Description
This 30-minute creamy tomato gnocchi recipe is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender potato gnocchi simmered in a rich, jammy cherry tomato sauce enriched with heavy cream and garnished with fresh burrata cheese and basil. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent weeknight dinner, the silky sauce and creamy cheese elevate simple ingredients into a luscious, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
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
Pasta:
- 2 (16-oz.) packages potato gnocchi (such as DeLallo brand)
Garnishes:
- 2 (4-oz.) balls fresh burrata cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the gnocchi. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the crushed garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes, ensuring the garlic does not burn. Increase heat to medium and add the cherry tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes thick and jammy, about 10 to 12 minutes. Season with red pepper flakes if using, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream to create a creamy tomato sauce.
- Cook the Gnocchi: When the water reaches a rolling boil, add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 2 to 3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the rest.
- Combine and Finish: Transfer the cooked gnocchi and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Toss continuously over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and glazes the gnocchi, about 2 minutes. Stir in fresh basil, reserving some leaves for garnish.
- Add Burrata and Serve: Break the burrata balls into pieces and disperse evenly over the gnocchi. Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with the remaining basil leaves, and serve immediately for a luscious, creamy tomato gnocchi dish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase or omit the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh burrata cheese for the creamiest texture; substitute with mozzarella if unavailable.
- Reserve pasta water is important to adjust the sauce consistency and help it cling to gnocchi.
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or chopped plum tomatoes if needed.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
