Description
Homemade 30 minute creamy tomato gnocchi with burrata delivers Italian comfort in one skillet. Quick weeknight dinner combines pan-roasted gnocchi, rich marinara, and creamy cheese for a memorable meal you can savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 16-ounces (907 grams) potato gnocchi
- 2 4-ounces (113 grams) fresh burrata cheese
- 2 pints (680 grams) cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Oil, Cream, and Aromatics:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
- 6–8 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
Instructions
- Fill a generously sized pot with water, add a handful of salt, and bring to a rolling boil for preparing the gnocchi.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over gentle heat, then introduce minced garlic and sauté for approximately 2 minutes until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Incorporate whole tomatoes into the skillet, allowing them to simmer and break down for 10-12 minutes until they transform into a thick, concentrated sauce. Sprinkle red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Lower the heat to a gentle medium-low and gently fold heavy cream into the tomato mixture, creating a luxurious and velvety sauce.
- Carefully drop gnocchi into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, indicating they are perfectly al dente. Before draining, carefully extract and reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking liquid.
- Transfer the cooked gnocchi into the tomato cream sauce, using the reserved pasta water to help bind and thicken the sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating. Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves and crowning the dish with soft, creamy burrata pieces.
Notes
- Choose high-quality gnocchi to ensure a perfect texture and prevent mushiness during cooking.
- Crush garlic gently to release maximum flavor without burning, creating a rich aromatic base for the sauce.
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes or high-quality canned tomatoes for the most intense and vibrant sauce.
- Keep pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and help ingredients bind together smoothly.
- Tear fresh basil leaves right before serving to maintain their bright green color and maximize herb aromatics.
- Consider using gluten-free gnocchi for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
- Add protein like shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy pancetta for extra depth and nutrition.
- Swap burrata with fresh mozzarella if burrata is unavailable or too expensive.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 575
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg