If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, this Creamy Sage Gnocchi Recipe will sweep you off your feet. Soft, pillowy gnocchi bathed in a luscious and silky cream sauce infused with fragrant fresh sage creates an irresistible harmony of flavors. Each bite offers an elegant yet comforting experience that’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests without fuss. The gentle Dijon mustard and white wine add just the right tang, making this recipe a true standout that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Sage Gnocchi Recipe shines because of its simplicity and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures, whether it’s the richness of butter and cream or the herbal brightness of fresh sage.
- Butter: Acts as the rich, flavorful base for the sauce and helps cook the sage gently.
- Fresh sage (3 tablespoons, chopped finely): Brings an aromatic earthiness that defines the dish’s personality.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds a subtle punch of warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup): Introduces a subtle acidity that balances the creaminess beautifully.
- Dijon mustard (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a gentle sharpness and complexity, elevating the sauce.
- Heavy/whipping cream (1 cup): Creates the luxurious, silky texture that coats every gnocchi piece.
- Uncooked potato gnocchi (1 pound): The star of the dish, offering chewiness and a tender bite.
- Freshly grated parmesan (1/2 cup): Adds a savory, nutty note and helps thicken the sauce.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning that pulls all the flavors together.
How to Make Creamy Sage Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Infuse with Sage
Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Let it cook gently for about a minute—this not only melts the butter but also starts to develop its flavor. Then, toss in the finely chopped fresh sage and cook it for another minute or so, stirring frequently. The butter becomes infused with the sage’s earthy aroma, laying the foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and give it a quick stir to release its fragrance without burning. Pour in the dry white wine, which adds brightness and a touch of acidity. Stir in the Dijon mustard, whisking it well to ensure it melts seamlessly. Finally, pour the heavy cream into the skillet and give everything a good stir to combine all those beautiful flavors and aromas.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi in the Sauce
Add the uncooked potato gnocchi directly into the creamy sage sauce. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, for about 6 to 8 minutes. As the gnocchi soften, their starches release, naturally thickening the sauce into a glorious creamy coating. Keep an eye on the heat—it might bubble vigorously, so turning it down a notch will help keep the sauce smooth without boiling too hard.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning
Once the gnocchi are cooked to tender perfection and the sauce reaches your desired thickness, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, which instantly adds richness and a slight tang. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to your liking—this final touch really makes the flavors pop. Serve immediately for the best, most indulgent experience.
How to Serve Creamy Sage Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your creamy sage gnocchi not only adds visual appeal but also layers more flavor. Fresh sage leaves lightly fried in butter make a beautiful, crispy topping that complements the creamy base. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese or a grind of fresh black pepper adds the final flourish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. The brightness and crunch from these sides balance the rich, velvety texture of the gnocchi perfectly, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try plating the creamy sage gnocchi in shallow bowls and drizzling a little browned sage butter on top. You can also scatter toasted pine nuts for an added crunch. If you’re serving guests, little ramekins of fresh parmesan or chili flakes at the table let everyone customize their own bowl to perfection.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the gnocchi and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The creamy sauce will thicken when chilled, so a gentle reheating approach is best to restore its luscious texture.
Freezing
Freezing this recipe is not ideal since gnocchi can become mushy when frozen and reheated. If you want to freeze, separate the cooked gnocchi and sauce, freezing gnocchi on a tray first, then tossing them with sauce after thawing for better texture retention.
Reheating
For reheating, warm the gnocchi gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce back up. Stir frequently and avoid high heat to prevent the cream from breaking and the gnocchi from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
While fresh sage delivers the best aroma and flavor for this Creamy Sage Gnocchi Recipe, you can use dried sage in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount and add it earlier in the cooking process to soften its flavor.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Potato gnocchi are ideal for this recipe because they absorb the sauce beautifully. Fresh or store-bought uncooked gnocchi both work well; just be sure to cook according to the recipe guidelines for perfect softness.
Is there a good substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, a small amount of whole grain mustard or a tiny pinch of dry mustard powder can work. It’s mainly there to add a subtle tang and complexity.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on butter, cream, and parmesan for its signature richness, but you could swap butter for plant-based margarine and cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan to maintain that cheesy note.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
The sauce thickens naturally from the starch released by the gnocchi during cooking. If you want it thicker, cook a little longer or stir in a small spoonful of grated parmesan at the end, which also adds flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the combination of pillowy gnocchi and a silky, herb-infused cream sauce, and this Creamy Sage Gnocchi Recipe captures that magic perfectly. It’s elegant enough for a special occasion yet simple enough to whip up any night of the week. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug with every single bite.
