Name: Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 2 (16-oz. packages) potato gnocchi (I like DeLallo brand); 2 (4-oz.) balls fresh burrata cheese; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn

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If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, look no further than Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata. This recipe is a perfect combination of pillowy gnocchi, creamy tomato sauce, and the luxurious touch of burrata cheese.

Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With simple, fresh ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver for those hectic evenings.
Minimal Ingredients: Featuring fresh and simple ingredients like cherry tomatoes, basil, and burrata, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite protein to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy tomato sauce paired with fluffy gnocchi is a combination everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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, for a little heat)
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 (16-oz.) packages potato gnocchi (DeLallo brand is recommended)
2 (4-oz.) balls fresh burrata cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Gnocchi

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be used to cook the gnocchi later in the process.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

While the water is heating, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the crushed garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Make sure not to let the garlic burn.

Increase the heat to medium and add the cherry tomatoes. Cook them while stirring occasionally until they begin to break down and turn jammy—this should take about 10 to 12 minutes. If the garlic starts to brown too much, reduce the heat slightly. Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

3. Add the Cream

Once the tomatoes have cooked down into a rich sauce, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. This step transforms the tomato base into a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every bite of gnocchi perfectly.

4. Cook the Gnocchi

When the water is boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the rest.

5. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Transfer the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Add the reserved pasta water and toss everything together continuously for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Stir in most of the fresh basil, saving some for garnish.

6. Finish with Burrata

Break the burrata balls into smaller pieces and place them evenly over the gnocchi mixture in the skillet. Remove from heat immediately to avoid melting the burrata completely—it’s best served slightly cool and creamy. Garnish with the remaining basil for a fresh pop of flavor and color.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes and basil make a huge difference in flavor.
Add Protein (Optional): While this dish is already hearty, you can add cooked ground beef or shredded beef for extra protein if desired. Simply cook it separately and stir it into the sauce before adding the gnocchi.

Storage and Reheating

To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Warm gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid reheating the burrata; instead, add it fresh after reheating the dish.
To Freeze: Freeze leftovers (without burrata) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Store-Bought Gnocchi?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe and saves time in the kitchen. Look for high-quality brands like DeLallo for the best results.

What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the sauce.

Can I Add Protein?

Yes! Cooked ground beef or shredded beef makes an excellent addition to this dish if you’re looking to add more protein. Simply cook it separately and mix it into the sauce before adding the gnocchi.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare parts of it ahead of time—like cooking the tomato sauce—and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the gnocchi fresh, and assemble everything together with burrata.

A Dish Worth Repeating

Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of comfort and indulgence that comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. With its creamy texture, fresh flavors, and satisfying bite, it’s bound to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

So grab your skillet, boil some gnocchi, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!

Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata

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30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is the ultimate quick and easy weeknight dinner. Starring simple, fresh ingredients, it will become a family favorite!

Author: Sarah Tag
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 1x
Category: Dinner, Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Increase heat to medium and add tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the tomatoes break down and become jammy, about 10 to 12 minutes. (If the garlic starts to burn, reduce heat to medium-low.) Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream.
When the water comes to a boil, add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water and drain remaining.
Transfer cooked gnocchi and reserved pasta water to skillet with tomato sauce and toss continuously until the sauce is thickened and glossy, about 2 minutes. Stir in fresh basil, reserving some for garnish.
Break burrata balls into pieces and disperse evenly over pasta. Remove skillet from heat and garnish with reserved basil.

Notes

To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Rewarm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Do not heat burrata, if possible. It’s best to add the burrata after the dish is warm.
To Freeze: This is a fantastic freezer meal! Simply freeze leftovers (without burrata) in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.