Brown Butter Gnocchi with Asparagus & Peas: Your Ultimate Easy Spring Dinner
Welcome the vibrant flavors of spring into your kitchen with this incredibly delicious and easy Brown Butter Gnocchi with Asparagus & Peas. This warm and fresh skillet meal is pure joy, combining tender, pillowy gnocchi with crisp, bright green asparagus and sweet peas. Everything is tossed in a luscious brown butter sauce and finished with savory, crispy prosciutto. It’s truly the ideal spring dish you’ll want to make again and again!
This dish is my personal “welcome to spring!” celebration. The season is in full swing here, even if the trees in our backyard are still teasing with their yet-to-sprout leaves. In Colorado, the first signs of spring usually arrive with tulips pushing through the soil and a much-anticipated shift to warmer weather. And I couldn’t be more ecstatic about it!
After months of colder days, the warmth is a welcome embrace. Finally, I can step out into the backyard after dinner, perhaps lounge on a comfortable chair, listen to an audiobook, and sip on a glass of crisp white wine while the dogs happily play. These are the small, cherished moments that truly make the warmer months special, much like the extended hours of daylight and the open sunroof in my car.
This brown butter gnocchi skillet has quickly become my absolute favorite way to enjoy gnocchi, embodying everything I adore about springtime cuisine.
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The Magic of This Brown Butter Gnocchi Skillet
This dish is truly full of all the delightful elements that make spring cooking so wonderful. From the vibrant green asparagus and sweet peas to the bright zest of lemon and savory kick of parmesan, every forkful of this brown butter gnocchi is a burst of happiness. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
What Makes Brown Butter So Special?
Brown butter, or “beurre noisette,” is the secret ingredient that elevates this easy gnocchi recipe from good to extraordinary. When butter is slowly melted and cooked until the milk solids toast, it transforms into a rich, nutty, and deeply aromatic sauce. This process adds an incredible depth of flavor that coats each piece of gnocchi, imparting a warmth and sophistication that is simply irresistible. It’s this nutty brown butter that ties all the vibrant components of the dish together, providing a luxurious base for the fresh spring ingredients.
Perfectly Pillowy Gnocchi
The star of the show, potato gnocchi, offers a delightful chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables and crunchy prosciutto. When pan-fried in the residual butter from the prosciutto and then tossed in the brown butter, the gnocchi develops a slightly golden, crispy exterior while remaining wonderfully soft and pillowy on the inside. This texture combination is pure comfort and makes the gnocchi incredibly satisfying.
Crisp Spring Vegetables
Asparagus and peas are the quintessential spring vegetables, bringing their vibrant color, fresh taste, and delicate crunch to the dish. Their natural sweetness and slightly earthy notes complement the richness of the brown butter and the savory prosciutto. These vegetables not only add essential nutrients but also a burst of seasonal freshness that brightens every bite of this skillet gnocchi.
The Crunch of Prosciutto
To add an extra layer of texture and a burst of salty, umami flavor, crispy prosciutto is a must-add. Pan-fried until perfectly crisp, it provides a fantastic counterpoint to the soft gnocchi and tender vegetables. Each piece offers a delightful crunch and a savory depth that makes the entire dish more complex and utterly addictive. It’s a small addition that makes a huge impact on the overall experience of this spring dinner.
A Touch of Lemon and Parmesan
Finally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness of the brown butter, adding a bright, zesty note that elevates all the other flavors. Grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty, tangy finish, melting slightly into the warm gnocchi and vegetables, creating an even more cohesive and delicious bite. These finishing touches truly bring the whole easy gnocchi recipe together.
Honestly, I could savor this brown butter gnocchi every single night. There are so many wonderful elements in this single skillet, and they all complement each other in the most incredible way. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and surprisingly light, perfect for the transitional spring season.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Skillet Meal
What makes this Brown Butter Gnocchi with Asparagus & Peas truly special is its incredible simplicity. It’s incredibly straightforward and quick to prepare, making it an ideal candidate for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still crave something gourmet. Despite its ease, this dish makes a stunning “wowza” impression. Its elegant presentation and complex flavors mean it’s also perfectly suited for serving at your next dinner party or a casual spring gathering. Minimal fuss, maximum flavor – that’s the promise of this easy gnocchi recipe!
