30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata (2024)

Published: Feb 10, 2023 · Modified: Aug 13, 2023 by Jamie Vespa · This post may contain affiliate links

This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi recipe is easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for entertaining. Made with 7 simple, fresh ingredients, it's sure to become a family favorite.

Growing up Italian, I've always been a HUGE fan of gnocchi, which literally means "lumps" in Italian.

We didn't cook gnocchi much at home, however I'd rarely miss an opportunity to order it in restaurants when we ate out.

And, naturally, I fell even MORE in love with gnocchi after getting to make it from scratch in Florence back in 2019.

This recipe highlights so many of my favorite ingredients:

• Juicy cherry tomatoes, which are in season year-round.
• Plump, perfectly al dente potato gnocchi.
• Creamy dollops of burrata cheese.

Plus, it comes together in 30 minutes flat, making it a total weeknight winner. As is this Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi and Corn and Pesto Gnocchi.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Gnocchi

Making homemade tomato sauce couldn't be simpler, and this method is one I actually learned in Italy.

This simple sauce calls for olive oil, LOTS of garlic, cherry tomatoes, plus some heavy cream.

• Pro tip: be sure to add enough salt to your homemade sauce, which really brings the flavors to life.

Recipe Ingredients

• Garlic: This recipe calls for a whopping 8 cloves of garlic, which really speaks to the garlic lover! Feel free to scale back to 5 or 6 cloves if you prefer a less-punchy sauce.
• Tomatoes: Cooking tomatoes in olive oil until they burst condenses their flavor, caramelizes their edges, and creates a rich sauce bursting with umami.
• Olive Oil: The garlic and tomatoes are cooked in lots of heart-healthy olive oil.
• Gnocchi: My go-to brand is DeLallo gnocchi, which is sold at most major grocery stores in the pasta aisle.
  • If making the recipe gluten-free, look for chickpea gnocchi or frozen cauliflower gnocchi.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds body to the sauce, plus neutralizes the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Burrata: Look for burrata in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store. It's typically available in one large ball, or three smaller balls. Either will work!
• Basil: For cutting through the richness of the sauce, and giving the dish a fresh finish.

Pro Tip: I also like to add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat, however this is optional.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Variations:

• Add Meat: For more protein, add a chicken cutlet, meatballs, or even sautéed shrimp to this dish.
• Make Gluten Free: Swap the traditional gnocchi for chickpea or cauliflower gnocchi, which are both gluten free.
  • Note: cauliflower gnocchi is often found in the freezer section.
• Add Veggies: The easiest way to add veggies to this tomato gnocchi recipe is to toss in some fresh baby spinach. (It will wilt right into the tomato sauce!) Alternatively, mushrooms and fennel are also great additions.
• Make Spicy: Add ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Sauce

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Increase heat to medium and add tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until at least half the tomatoes break down, about 10 minutes. Stir in cream, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Add Gnocchi

Meanwhile, cook gnocchi according to package instructions in salted water until al dente.

Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water and drain remaining. Transfer gnocchi and pasta water to skillet with sauce and toss until sauce is glossy.

Step 3: Garnish with Burrata and Basil

Break burrata balls into pieces and disperse evenly over pasta. Remove tomato gnocchi from heat and garnish with basil.

FAQs and Expert Tips

Serving Suggestions:

Because this tomato gnocchi recipe is on the richer side, it pairs best with a crisp side salad. Here are a few favorites:

• Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad
• Spicy Artichoke Salad
• 10 Minute Warm Brussels Salad

How to Store and Reheat:

• To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to4 days.
• To Reheat. Rewarm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water as needed to help rehydrate the sauce.
  • Do not heat burrata, if possible. It's best to add the burrata after the dish is warm.
• To Freeze. This is a fantastic freezer meal! Simply freeze leftovers (without burrata) in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Gnocchi Recipes to Try:

If you give this tomato gnocchi recipe a try, be sure to snap a picture and tag #dishingouthealth on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations. Also, follow along on FacebookandPinterestfor the latest recipe updates!