Description
This 30-minute creamy tomato gnocchi with burrata is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender potato gnocchi simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato cream sauce, finished with fresh basil and decadent burrata cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients for a flavorful, indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tomato Cream 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
For the Gnocchi and Garnish
- 2 (16-oz.) packages potato gnocchi (DeLallo brand recommended)
- 2 (4-oz.) balls fresh burrata cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn (reserve some for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and add the cherry 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 the heat to medium-low. Season the sauce with red pepper flakes (if using), kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, combining everything well.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Once the salted water is boiling, add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 2–3 minutes. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the gnocchi.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Transfer the drained gnocchi along with the reserved cooking water to the skillet containing the tomato cream sauce. Toss continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 minutes. Stir in most of the sliced or torn fresh basil leaves, reserving a small amount for garnish.
- Add Burrata and Serve: Break the burrata balls into pieces and evenly disperse over the creamy gnocchi. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with the reserved basil leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh cherry tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and freshness in the sauce.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste depending on your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce cling to the gnocchi and achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve immediately after adding burrata to enjoy the creamy cheese melting slightly over the warm gnocchi.
- If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella can be a substitute though it is less creamy.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy tomato gnocchi, burrata gnocchi, easy Italian dinner, potato gnocchi recipe, tomato cream sauce, quick weeknight meal
