Name: 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
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 (DeLallo brand recommended); 2 (4-oz.) balls fresh burrata cheese; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn

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If you’re looking for a truly delightful dinner that comes together in a flash, the 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is an absolute showstopper. This dish pairs pillowy gnocchi with a luscious, creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with fresh flavors, all crowned with the creamy richness of burrata. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for that perfect balance of comfort and elegance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five bowls on a white marbled surface, arranged on a round wooden tray. The top left bowl is white and filled with pale yellow gnocchi with ridges on each piece. To the top right, there is a wooden bowl holding green basil leaves and next to it a small wooden bowl filled with off-white garlic cloves. Below these, a white bowl contains a mix of small red and orange cherry tomatoes with smooth, shiny skins. To the left, a small wooden bowl holds white heavy cream with a smooth texture. In the bottom left corner, there is a small beige bowl with a round, smooth, white burrata cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in building the vibrant, creamy, and aromatic profile of this recipe. Fresh tomatoes and fragrant garlic create a lively sauce base, while the burrata adds that irresistible creamy finish.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a fruity, rich foundation for sautéing garlic and developing the sauce’s depth.
Garlic cloves: Tiny bursts of aromatic flavor that make the sauce fragrant and mouthwatering.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they break down into a naturally tangy and jammy sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a gentle kick to awaken your taste buds, but feel free to skip for mildness.
Kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient and brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the sauce.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce an indulgent, silky texture that coats each gnocchi beautifully.
Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
Fresh burrata cheese: The star finishing touch, offering a rich and creamy contrast that elevates the dish.
Fresh basil leaves: Bright and herbaceous notes that lighten and freshen the whole dish.

How to Make 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatic Base

Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the lightly crushed garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. This gentle sauté extracts all that wonderful garlicky aroma without browning it too quickly, creating the perfect flavor foundation for the sauce.

Step 2: Transform Cherry Tomatoes Into a Jammy Sauce

Turn the heat up to medium and add all the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir occasionally as they soften and burst, releasing their juices. After about 10 to 12 minutes, you’ll see the mixture thicken into a vibrant, jammy sauce. If your garlic begins to burn, simply lower the heat to medium-low to keep everything perfectly balanced. Season now with red pepper flakes if you’re using them, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to build a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Tomato Magic

Lower the heat back to medium-low and gently stir in the heavy cream. This step is where the sauce turns luxuriously creamy, enveloping the tomatoes in a silky, dreamy texture that clings to every bite of gnocchi.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi to Perfection

While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface and are tender but still hold their shape. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the starchy cooking water — it’s a secret ingredient that helps marry the sauce and gnocchi together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish

Transfer the drained gnocchi along with the reserved pasta water into the skillet with your creamy tomato sauce. Toss continuously over medium heat for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens, becomes glossy, and perfectly coats each gnocchi. Tear or slice most of your fresh basil and stir it in now to infuse herbal brightness right at the end.

Step 6: Top with Burrata and Fresh Basil

Finally, break the burrata into generous chunks and scatter it atop the gnocchi while the skillet is still warm. The burrata will begin to soften and melt gently into the sauce, adding luxurious creaminess that’s simply irresistible. Garnish with the reserved fresh basil and remove from heat.

How to Serve 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

A white bowl filled with golden yellow gnocchi in a rich orange sauce, scattered with bright red roasted cherry tomatoes. Dollops of white creamy cheese sit on top, sprinkled with black pepper and red chili flakes. Fresh green basil leaves add a touch of color and freshness over the dish. The bowl is placed on a green speckled plate, all set on a white marbled surface. A golden spoon rests inside the bowl, partly visible. Nearby, there is a small wooden bowl with red chili flakes and some loose basil leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten things up with a sprinkle of extra fresh basil or a few torn basil leaves to add freshness and a pop of green color. A light drizzle of good-quality extra-virgin olive oil also adds a lovely sheen and fragrant nuance. If you’re feeling indulgent, a few shavings of Parmesan cheese provide an extra layer of umami and saltiness that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Because this dish is hearty and creamy, light side dishes work best. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, cutting through the richness of the gnocchi. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or baby kale offer wonderful texture and color balance to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls and top each portion with a whole small ball of burrata centered beautifully. You can also drizzle a balsamic glaze over the top for a tangy-sweet accent that pairs superbly with the creamy tomato sauce. Lastly, consider serving with rustic crusty bread on the side to soak up every last bit of sauce — the perfect finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to add fresh burrata when reheating just before serving to preserve its creamy texture and flavor since burrata doesn’t reheat well.

Freezing

Gnocchi with creamy sauces aren’t ideal candidates for freezing due to texture changes, especially with delicate burrata cheese. If you do freeze leftovers, it’s best to freeze only the gnocchi and tomato-cream sauce separately (without burrata), and enjoy them within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling. After warming, add fresh torn burrata on top just before serving for that fresh, luxurious finish.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi works wonderfully here and is a great time-saver, making the 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe even more accessible for busy nights.

What can I substitute for burrata if I can’t find it?

If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella is your closest substitute. While it lacks the creamy center of burrata, it still melts beautifully and adds a mild, milky flavor to the dish.

Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but they’re entirely optional. If you prefer no spice, just leave them out, and the dish will still be rich and bursting with fresh tomato and creamy flavors.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative and omit the burrata or replace it with a vegan cheese. Use olive oil generously to keep the sauce rich and satisfying.

How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?

Gnocchi are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water and are tender but not mushy. Usually, this takes about 2 to 3 minutes depending on the brand, so keep an eye on them for perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

The 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is the type of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. With fresh ingredients, quick preparation, and incredible flavors, it’s no wonder this recipe earns rave reviews from all who try it. I can’t wait for you to make it and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner or impressive yet simple dinner party option. Give it a go — your taste buds will thank you!