Name: Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi; 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped; Salt & pepper, to taste; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional), to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 4 reviews

If you are craving something creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is the perfect meal to warm you up. Imagine pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luscious tomato cream sauce, enriched with fragrant garlic, fresh basil, and just a hint of Italian seasoning that elevates every bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan wonder is a quick way to enjoy a dish that feels indulgent yet effortlessly simple—an absolute favorite for busy weeknights or anytime you want something restaurant-quality without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, a green bowl is filled with small, pale yellow gnocchi pieces that have a soft, ridged texture. To the top right of the gnocchi, a white bowl holds chopped, white onion pieces with a smooth texture. Below the onion, a can is open with bright red diced tomatoes visible inside. To the right bottom corner, a clear measuring cup contains a small amount of clear white wine. Below the gnocchi, several fresh green basil leaves are spread out. On the left side, small white dishes hold mustard yellow dijon mustard, a light golden olive oil pool, a mix of dried Italian seasonings in grays and greens, and finely chopped pale yellow garlic. Above all is a clear measuring cup filled with off-white heavy cream. The natural colors and textures contrast against the white marbled surface, making each ingredient distinct and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first delightful step toward your creamy tomato gnocchi feast. Each adds its own magic to the flavor, texture, and color, making the dish both vibrant and satisfying.

Olive oil: The base for sautéing that adds a subtle fruity richness to the sauce.
Onion: Finely chopped to bring mild sweetness and depth when softened.
Vegetable or chicken broth: Adds body and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Dijon mustard: A surprising twist that enhances tang and complexity in the sauce.
Garlic: Minced to infuse aromatic warmth and bite.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs like oregano and basil to elevate the dish’s Italian roots.
Canned diced tomatoes: The heart of the flavor, providing bright tomato punch and texture.
Heavy cream: Creates that dreamy creamy consistency that coats every gnocchi perfectly.
Uncooked potato gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, ready to soak up the delicious sauce.
Fresh basil: Torn or chopped for a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to perfectly balance the flavors.
Parmesan cheese (optional): For sprinkling or stirring in to add savory, umami richness.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the finely chopped onion until it’s softened and lightly golden. This step unlocks a naturally sweet base flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

Add vegetable or chicken broth, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together until smooth, then let it simmer gently for about one minute. This stage melds all the flavors and releases a wonderful, savory aroma that hints at the delicious dish to come.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Cream, and Gnocchi

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by the heavy cream and uncooked potato gnocchi. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for 5 minutes. This allows the gnocchi to cook through while the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Remove the cover and stir the gnocchi gently to coat it evenly. Add fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook uncovered for another 2 to 3 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has a lovely, creamy thickness.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Serve

If you’re using parmesan, stir some in now or sprinkle it on top when serving for an extra layer of savory goodness. The dish is best enjoyed immediately while it’s warm and silky.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a creamy dish in a silver pan, with a slow-stirred texture full of soft, yellow gnocchi pieces floating in thick, light orange sauce. The sauce has small bits of red tomato and green herbs evenly mixed, adding bright color spots across the surface. A silver spoon is scooping some of the creamy gnocchi and sauce, showing the smooth texture and richness. There is a soft shine on the sauce from the light, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly torn basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese create the perfect finishing touches that add brightness and subtle salty notes. A drizzle of good quality olive oil can also elevate the richness.

Side Dishes

This creamy tomato gnocchi pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables to add color and crunch. Garlic bread or crusty focaccia is also fantastic to mop up every bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in individual shallow bowls or rustic cast-iron skillets for a cozy, inviting effect. For a fun twist, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or a pinch of chili flakes to add texture or a bit of heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover creamy tomato gnocchi in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and tasty leftover meal.

Freezing

While freezing cooked gnocchi can sometimes change its texture slightly, you can freeze the creamy tomato sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh gnocchi.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe—just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through and tender.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! If you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this creamy tomato gnocchi recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and omit the parmesan. The sauce will still be rich and delicious.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild and comforting, but you can easily add some chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat in your creamy tomato gnocchi.

Can I add protein to make this a heartier meal?

Sure! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu can be stirred in just before serving to add protein and make this an even more satisfying dish.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is a true joy to cook and even more delightful to eat. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, with flavors that never get old. I can’t recommend it enough for nights when you want to impress yourself or your loved ones with something quick, cozy, and utterly delicious. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!

Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need