This Creamy Tomato Gnocchi is easy enough for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough to serve when entertaining. Made with just 7 simple, fresh ingredients, this comforting Italian-inspired dish features tender potato gnocchi tossed in a silky tomato cream sauce and finished with luxurious dollops of burrata. Best of all, it’s ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.
Growing up Italian, gnocchi has always had a special place in my heart. While it wasn’t something we cooked often at home, I never passed up the chance to order it at restaurants. And after learning how to make gnocchi from scratch in Florence, my love for this dish only grew stronger.
This recipe highlights some of my all-time favorite ingredients:
- Juicy cherry tomatoes, cooked until jammy and rich
- Soft, pillowy potato gnocchi
- A lightly creamy tomato sauce
- Creamy, indulgent burrata cheese for the perfect finish
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Uses simple, fresh pantry staples
- Rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful
- Easy to customize with proteins or vegetables
- Perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining
Key Ingredients
- Garlic – Generously used for bold flavor
- Cherry Tomatoes – Cooked until bursting for maximum sweetness
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – The base of the sauce
- Potato Gnocchi – Soft and tender, ideal for soaking up sauce
- Heavy Cream – Adds richness and balances acidity
- Burrata Cheese – Creamy, luxurious, and irresistible
- Fresh Basil – Adds brightness and freshness
Optional tip: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Gnocchi
1. Make the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Increase heat slightly and add cherry tomatoes. Cook until they burst and become jammy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, then stir in the heavy cream.
2. Cook the Gnocchi
Meanwhile, cook gnocchi in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.
3. Combine
Add cooked gnocchi and a splash of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss until the sauce thickens and coats the gnocchi evenly.
4. Finish
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Break burrata into pieces and scatter over the gnocchi just before serving.
Variations & Tips
- Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or meatballs
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use chickpea or cauliflower gnocchi
- Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or fennel work beautifully
- Make It Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes to taste
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat: Gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water
- Freeze: Freeze without burrata for up to 3 months; add burrata fresh after reheating
Leave a Comment