Crispy Skillet Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Chestnuts

Golden, crispy skillet gnocchi tossed with deeply caramelized onions, buttery sage, rosemary, and tender chestnuts make this crispy skillet chestnut gnocchi feel both rustic and festive. Despite its simplicity, this dish delivers bold winter flavours, a satisfying texture, and just enough elegance to shine on a holiday table or during cozy evenings after the celebrations wind down.

Hey – I hope you all doing well!

With the holidays around the corner, I wanted to share another festive main recipe that’s incredibly easy to make, yet still feels special. This one is all about simple ingredients treated well – crisped gnocchi, sweet onions, fragrant herbs, and chestnuts – making it perfect for relaxed holiday cooking and comforting winter nights afterward. So, let’s dive into this crispy skillet chestnut gnocchi.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Skillet Chestnut Gnocchi

• Festive but unfussy: Rustic flavours with holiday appeal, without complicated steps.
• Textural contrast: Crispy gnocchi, soft onions, and tender chestnuts in every bite.
• Vegetarian-friendly: Hearty enough to stand on its own as a main.
• Flexible: Easy to adapt with seasonal add-ins or pantry swaps.
• One-skillet wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavour.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This dish balances savoury depth with subtle warmth. The gnocchi develop a crisp, golden crust, while the onions turn soft and sweet. Chestnuts add gentle nuttiness, sage and rosemary bring earthy aromatics, and nutmeg with smoked paprika adds warmth without overpowering. A splash of brandy (optional) lifts everything with a festive edge, while a hint of clementine zest brightens the finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Skillet Chestnut Gnocchi

For this crispy skillet chestnut gnocchi, you’ll need just a handful of simple, winter-friendly ingredients.

• Skillet gnocchi: Shelf-stable gnocchi designed to be pan-fried directly without boiling (usually sold refrigerated or vacuum-packed).
• Onion: Thinly sliced; caramelizes into sweet, savoury ribbons.
• Cooked chestnuts (vacuum-packed): Crumbled or roughly chopped for texture.
• Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing and building flavour.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the herbs.
• Fresh sage: Earthy and aromatic, perfect with chestnuts.
• Fresh rosemary: Woody and fragrant, used sparingly.
• Nutmeg: A small amount adds warm depth.
• Smoked paprika: For gentle smokiness.
• Salt: To season and balance sweetness.
• Brandy: Optional, for deglazing and festive aroma.
• Clementine zest: Optional, for a fresh holiday finish.

Possible Additions and Variations

• Sweet contrast: Add dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries.
• Prosciutto: Crisp lightly in the pan and fold in at the end.
• Freshly roasted chestnuts: Use instead of vacuum-packed for deeper flavour.
• Cheese: Finish with grated Parmesan or aged pecorino.
• Spice: A pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.

How to Make Crispy Skillet Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Chestnuts

It’s really easy to make the Crispy Skillet Chestnut Gnocchi.

Heat olive oil and butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook slowly until soft and deeply caramelized. Stir in sage, rosemary, and chestnuts, cooking briefly until fragrant.

Add the skillet gnocchi directly to the pan, spreading them out in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed until golden and crisp, then toss gently. Season with salt, nutmeg, and smoked paprika. Deglaze with a splash of brandy if using, allowing it to cook off. Finish with clementine zest and serve immediately.

Using Regular Gnocchi

If using traditional fresh or frozen gnocchi, boil them first until they float. Drain well, then add them to the skillet after the onions and chestnuts are ready. Pan-fry until crisped on the outside.

More Delicious Festive Mains with Chestnuts

Are you looking for more holiday main recipes, like this crispy skillet chestnut gnocchi? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Caramelized Onion and Chestnut Pasta with Brandy and Rosemary
• Festive Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Cranberries and Clementine
• Creamy Chestnut Pasta with Prosciutto, Rosemary, and Nutmeg
• Festive Chestnut Sausage Pasta with Brandy and Pancetta

Bonus: Dessert Gnocchi

• Soft Dessert Gnocchi with Rum and Raisins
• Festive Skillet Gnocchi with Honey, Brandy and Clementine

I’d love for you to try this Crispy Skillet Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Chestnuts. If you give this holiday pasta recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers!

Crispy Skillet Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Chestnuts

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

Crispy skillet gnocchi with caramelized onions, chestnuts, nutmeg, rosemary, sage, and a festive splash of brandy. A rustic yet elegant vegetarian dish.

Course: Vegetarian, Christmas, Chestnut Recipes, Festive Mains, Pasta and GnocchiCuisine: Italian-inspiredDifficulty: Easy

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Servings

2-3

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 1 lb. (45o g) skillet gnocchi

• 1 tbsp. (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  may need a little extra

• 1-2 tbsp. (15-30 g) butter

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 7–8 fresh sage leaves
  or more, to taste

• 1/2 to 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary

• 100 g cooked chestnuts, crumbled – I used roasted and peeled vacuum-packed

• a few generous gratings of ground nutmeg

• a generous pinch of smoked paprika

• salt, to taste

• 1–2 tbsp. (15-30 ml) brandy (optional)

• clementine zest, to garnish

Directions

• Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly caramelized.
• Add butter, sage, rosemary, and cooked chestnuts; cook for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Add skillet gnocchi, season with salt, nutmeg, and smoked paprika, and cook until golden and crisp, tossing gently, about 4-5 minutes
• Deglaze with a small splash of brandy if using, let it cook off, then finish with clementine zest and serve immediately.
• Tip – Using Regular Gnocchi:
  If using regular potato gnocchi, boil them first until they float, drain well, then add to the skillet and pan-fry until lightly crisp before proceeding with the seasoning and brandy. Enjoy!