Ridiculously Easy Crispy Skillet Gnocchi with Tomatoes, Fresh Herbs & Parmesan

Golden, crispy skillet gnocchi tossed with juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, garlic-infused olive oil, balsamic reduction and freshly grated Parmesan. This Ridiculously Easy recipe comes together in about 20 minutes and makes a delicious summer side dish or light vegetarian main course.

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Keyword: crispy skillet gnocchi, crispy gnocchi, skillet gnocchi, pan fried gnocchi, tomato gnocchi, crispy gnocchi recipe, summer gnocchi, easy gnocchi recipe, fresh herb gnocchi, ridiculously easy recipes

Servings: servings

Calories: 274kcal

Author: Chris Scheuer

Ingredients

For the garlic-infused olive oil:

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic crushed and peeled
finely grated zest of 1 medium lemon

For the crispy gnocchi:

17 ounces shelf-stable gnocchi 1 package
1 tablespoon garlic-infused olive oil recipe above
2 tablespoons butter I use salted butter

For the tomato salad:

1½ pounds ripe tomatoes a variety of colors and sizes if possible
½ medium red onion thinly sliced
½ teaspoon kosher salt more to taste
freshly ground black pepper

To finish:

2-3 teaspoons balsamic reduction plus more to taste
3 tablespoons garlic-infused olive oil plus more if desired
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
additional fresh herbs for garnish
freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Make the garlic infused olive oil:

Crush the garlic cloves with the flat side of a chef's knife and remove the papery skins.
Combine the olive oil and garlic in a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Microwave on High for 45–60 seconds, or until the oil is hot but not boiling.
Stir in the lemon zest and allow the oil to infuse while preparing the remainder of the recipe. Before using, remove and discard the garlic cloves.

Cook the gnocchi:

Heat a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 1 tablespoon of the garlic-infused oil and the butter. When the butter has melted and begins to sizzle, add the gnocchi, separating any pieces that are stuck together.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning every 1½–2 minutes, until the gnocchi are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Taste one (warning—they're addictive!). Season lightly with kosher salt if needed.

Prepare the tomato mixture:

While the gnocchi cook, prepare the tomatoes.
Halve cherry or grape tomatoes.
Quarter or cut larger tomatoes into bite-size wedges or chunks.
A colorful assortment makes the finished dish especially beautiful.
Place the tomatoes and red onion in a large serving bowl. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction and season with the kosher salt and several grinds of black pepper. Toss gently.

Assemble:

Add the hot crispy gnocchi to the tomato mixture.
Drizzle with 2–3 tablespoons of the garlic-infused olive oil and toss gently.
Sprinkle with the basil, rosemary and thyme and toss once more.

Taste and adjust with additional olive oil, balsamic reduction, salt and pepper, if desired.

Garnish with additional fresh herbs and serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Homemade Balsamic Reduction (Stovetop)
Add ½ cup balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 2–3 tablespoons and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 6–8 minutes. The reduction will continue to thicken as it cools.
Homemade Balsamic Reduction (Microwave)
Pour ½ cup balsamic vinegar into a medium microwave-safe measuring cup. Microwave at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until reduced to about 2–3 tablespoons and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. The reduction will continue to thicken as it cools.

Nutrition