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 are a type of dumpling that have 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 egg. 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 these Sweet Potato Gnocchi which you can boil and have on the table quick. 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 found in pantry or fridge and 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 super market 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 it’s 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 insure a crispy outside.
Step 2: Sauce
Next, add the garlic and thyme and allow the flavors to release, 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 remaining 2 tablespoons of butter; stir until 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
Expert Tips for Making This Skillet Gnocchi with Peas Dinner Recipe
The entire recipe only takes 30 minutes and only uses one skillet. You toast the gnocchi in the same pan you make the sauce in. It really doesn’t get much easier than that.
- Cheese: Use good quality fresh parmesan cheese. This makes all the difference in the flavor. Grate your own cheese for this recipe.
- Pasta: There are many great brands out there however, it is easy to make your own. Find out how to make this pasta like an Italian grandma.
- Variation tip: Pancetta or bacon bits on top really enhances the flavor of the dish. Top with mozzarella cheese. Add 1 minute to mix in basil pesto or stir in tomatoes. Cook on high and boil for a softer bite for a more traditional recipe. Use a pan for crispier texture.
What to Serve with Italian Skillet Gnocchi and Peas and Parmesan
Italian Skillet Gnocchi and Peas
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi, fresh (not frozen)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon House Seasoning Blend
- 10 ounces sweet peas, frozen
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Add garlic and thyme, and cook, for about 1 minute.
- Add broth and House Seasoning blend and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the gnocchi for 3 minutes; add peas and continue to simmer for 2 more minutes or until liquid is reduced by half.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter; stir until butter melts.
- Remove from heat and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Expert Tips
- Cheese: Use good quality fresh parmesan cheese. This makes all the difference in the flavor. Grate your own cheese for this recipe.
- Pasta: There are many great brands out there however, it is easy to make your own. Find out how to make this pasta like an Italian grandma.
- Variation tip: Pancetta or bacon bits on top really enhances the flavor of the dish.
Estimated Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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 for 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.
I LOVE that this is a one pan meal and just 30 minutes?! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when I need to get something delicious on the table for everyone without losing my mind 😉
I am so excited to make Gnocchi! This recipe looks so great!
I have never made gnocchi before. It sounds easier than I thought it would be.
These beautiful images have me salivating with delight! My sister-in-law made this gnocchi-and-peas recipe and it was FABULOUS! I’m so glad she shared it with me. I look forward to making this for my family on Wednesday.
Gnocchi is one of my family’s favorite recipes. We have never had it with peas though. It is a fun twist that I am excited to try. Thank you!
I love it when gnocchi gets seared in a pan. That crunchy flavor on the outside plus the soft pillowy interior is so wonderful. I really like this pairing too with the peas parmesan and lemon!