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This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi recipe balances simplicity and indulgence, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests. With just seven fresh ingredients, it fits easily into a busy schedule while delivering the comforting flavors of an Italian classic. The creamy tomato sauce combined with tender gnocchi and luscious burrata is pure comfort on a plate.
I first made this during a hectic week and was amazed at how something so easy could taste so special. It quickly became a regular request from my family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- Garlic: Lots of garlic provides a bold aromatic base you can use fewer cloves if you prefer a gentler flavor
- Cherry tomatoes: When cooked down, they burst and caramelize adding juicy sweetness and rich umami to the sauce
- Olive oil: Heart-healthy olive oil forms the perfect medium for sautéing and blending the sauce’s flavors
- Potato gnocchi: Soft and pillowy gnocchi brings a lovely texture and holds the sauce well choose fresh or quality frozen for best results
- Heavy cream: Heavy cream smooths out the acidity of the tomatoes and adds creamy richness to the sauce
- Burrata Cheese: Burrata is creamy and fresh, melting delightfully over the warm gnocchi for indulgence and contrast
- Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, bright finish that balances the richness of the dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic cloves whole and cook slowly for about three minutes until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden—this gentle cooking draws out the garlic’s sweetness without bitterness. Increase the heat to medium and add the cherry tomatoes. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until the skins start to burst and release their juices, and the tomatoes reduce by about half, about ten minutes. This slow simmer concentrates their natural sweetness while allowing flavors to meld. Stir in the heavy cream along with salt and a pinch of black pepper. Add crushed red pepper flakes here if you want a touch of heat. Let the sauce gently simmer to blend all flavors.
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually just a few minutes until they float and are tender but still hold their shape. Reserve half a cup of the cooking water before draining the gnocchi.
- Combine Gnocchi with Sauce:
- Transfer the gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce along with the reserved cooking water. Toss gently to combine, allowing the sauce to cling to every gnocchi and giving it a glossy finish. The cooking water helps loosen the sauce if it seems too thick and adds silkiness.
- Add Burrata and Basil:
- Break the burrata into chunks and scatter it evenly over the gnocchi. The residual heat will soften it, creating delightful gooey pockets of creamy cheese. Finish with fresh basil leaves to cut through the richness with a burst of herbal brightness.
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Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce's texture. Avoid reheating the burrata add it fresh after warming. You can freeze the dish without burrata for up to three months. Thaw slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need gluten-free options, try chickpea or cauliflower gnocchi often found in specialty or frozen sections. For dairy-free versions, omit heavy cream or replace with coconut cream and skip burrata or use a plant-based soft cheese. Smaller tomatoes like grape tomatoes work well as substitutes if cherry tomatoes are unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy gnocchi with something crisp to balance the richness like a shaved Brussels sprout and pear salad or a spicy artichoke salad. Light, tangy salads add a refreshing note and create a complete meal perfect for sharing.
Pro Tips
Cook the garlic slowly in olive oil so it becomes sweet and mellow rather than bitter. Reserve some gnocchi cooking water to loosen and enhance the sauce texture perfectly. Add burrata just before serving to enjoy its creaminess without overcooking.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What is gnocchi made of?
Gnocchi are small dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, creating a soft, pillowy texture.
- → Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well and can be cooked according to package instructions before combining with the sauce.
- → How do I achieve a creamy tomato sauce?
Cook garlic and tomatoes in olive oil until the tomatoes break down, then stir in heavy cream to balance acidity and add richness.
- → What cheese works instead of burrata?
Mozzarella or ricotta can be good substitutes, adding a mild, creamy texture to the dish.
- → How can I add heat to this dish?
Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce as it simmers for a gentle spicy kick.
- → Is this dish gluten free?
Traditional gnocchi contains gluten, but swapping for chickpea or cauliflower gnocchi ensures a gluten-free version.