Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients (Mise en Place)

1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil.

2. While the water is heating, prepare your other ingredients. Zest the entire lemon into a small bowl. Then, cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into another small bowl (you should have about 3-4 tablespoons).

3. Grate your Parmesan cheese. Thinly slice or mince your garlic. Chop your fresh parsley.

4. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Cook and Pan-Sear the Gnocchi

1. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook according to the package directions, which is usually very quick—just until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes).

2. Crucial Step: Before draining, use a mug or a heatproof measuring cup to reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy cooking water.

3. Drain the gnocchi thoroughly.

4. In a large skillet or pan, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium-high heat.

5. Add the drained gnocchi to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let them cook, undisturbed, for 2-3 minutes, until they develop a crispy, golden-brown crust on one side. You can then toss them a bit to brown the other sides, but one crispy side is enough to get that wonderful texture.

6. Remove the golden, crispy gnocchi from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Create the Luscious Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

1. Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan.

2. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced or minced garlic and the optional red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30-60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Be very careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as it will become bitter.

3. Pour in the juice from your lemon to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

4. Remove the skillet from the heat completely. This is key to preventing the cheese from clumping.

5. Add about ¼ cup of the warm, reserved gnocchi water to the pan and whisk to combine.

6. Gradually add the ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The sauce will thicken as you whisk. If it seems too thick, add another splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Stir in the lemon zest. Season with salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return the pan-seared gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together until the gnocchi are evenly coated in the glorious, creamy sauce.

2. Divide the gnocchi among serving plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, another grating of Parmesan cheese, and an extra crack of black pepper. Serve immediately.