At least, that’s precisely my plan for it this spring season! 😉
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To ensure this Brown Butter Gnocchi with Asparagus & Peas truly shines, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are the must-haves for this easy skillet gnocchi:
- Cast Iron Skillet: A good quality cast iron skillet is indispensable for this recipe. Not only does it provide excellent heat retention for achieving perfectly browned gnocchi and crispy prosciutto, but it also allows for a beautiful presentation directly from stove to table. It’s a versatile piece of cookware that simplifies cleanup by acting as both your cooking vessel and serving dish. While the Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet is a fantastic option, a more budget-friendly yet incredibly durable alternative like a Lodge cast iron skillet will also deliver excellent results.
- Click-Lock Tongs (Clongs): These are a game-changer in the kitchen! My Dreamfarm Clongs feature a clever little stand that keeps the tongs elevated off your counter, preventing messes and making them perfect for tossing pasta dishes like this gnocchi or serving at the table.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Precision in prepping ingredients is key. A sturdy chef’s knife and a reliable cutting board are essential for neatly cutting the prosciutto into thin strips and the asparagus into uniform 1-inch lengths. As the culinary experts would say, even knife cuts ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation!
Tips for Perfect Brown Butter Gnocchi
Even though this brown butter gnocchi recipe is incredibly simple, a few tips can help you achieve perfection every time:
- Mastering Brown Butter: Don’t rush this step! Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly. The butter will melt, foam, and then the milk solids at the bottom will start to turn golden brown and smell nutty. Watch it carefully; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. As soon as you see those golden flecks and smell the nutty aroma, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a separate bowl to stop the cooking process.
- Crispy Gnocchi: For that desirable golden-brown exterior on your gnocchi, ensure your skillet is adequately hot before adding them and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary. The residual fat from the prosciutto, combined with a bit of butter, will help them crisp up beautifully.
- Freshness is Key: While frozen peas work well, using fresh asparagus and good quality gnocchi will truly elevate this dish. When asparagus is in season, its spears are tender and flavorful.
- Prosciutto Preparation: Cut your prosciutto into thin strips before cooking. This ensures even crisping and makes it easier to distribute throughout the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Asparagus and peas cook quickly, especially in a hot skillet. You want them to be bright green and tender-crisp, not mushy. Add them towards the end of the cooking process for optimal texture and color.
- Lemon Zest for Extra Brightness: While the recipe calls for lemon juice, a little grated lemon zest stirred in at the very end can add an even more intense burst of fresh, citrusy flavor without adding extra liquid.
For another delightful spring favorite, this brown butter vegetable fettuccine is absolutely delicious and worth trying!
Finally, if you prepare this incredible asparagus gnocchi recipe, please make sure to give it a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! I absolutely love hearing when you all make my recipes, and I genuinely take the time to respond to every single comment. Your feedback means the world to me!
Feel free to drop any questions you might have about the recipe below – I’m here to help!
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite thing, and I adore looking through all your photos. It honestly means the world to me!
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Brown Butter Gnocchi With Asparagus & Peas
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
4
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. Melt over medium heat and continue to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty.
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Once the butter is brown and smells nutty, immediately remove it from heat and pour it into a small, heatproof bowl to stop the cooking process.
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Add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter to the skillet and melt. Add gnocchi to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beautifully browned and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the finely chopped garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add salt, pepper, sweet peas, and asparagus (cut into 1-inch lengths) to the skillet, along with half of the reserved brown butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are bright green and tender-crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes.
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Stir in the remaining brown butter and fresh lemon juice. Cook for about 1 minute more, allowing the flavors to meld and the lemon to become fragrant.
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Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the crispy prosciutto.
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Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful spring dinner!
Nutrition
More Spring Favorites and Serving Suggestions
If you’re as enamored with spring flavors and easy skillet dinners as I am, you might also enjoy exploring other seasonal recipes. This Brown Butter Gnocchi with Asparagus & Peas pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the butter. A crusty loaf of artisanal bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce. For a beverage pairing, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Grigio would beautifully complement the fresh, bright notes of this dish.
Remember, cooking should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. This recipe is designed to be approachable yet impressive, making it a staple for anyone looking to add a touch of spring magic to their meal rotation. Don’t hesitate to experiment with fresh herbs like chives or basil if you have them on hand – they can add another layer of fresh flavor.