make contact with the hot surface. This will result in a beautiful, crispy golden crust and a tender, pillowy interior. Overcrowding will steam the gnocchi instead of browning them.
- Mastering Brown Butter: Keep a very close eye on your butter as it browns. The milk solids can go from perfectly nutty and amber to burnt in a matter of seconds. Swirling the skillet occasionally helps to evenly toast these solids. You’re looking for a rich, deep golden-brown color and a distinct, fragrant nutty aroma. Remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches this stage.
- Crispy Prosciutto is Key: Ensure the prosciutto cooks until it is truly crisp and somewhat shrunken. This often means it will be a deep golden-brown. This texture is absolutely vital for providing the necessary salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the gnocchi and the tenderness of the vegetables.
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Asparagus and peas cook quite quickly, especially when cut into smaller pieces. You want them to be bright green and tender-crisp, not mushy. They will also continue to cook slightly from the residual heat once removed from the stovetop, so aim for just done.
- Always Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice simply doesn’t offer the same bright, vibrant, and zesty flavor that truly lifts and balances this dish. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end is a non-negotiable step.
- Garnish Generously: A final sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese and a bit of extra crispy prosciutto (if you managed to resist eating it all!) before serving adds both visual appeal and a last burst of incredible flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Brown Butter Gnocchi with Asparagus & Peas is a wonderfully complete and satisfying meal all on its own, showcasing the best of spring produce. However, it can also be part of a larger, more elaborate spring spread. For a light and refreshing accompaniment, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette. A crusty loaf of artisanal bread is also an excellent addition, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delectable brown butter sauce.
Feeling creative and want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few delightful variations to inspire you:
- Add More Veggies: Don’t hesitate to incorporate other fantastic spring vegetables into this dish. Snap peas offer an extra crunch, thinly sliced radishes can add a peppery bite, or you can stir in some fresh spinach or arugula at the very end for a wilted green component.
- Protein Boost: While the crispy prosciutto adds incredible flavor and texture, you can easily make this meal heartier. Consider adding cooked chicken (shredded or diced), succulent shrimp, or even some crumbled spicy Italian sausage for an extra layer of protein and flavor.
- Herb Variations: While fresh thyme is absolutely fantastic and complements the dish beautifully, other fresh herbs can also be lovely additions. Fresh mint, with its cooling and vibrant notes, or chopped fresh parsley would both be wonderful choices if you’re a fan of brighter, more herbaceous flavors.
- A Touch of Spice: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can give this dish a subtle warmth and a pleasant kick without overpowering the delicate spring flavors.
Storage and Reheating
Good news! Leftovers of this Brown Butter Gnocchi are absolutely delicious, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld further. Store any remaining gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When it comes to reheating, I highly recommend gently warming it in a skillet over medium-low heat. To help moisten the sauce and prevent the gnocchi from drying out or becoming rubbery, add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth, or even a tiny knob of fresh butter. While you can microwave it, the skillet method helps maintain a much better texture, especially for the gnocchi and any remaining crispy bits of prosciutto, keeping them from becoming soggy.
For another exceptional spring favorite that highlights the magic of brown butter, this brown butter vegetable fettuccine is a delightful alternative if you’re looking for more comforting pasta dishes infused with nutty richness!
Finally, if you make this asparagus gnocchi recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I absolutely love to hear when you all try out my recipes and share your experiences, and I genuinely do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop any questions you might have in the comments section below, too!
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I absolutely love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – looking through those photos is truly my favorite thing. It honestly means the world to me to see your creations!
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Brown Butter Gnocchi With Asparagus & Peas
equipment
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Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet
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Dreamfarm Clongs 12-Inch
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Shun Chef’s Knife
ingredients
- 1 package 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 4 oz prosciutto cut into thin strips
- 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 tsp finely chopped garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 1/2 cups sweet peas fresh or frozen
- 1 lb asparagus cut into 1” lengths
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
instructions
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Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto to the skillet and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes.
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Remove prosciutto from skillet and set aside.
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Add 1/4 cup butter to the same skillet. Let over medium heat and continue to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
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Once the butter is brown and smells nutty, remove from heat to a small bowl.
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Add remaining butter and melt. Add gnocchi and cook over medium heat in the skillet until browned, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in garlic and thyme leaves, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Stir in salt, pepper, peas, and asparagus, along with half of the brown butter. Cook until vegetables are bright green and cooked through. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes.
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Stir in remaining brown butter and lemon juice, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Stir in 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and prosciutto.
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Serve immediately with remaining parmesan cheese.