Description
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is a luscious and comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines tender potato gnocchi with a rich, jammy cherry tomato sauce enhanced by garlic, cream, and fresh basil. Finished with creamy burrata cheese, this recipe offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors in a quick, easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Tomato Sauce
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 to 8 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Gnocchi and Garnish
- 2 (16-oz) packages potato gnocchi (preferably DeLallo brand)
- 2 (4-oz) balls fresh burrata cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Increase heat to medium and add the cherry tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most tomatoes break down and become jammy, about 10 to 12 minutes. If garlic begins to burn, reduce heat to medium-low. Season the mixture with red pepper flakes (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, incorporating it fully into the sauce.
- Cook Gnocchi: When water reaches a boil, add the potato gnocchi and cook as per package instructions until al dente, usually about 2-3 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the gnocchi.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Transfer the cooked gnocchi along with the reserved pasta water into the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss continuously over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 minutes. Stir in most of the sliced or torn fresh basil leaves, saving some for garnish.
- Add Burrata and Serve: Break the burrata cheese into pieces and evenly distribute over the gnocchi. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with the remaining basil leaves. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- If fresh burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the creamy texture slightly.
- Reserve the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed; it helps blend the sauce and gnocchi together perfectly.
- To make the dish vegetarian, ensure that the gnocchi does not contain any animal-derived ingredients and use vegetarian-friendly cheese.
- This recipe is best enjoyed fresh; reheating may cause the burrata to lose its creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
