Gnocchi di Patate burro e salvia (Potato Dumplings)

Gnocchi burro e salvia is a great example of how simple ingredients can stand out. Soft potato gnocchi are paired with melted butter and fresh sage. At first, the dish looks simple, but as the flavors blend, it becomes truly satisfying. It tastes rich without feeling heavy, and it’s clean but never boring.
You can use either store-bought or homemade gnocchi for this recipe. Store-bought gnocchi tend to cook a bit quicker and may have a slightly firmer texture, while homemade gnocchi are often softer and more delicate. No matter which you choose, cook the gnocchi in boiling water until they float to the top. That’s how you know they’re done: light and just right. This method keeps them soft and delicate instead of dense or heavy.
Next, melt butter slowly in a pan and add fresh sage. The butter turns smooth and fragrant, and the sage releases a warm, earthy aroma that fills your kitchen. This simple step adds depth to the sauce without needing anything else.
The result is a soft texture, a warm aroma, and an easy sense of balance in every bite.
Combine everything in the pan so the gnocchi are evenly coated with butter. This brings the dish together, and every bite has the same smooth, balanced flavor.
This recipe is perfect when you want something simple yet satisfying. It’s quick to make and never feels rushed. You can serve it with a light side, such as a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables, to round out the meal. Or enjoy it on its own as a full meal.
In the end, gnocchi burro e salvia is all about balance and keeping things simple. It never tries to do too much, and it always delivers just what you’re looking for.

Category, , DifficultyBeginner

 

Yields4 Servings
Prep Time1 hrCook Time20 minsTotal Time1 hr 20 mins

For the Gnocchi:
 2 pounds (about 900g) potatoes (preferably starchy ones like Russets)
 1 1/2 to 2 cups (about 190 to 250g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
 1 large egg, beaten
 Salt, to taste
For the Sauce:
 4 ounces (about 113g) unsalted butter
 A handful of fresh sage leaves
 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

1

Make the Gnocchi: Boil the potatoes with their skins on in a pot of salted water until they are tender all the way through. Once cooked, peel the potatoes while they are still hot and pass them through a potato ricer or mash them until smooth. On a clean surface, make a mound with the potato, creating a well in the center. Add the beaten egg and a sprinkle of salt to the well. Gradually incorporate the flour into the potato and egg mixture, kneading gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to over-knead. Divide the dough into sections and roll each into long ropes, about 3/4 inch in diameter. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces and press each piece with a fork or gnocchi board to create ridges. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in batches until they float to the surface, then remove them with a slotted spoon.

2

Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook until the butter starts to brown and the sage becomes crispy. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the sage butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3

Serve: Plate the gnocchi and drizzle any remaining butter and sage over the top. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi:
 2 pounds (about 900g) potatoes (preferably starchy ones like Russets)
 1 1/2 to 2 cups (about 190 to 250g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
 1 large egg, beaten
 Salt, to taste
For the Sauce:
 4 ounces (about 113g) unsalted butter
 A handful of fresh sage leaves
 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Gnocchi di Patate Burro e Salvia (Sage and Butter Gnocchi)

Perfect Wine Pairing:

Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay, especially one with a hint of oak, complements the rich buttery sauce and the earthy sage without overwhelming the delicate potato gnocchi. The wine’s creamy texture and subtle toasty notes will harmonize with the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Pinot Bianco: For a lighter wine pairing, Pinot Bianco offers crisp acidity and clean flavors that can cut through the richness of the butter sauce while complementing the dish’s subtle flavors. Its lightness and freshness make it an excellent counterpoint to the creamy gnocchi.

Gavi: Another great pairing is Gavi, made from the Cortese grape. Its zesty acidity and mineral undertones balance the dish’s richness and offer a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

If you enjoyed this recipe, explore our

Italian Comfort Recipes guide
.

Author

  • Alberto is a Calgary-based hospitality professional and the founder of OvenSource. His background is rooted in restaurant operations, guest experience, and concept-driven dining, with years spent working closely inside hospitality environments where food, service, and atmosphere all matter equally.

    Through OvenSource, he brings together practical restaurant insight, a traveler’s perspective, and a deep personal interest in how food connects people to memory and place.

    View all posts Founder & Editor

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