This easy recipe for gnocchi with spring vegetables pairs soft, pillowy gnocchi pasta with carrots, peas and leeks for a delicious spring supper. Or any time of year for that matter! Pan-frying the gnocchi gives this simple dish a great rich flavor.
This recipe is one of the ones I pull out when I know spring is really, truly here. (Full disclosure: I also sometimes make it in the fall, and in the dead of winter, and in August.)
But I always ALWAYS make it in the springtime, because there is just something about cheery carrots and peas and leeks all mixed up with fluffy little pan-fried gnocchi that tastes like spring.
I usually wait for this to happen in my back yard…
…which is rapidly followed by this…
You gotta appreciate a doggo who appreciates the aroma of fresh flowers in the springtime.
OH, and you know who else I caught “appreciating” this tree yesterday? A woodchuck, who had climbed all the way to the top and was doing goodness knows what up there. I’m guessing having himself a snack of fresh flowers.
That led to a spirited discussion with the Southern husband about whether groundhogs and woodchucks are the same critter (they are, and I won). HA.
Here’s how you make pan-fried gnocchi with spring vegetables!
Grab a pack of fresh gnocchi at your supermarket, along with some carrots and a leek and some peas. If you can find fresh peas they are amazing, but I usually can’t and so thawed frozen ones work just fine.
You are going to cook up the gnocchi (which if you have never had gnocchi you are in for such a treat. They are like a cross between a teeny dumpling and a super fancy Tater Tot and I love them).
While they are cooking, cook up the peas and carrots and saute the leeks.
Last but not least, you are going to pan-fry the gnocchi until it gets just a little brown on the side. Mix it all up together, add some fresh thyme and Parmesan cheese and voila!
Spring has sprung! Happy spring, my friends!
PrintGnocchi with Spring Vegetables
This easy recipe for gnocchi with spring vegetables pairs soft, pillowy gnocchi pasta with carrots, peas and leeks for a delicious spring supper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- One 16 ounce package potato gnocchi
- 1 leek, light green and white sections only, cut in half, rinsed and sliced thinly
- 6 carrots, peeled, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup peas (fresh or thawed frozen peas both work fine)
- 6 tablespoons butter
- Chopped fresh thyme for garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi according to package directions.
- While gnocchi is cooking, simmer carrots in a pot of boiling water for 8 minutes or until tender. Add peas to the carrots and simmer for another 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add leek and saute until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Scoop out and set aside.
- Add remaining butter and gnocchi and sauté about 5-10 minutes or until lightly browned, turning from time to time.
- Add peas, carrots and peels and stir until warmed through. Toss in thyme and season with salt and pepper.
- Divide among plates, sprinkle on parmesan and serve.
Theresa Murphy says
I have to say I have never had gnocchi. (hanging head in shame) But you have inspired me to try it! Because what’s not to like about crispy little potato pillows with veggies and lots of cheese?!
Kate says
I am SO EXCITED for you to try gnocchi! It’s going to open all new pasta worlds for you!!!
Karen Nelson says
Gotta put this in for a springtime treat…or fall…or winter…and I’m thinking it is so tasty, a dish for all seasons! I like the idea of browning the gnocchi.
Sending hugs…
xoxo
Karen
Kate says
I agree, it’s a dish for all seasons! xoxo back, my friend!