Lemon-Asparagus Gnocchi

Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil in a Dutch oven. Cook gnocchi according to directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup hot gnocchi water. Wipe out the pan.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the same pan over medium heat. Add half of the gnocchi; cook for 2-3 minutes or until browned. (Do not stir.) Cook and stir for 1 minute longer. Remove from the pan. Keep warm. Repeat step with remaining gnocchi. Remove from the pan. Keep warm.
3. Warm 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil in the same pan over medium heat. Add the asparagus, mushrooms and red onion; cook and stir for 4-6 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute.
4. Reduce heat to low. Add 1/4 cup reserved gnocchi water; cook and toss for 1-2 minutes or until water is slightly reduced. Toss in the gnocchi, lemon zest, lemon juice and remaining butter.
5. Remove from the heat. Gradually add cheddar gruyere, tossing well after each addition. Add remaining gnocchi water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency. Toss with parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with additional cheddar gruyere and lemon zest.