This creamy tomato gnocchi with burrata is a quick and delicious recipe that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Soft, pillowy gnocchi are tossed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce and topped with creamy burrata for an irresistibly flavorful dish!
This creamy tomato gnocchi with burrata is a quick and simple yet incredibly delicious dinner that's perfect for busy nights. Soft gnocchi are coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce and finished with creamy burrata, making every bite irresistibly flavorful.
If you love easy and comforting gnocchi dishes, be sure to try my chicken pot pie gnocchi or pesto gnocchi for more fun ways to turn gnocchi into a simple yet satisfying meal. Once you see how effortless it is to make these cozy recipes, they'll become your go-to options for weeknight dinners!
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Ingredients
To make this creamy tomato gnocchi with burrata, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Gnocchi: Soft and pillowy potato gnocchi make the perfect base for this creamy and flavorful dish. They soak up the rich tomato sauce beautifully, making every bite extra comforting
- Canned tomatoes: I used canned cherry tomatoes for their naturally sweet and vibrant flavor, but any type of canned tomatoes will work. You can also use fresh cherry tomatoes-just let them blister in the pan for a deliciously caramelized taste.
- Heavy cream: Regular heavy cream adds richness and creates a luxuriously creamy sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, you can easily swap it for a lower-fat alternative.
- Aromatics: Garlic and red onion are classic aromatics that bring depth and a delicious savory flavor to the dish. Sautéing them first enhances their natural sweetness and makes the sauce extra flavorful.
- Burrata: Burrata adds a creamy, indulgent touch that pairs beautifully with the tomato sauce. Choose your favorite burrata for the best flavor and texture.
- Basil: Fresh basil adds a burst of herby freshness that balances the richness of the sauce. It's the perfect finishing touch to enhance both the flavor and presentation of the dish.
- Red pepper flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat and a subtle depth of flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Tomato paste: Tomato paste intensifies the sauce with a deep, rich tomato flavor. It helps thicken the sauce and brings a delicious umami note to the dish.
How to make this tomato gnocchi with burrata
Sauté the aromatics. First, preheat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Then add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant.
Add tomato paste. Next Add the tomato paste and sauté for a few more minutes.
Season and simmer. Next, add the canned tomatoes. Add the red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Prepare the gnocchi. Cook the gnocchi in salted boiling water according to the package instructions shortly before the sauce has finished simmering.
Finish the sauce. Now add some pasta water and heavy cream to the sauce. Stir until combined and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Combine. Stir in the gnocchi and basil leaves.
Serve. Break the burrata into pieces and spread it over the gnocchi. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Tips & Notes
- Sauté the aromatics properly: Take your time cooking the garlic and red onion until they're soft and fragrant. This builds a deep, flavorful base for the sauce.
- Use high-quality tomatoes: Whether using canned cherry tomatoes or fresh ones, good-quality tomatoes make a huge difference. If using fresh cherry tomatoes, let them blister in the pan to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Don't overcook the gnocchi: Boil the gnocchi until they are just shy of fully cooked, as they will finish cooking in the sauce. This helps them absorb more flavor without becoming too soft or mushy.
- Let the burrata shine: Add the burrata at the end and gently tear it over the warm gnocchi. This keeps its creamy texture intact and allows it to melt slightly into the sauce.
- Balance the flavors: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. A little extra basil at the end adds freshness and brings everything together beautifully!
How to serve creamy tomato gnocchi
- Garlic bread: Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread or a toasted baguette to scoop up the creamy sauce and burrata.
- Side salad: Pair it with a simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a deliciously hearty and well-balanced meal.
- Shrimp: Sauté shrimp with garlic and red pepper flakes, then toss them into the dish for a light yet delicious seafood twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to make it as mild or spicy as you like.
The sauce can be made in advance, but it's best to cook the gnocchi fresh to keep them from becoming too soft.
Yes! If you have homemade gnocchi, they will work beautifully-just be extra gentle when cooking to prevent them from falling apart.
Sauté the aromatics until fragrant, use high-quality canned tomatoes, and let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors. If you have extra time, letting it simmer even longer will make it even more delicious.
Yes! Swap it for half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream for a lighter version.
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp are great protein options to pair with the gnocchi.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
More simple and delicious pasta recipes
If pasta is one of your go-to meals for dinner, be sure to check out the following recipes:
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Pesto Gnocchi
- Baked Gnocchi Bolognese
- Pasta alla Norma
- Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small/medium-sized red onion finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 14-ounce cans cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
- 21 ounces potato gnocchi
- pasta water as needed
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
- 2 burrata balls
Instructions
- First, preheat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Then add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant.2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 small/medium-sized red onion, 3 garlic cloves
- Add the tomato paste and sauté for a few more minutes.1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Next, add the canned tomatoes. Add the red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.2 14-ounce cans cherry tomatoes, 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, salt and pepper
- Cook the gnocchi in salted boiling water according to the package instructions shortly before the sauce has finished simmering.21 ounces potato gnocchi
- Now add some pasta water and heavy cream to the sauce. Stir until combined and adjust the seasoning to taste.pasta water, ¼ cup heavy cream
- Stir in the gnocchi and basil leaves.1 handful fresh basil leaves
- Break the burrata into pieces and spread it over the gnocchi. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!2 burrata balls
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