Description
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is a comforting and quick Italian-inspired dish combining tender potato gnocchi with a rich, garlicky cherry tomato cream sauce, topped with luxurious fresh burrata and fragrant basil. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe brings together simple ingredients transformed into a luscious, creamy pasta that’s both satisfying and elegant.
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 and Garnish
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the lightly crushed garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. Increase the heat to medium, then add the cherry tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most tomatoes have broken down and the mixture becomes jammy, about 10 to 12 minutes. 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: While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, typically until they float and are al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the gnocchi.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Transfer the drained gnocchi and reserved cooking water to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Toss continuously over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy, about 2 minutes. Stir in most of the fresh basil leaves, reserving some for garnish.
- Add Burrata and Garnish: Break the fresh burrata balls into pieces and scatter evenly over the gnocchi. Remove the skillet from the heat, garnish with the remaining basil leaves, and serve immediately for a luscious, creamy pasta experience.
Notes
- Use fresh burrata for the best creamy texture; mozzarella can be a substitute but lacks the luxurious creaminess.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer no heat.
- Make sure not to overcook gnocchi to keep them tender and pillowy.
- Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and thicken the sauce for a silky finish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, though the texture of the sauce will differ.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
