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overhead shot Crispy Gnocchi with Lemon Tarragon Butter

Crispy Gnocchi with Lemon Tarragon Butter and Charred Asparagus

Golden, pan-fried gnocchi tossed through a glossy lemon tarragon butter with charred asparagus and Parmesan. Bright, buttery and quietly indulgent — the kind of dinner that disappears straight from the pan.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: European, Italian, Meditteranean, Modern British
Keyword: asparagus recipes, comfort food recipes, easy gnocchi recipe, fresh herb recipes, gnocchi, lemon butter sauce, lemon tarragon gnocchi, one pan meals, pan fried gnocchi, quick dinner ideas, spring recipes, vegetarian pasta, weeknight dinner
Servings: 3
Calories: 575kcal
Author: Hey Lolly

Ingredients

For the gnocchi

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 500 g shelf-stable potato gnocchi

For the asparagus

  • 1 bunch asparagus approximately 250g, trimmed and cut into thirds
  • Pinch of sea salt

For the lemon tarragon butter

  • 50 g unsalted butter
  • 1 small shallot finely chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tbsp fresh tarragon finely chopped
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

To finish

  • 30 g Parmesan finely grated
  • 2 tbsp pangrattato or toasted breadcrumbs optional

Instructions

Crisp the gnocchi

  • Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil.
  • Cook the gnocchi for 1–2 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
  • Drain well and allow them to steam dry for a minute or two.
  • Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet over a medium-high heat.
  • Add the gnocchi and cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until deeply golden underneath.
  • Turn occasionally and continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes until crisp on several sides.
  • Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Char the asparagus

  • Add the asparagus to the same pan with a pinch of salt.
  • Cook over a high heat for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred with blistered edges but still bright green.
  • Transfer to the plate with the gnocchi.

Make the lemon tarragon butter

  • Reduce the heat to medium.
  • Add the butter to the pan and cook until melted and lightly foaming.
  • Add the shallot and cook for 1–2 minutes until softened.
  • Stir through the lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Season generously with black pepper.
  • Bring everything together
  • Return the gnocchi and asparagus to the pan.
  • Toss everything through the butter until glossy and evenly coated.
  • Remove from the heat and stir through the chopped tarragon.

Finish and serve

  • Divide between bowls and top with grated Parmesan.
  • Finish with pangrattato or toasted breadcrumbs if using.
  • Serve immediately with an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

Hey Lolly's Top Tips
  • Shelf-stable gnocchi crisps more effectively than fresh gnocchi in this recipe.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan or the gnocchi will steam rather than turn golden.
  • Tarragon is best added off the heat to keep its flavour fresh and delicate.
  • Pangrattato adds excellent crunch against the buttery sauce but can be left out if preferred.
  • Best eaten immediately while the gnocchi still has crisp edges.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in a frying pan for a few minutes, though the gnocchi will soften slightly.

Nutrition

Calories: 575kcal
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