Looking for a quick, comforting, and impressive weeknight dinner? This 30-Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi hits all the marks. With just 7 simple ingredients, it’s packed with fresh flavor, creamy richness, and will quickly become a family favorite.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in half an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, potato gnocchi, garlic, cream, and burrata.
- Rich & Creamy: A luscious sauce with a touch of cream to balance the sweetness of tomatoes.
- Customizable: Add chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6–8 garlic cloves, 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
- 2 (16-oz) packages potato gnocchi (like DeLallo)
- 2 (4-oz) balls fresh burrata cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Increase heat to medium and stir in cherry tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and become jammy, about 10–12 minutes. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the Cream
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. This gives the sauce its signature creamy texture.
3. Cook the Gnocchi
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Combine Gnocchi & Sauce
Add the cooked gnocchi and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Toss continuously until the sauce is glossy and coats the gnocchi, about 2 minutes. Stir in fresh basil, reserving some for garnish.
5. Finish with Burrata
Break the burrata into pieces and distribute evenly over the gnocchi. Remove from heat and garnish with the remaining basil. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Add Protein: Try chicken, shrimp, or meatballs for a heartier meal.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular gnocchi for chickpea or cauliflower gnocchi.
- Extra Veggies: Baby spinach, mushrooms, or roasted fennel make great additions.
- Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes for a kick.
Storage & Reheating
- To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Gently warm in the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Do Not Heat Burrata: Add burrata fresh after reheating for the best creamy texture.
- To Freeze: Freeze leftovers (without burrata) for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight before reheating.
This creamy tomato gnocchi is the perfect combination of rich, cheesy, and fresh flavors. Quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company—it’s destined to become a go-to in your recipe collection!