Italian Skillet Gnocchi and Peas

This Italian Skillet Gnocchi and Peas recipe is one of those warm comforting meals that you can have on the table in 30 minutes and is always a hit with everyone in the family.

These pillowy pasta pieces are such a satisfying meal but it truly is so fast and easy to make, not to mention versatile. Plus this is the best sauce for the dense pasta.

The Italian Skillet Gnocchi and Peas recipe is really quite simple but has the finest depth of flavor.  The gnocchi will be toast in butter until crispy and then simmered in a  sauce made of garlic, thyme, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Finish off this gnocchi recipe with peas, lemon, and parmesan.

The entire recipe only takes 30 minutes and only uses one skillet for dinner.  You toast the gnocchi in the same pan you make the sauce in.  It really doesn’t get much easier than that. Gnocchi is a type of dumpling that has been around since the 16th century here you can find out the history of this little pasta dumpling.

If you’re looking for more Quick and Easy Pasta recipes, try these 30-minute Skillet Lasagna, Veal Cheeseburger Macaroni, and Tuscan Shrimp Pasta.

Why We Love This Skillet Gnocchi Recipe

What are gnocchi’s? Gnocchi are soft dough dumplings that are traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and eggs.  Or, they can also be made with ricotta cheese, these are pillow soft inside.  They originated in Italy as an alternative to traditional pasta. This is the perfect weeknight dinner recipe or even a fancy dinner. People with think you are a master pasta maker.

There are many variations of homemade gnocchi recipes depending on where in Italy the recipe comes from.  You can even incorporate roasted vegetables into the dough, such as this Sweet Potato Gnocchi which you can boil and have on the table quickly. Such a great texture.

• 30-Minute Meal: Perfect for busy lives. Have this pasta dish on the table in 30 minutes with this deliciously modern preparation.
• Easy Ingredients: All are found in the pantry or fridge and are super easy.
• Family Friendly: A decadent pasta in a lush sauce covered with cheese, what’s not to love?
• Adaptable: Can make it low-carb, meat-free, dairy-free, change up the flavor with fresh basil, red pepper flake, or other herbs, etc…

Ingredient Notes for Italian Gnocchi Skillet

• Potato Gnocchi: Shelf stable or in the refrigerator section of the supermarket or try making your own, it is truly so easy.
• Peas: This recipe is great because you can use frozen peas, try sweet baby peas.

See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Variations and Substitutions

The key to this Italian Gnocchi recipe is that it is so easy to swap out the kinds of vegetables, the sauce for the gnocchi, and even the variety of gnocchi therefore, it can be fresh and different every time you make it.

• Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms make great additions.
• Gnocchi: Cauliflower, Sweet Potato, or Cheese gnocchi are wonderful, fluffy and tender.
• Seasoning: Fresh is best so use fresh garlic and fresh lemon juice to really highlight the flavors. However, the all-purpose blend really enhances all the flavors.

How to Cook Skillet Gnocchi with Peas

The Potato pasta with its sauce for gnocchi is a super easy one-skillet meal. This dinner really benefits from the use of fresh lemon and herbs.

These are the basic steps for making gnocchi made with potatoes. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions. Daily Values and nutrition information are in the recipe card. Find more great recipes on Pinterest or Instagram.

Step 1: Toast

First, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until lightly brown and toasted. Continuously spread gnocchi evenly in the pan to ensure a crispy outside.

Step 2: Sauce

Next, add the garlic and thyme and allow the flavors to release, for about one minute. Stir in the broth and the all-purpose seasoning. Let simmer and cook for 3 minutes, add peas and cook until liquid reduces by half.

Step 3: Finish

Finally, stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter; stir until the butter melts. Lastly, remove from the heat and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stirring frequently.

Recipe FAQs about this Simple Gnocchi Comfort Food Recipe

What to Serve with Italian Skillet Gnocchi and Peas and Parmesan

• Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad with Apple
• Air Fried Garlic Breadsticks
• 5 Minute Rice Pudding

This recipe is my personal adaption of an ethnic-inspired recipe. It is not intended to be an authentic recipe.  I’ve recreated this recipe because I enjoy the flavors and I want to encourage my readers to expand their tastes and try new flavor combinations. The recipe, ingredients, and processes may have been adapted to make the recipe accessible to the average American. I have provided links to authentic versions of the recipe in the post above. I encourage you to visit these pages and learn more about the traditional version(s) of this recipe.