Name: Easy One Pan Kale Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking, divided); 18 oz gnocchi; 7 oz kale, chopped (tough stalks removed); 1 small lemon (juice of whole lemon + 1/2 teaspoon zest); 4 oz goat cheese (+ extra for topping if desired); 2 shallots, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and fresh, look no further than this Easy One Pan Kale Gnocchi Recipe. It’s the absolute definition of fuss-free cooking, where tender gnocchi gets those irresistible golden edges directly in the pan, mingling effortlessly with vibrant kale and tangy goat cheese. Plus, with bright lemon and fragrant mint weaving throughout, this recipe feels like a warm hug on your plate—without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a perfect blend of simple ingredients that come together for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture, ready to impress any hungry crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several glass bowls with different ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. One large bowl at the top contains dark green, curly kale leaves. Another large bowl at the bottom right is filled with small, pale yellow gnocchi pieces with ridged textures. In the center, a medium bowl holds a white block of soft cheese. To the right of the cheese, a small bowl contains chopped fresh green herbs. Below the cheese, a small bowl has finely chopped light purple shallots. To the left, there is a small bowl with finely chopped garlic, a small bowl with yellow lemon zest next to a peeled lemon half. All items are clear and bright, showing fresh ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Easy One Pan Kale Gnocchi Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to bring out fresh, vibrant flavors and a lovely mix of textures. These essentials not only make the cooking process simple but also ensure that every bite bursts with deliciousness.

Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds richness and helps brown the gnocchi to golden perfection.
18 oz gnocchi: Using store-bought gnocchi cuts down on prep time and creates a pillowy texture you’ll love.
7 oz kale: Chopped and destemmed kale brings color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness to the dish.
1 small lemon: Both the zest and juice brighten the flavors with fresh citrus notes.
4 oz goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, it melts beautifully into the kale and gnocchi, creating a velvety sauce.
2 shallots: Finely diced, they add a subtle sweetness and depth when softened.
3 cloves garlic: Minced garlic offers a savory kick that ties everything together.
1-2 Tbsp fresh mint leaves: Chopped mint introduces a refreshing herbal lift that balances the richness.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.

How to Make Easy One Pan Kale Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Gnocchi

Start by heating a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a wide, deep frying pan. Add the gnocchi straight from the packet—no need to preboil! Toss them gently so each piece is coated with that luscious oil. Let them sit quietly for about two minutes without stirring, so the bottom can develop a beautiful golden, crispy crust. Then, turn the gnocchi every couple of minutes to brown all sides evenly. Don’t fret if some pieces don’t brown perfectly; they’ll still cook through and have a wonderful texture. When done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Soften Shallots and Garlic

Return the pan to medium heat, add a splash more olive oil, and toss in the finely diced shallots and minced garlic. Stir frequently as they soften and release their sweet and aromatic flavors into the pan, setting the stage for the kale to shine.

Step 3: Sauté the Kale with Lemon

Now it’s time to add the chopped kale. Stir-fry it until it’s vibrant and bright green. Pour in half of the lemon juice, which will gently steam the kale and help soften it quickly. This process reduces the kale’s bulk nicely while infusing it with a lovely citrus zing.

Step 4: Melt the Goat Cheese and Season

Once the lemon juice has evaporated and the kale is tender, add the goat cheese, the remaining lemon juice, and all the lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the goat cheese melts into a creamy, tangy sauce that lovingly coats the kale. This step transforms the dish into a luscious, cohesive delight.

Step 5: Combine Gnocchi and Serve

Finally, add the crisp, golden gnocchi back into the pan, tossing gently to combine all the scrumptious elements. Sprinkle in the chopped fresh mint to add a refreshing note just before serving. And there you have it—your Easy One Pan Kale Gnocchi Recipe is ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Easy One Pan Kale Gnocchi Recipe

The dish is served in a light beige bowl filled with three main layers. The bottom layer is cooked dark green kale with a slightly wilted texture. On top of the kale is a layer of soft, smooth, light yellow gnocchi coated in a creamy white sauce. Scattered over the gnocchi and kale are small white crumbles of cheese. Fresh green mint leaves are placed on top as a garnish. A silver fork is placed inside the bowl. In the background, there is a white ramekin with bright yellow lemon slices and a second bowl with the same dish, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this dish even further, consider topping it with a bit more crumbled goat cheese for contrast in texture and creaminess. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or some toasted pine nuts can add a delightful crunch. Fresh mint leaves scattered on top not only enhance the flavor but also create a stunning presentation.

Side Dishes

This recipe is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a simple mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette offers a crisp, refreshing balance. Crusty bread or garlic bread also makes a wonderful accompaniment to soak up any leftover cheesy sauce, making your meal even more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the kale gnocchi in shallow bowls with an extra sprinkle of lemon zest right before plating. You can also turn this into a party appetizer by presenting bite-sized portions on spoons or in mini ramekins, garnished with a small mint leaf — perfect for sharing and impressive in flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from your Easy One Pan Kale Gnocchi Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making for a delicious second meal.

Freezing

While gnocchi can sometimes become a bit softer after freezing, this particular recipe freezes well if you separate portions with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 1 month for best quality, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and revive that lovely saucy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the gnocchi’s texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen kale for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water from the frozen kale before cooking so the dish doesn’t become watery. It’s a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flavor.

Do I need to pre-cook the gnocchi?

Nope! One of the best parts of this Easy One Pan Kale Gnocchi Recipe is that the gnocchi cooks straight from the package in the pan, saving you both time and effort while still achieving a crispy exterior.

Can I substitute goat cheese with another cheese?

You can try ricotta or feta as alternatives, but goat cheese gives that signature creamy tanginess that this dish depends on, so it’s worth sticking with it if you can.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Swap the goat cheese for a vegan cream cheese or cashew cream, and use a little extra olive oil to keep the dish creamy. The flavors of lemon and mint will still shine wonderfully.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all! This recipe is more about fresh, bright, and tangy flavors rather than heat. If you like some spice, you can always add a pinch of red chili flakes when cooking the shallots and garlic.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a meal that feels both fresh and comforting, effortless yet impressive, this Easy One Pan Kale Gnocchi Recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, not just because it’s delicious but because it brings so much joy to the table with minimal fuss. Go on, treat yourself and your loved ones—you won’t regret it.

Easy One Pan Kale Gnocchi Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need