Description
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is a delightful and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender potato gnocchi tossed in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce enhanced with fresh garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Topped with rich, creamy burrata cheese, this recipe comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal that serves six.
Ingredients
For the 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:
- 2 (16-oz.) packages potato gnocchi (DeLallo brand recommended)
For the Garnish:
- 2 (4-oz.) balls fresh burrata cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Start by heating 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 6 to 8 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed, and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and add 2 pints of cherry tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and become jammy, about 10 to 12 minutes. If the garlic begins to burn, reduce heat to medium-low. Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream to create a creamy texture.
- Cook the Gnocchi: While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 2 to 3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the gnocchi.
- Toss Gnocchi with Sauce: Transfer the cooked gnocchi and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Toss continuously over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, keeping some basil reserved for garnish.
- Add Burrata and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Break 2 balls of fresh burrata cheese into pieces and scatter evenly over the gnocchi. Garnish with the reserved fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- The optional red pepper flakes add a mild heat. Adjust or omit based on spice preference.
- Reserve pasta water to help achieve the perfect creamy sauce consistency.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly—watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Use fresh burrata for a rich, creamy topping; if unavailable, fresh mozzarella can be a substitute.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
