30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is a delightful and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring pillowy potato gnocchi simmered in a luscious, garlic-infused cherry tomato cream sauce, topped with fresh burrata cheese and basil for a luxurious finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor or indulgence.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi and Cheese
- 2 (16-oz.) packages potato gnocchi (DeLallo brand recommended)
- 2 (4-oz.) balls fresh burrata cheese
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
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting, heat 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, taking care not to brown the garlic. Increase the heat to medium and add the cherry tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes thick and jammy, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. If the garlic begins to burn, reduce heat accordingly. Season 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 to create a creamy tomato sauce.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package’s instructions until al dente, typically 2 to 3 minutes, as gnocchi floats when done. Reserve 1/2 cup of the gnocchi cooking water before draining the rest.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Transfer the drained gnocchi along with the reserved pasta water to the pan with the tomato cream sauce. Toss continuously for about 2 minutes over medium-low heat to allow the sauce to thicken and become glossy, coating the gnocchi evenly. Stir in most of the fresh basil leaves, reserving some for garnish.
- Add Burrata and Garnish: Break the burrata cheese balls into pieces and evenly distribute them over the gnocchi. Remove the skillet from heat to let the cheese slightly soften with the residual warmth. Garnish with the remaining fresh basil leaves and serve immediately for a creamy, flavorful experience.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Fresh burrata is essential for the creamy texture; substitute with fresh mozzarella if unavailable.
- Reserve some basil leaves for garnish to enhance freshness and presentation.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly; watch closely to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
- This dish pairs excellently with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Keywords: Creamy Tomato Gnocchi, Burrata Gnocchi, Italian Gnocchi Recipe, Quick Gnocchi Dinner, Creamy Tomato Sauce, Vegetarian Italian Recipes
