I absolutely love how easy and satisfying this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is-it s become my go-to when I want something that feels like comfort food but doesn t require hours in the kitchen. The creamy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with pillowy gnocchi, and that fresh burrata on top? It s like the cherry on an already delicious sundae. You ll find this dish works amazingly well for weeknight dinners when time is tight, but you still want something special on the table.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the simple ingredients transform into such a luscious meal so quickly. The balance between the silky cream, vibrant tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a beautiful flavor combo that makes me keep coming back for more. Trust me, once you make this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe, it ll be one you want to add to your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Satisfaction: This recipe delivers a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes.
- Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy tomato sauce with tender gnocchi makes for a rich yet approachable dish.
- Simple, Fresh Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh burrata to elevate flavors without fuss.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it s a casual weeknight or a cozy dinner party, this dish shines.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect balance between creamy and tangy, with fresh accents to lift everything. I always recommend using good-quality olive oil and burrata to truly make this dish sing.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a fruity depth; don t skip on quality here.
- Garlic cloves: Lightly crushed to release that wonderful aroma and flavor evenly.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness breaks down beautifully into a jammy sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Give a subtle kick if you like a little heat.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being overpowering.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a nice peppery finish.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky texture that makes the sauce so dreamy.
- Potato gnocchi: I usually use DeLallo brand; it cooks quickly and holds up well.
- Fresh burrata cheese: The star that delivers creamy bursts of milky goodness.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn or sliced for a fragrant herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
Variations
One of the things I love about this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to turn it into a spicier, veggie-packed meal or make it dairy-free, there s a variation for everyone.
- Spicy Twist: I sometimes add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky heat that my family adores.
- Veggie Boost: Sautéed spinach or mushrooms make lovely additions, and they blend beautifully into the creamy tomato sauce.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and omit burrata for a lighter, dairy-free version that s still indulgent.
- Cheese Swap: If burrata isn t available, fresh mozzarella or ricotta works well but note the creaminess will be slightly different.
How to Make 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Start by heating your olive oil gently in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Toss in the lightly crushed garlic cloves and let them sizzle until fragrant, about 2 minutes. This step is key because you re infusing the oil with that garlicky goodness without burning it-watch carefully and reduce the heat if needed!
Step 2: Create the Jammy Tomato Sauce
Turn the heat up to medium and add the cherry tomatoes next. Stir occasionally as you cook them down until they burst and transform into a jammy sauce, roughly 10 to 12 minutes. Don t rush this because letting the natural sugars caramelize is what gives the sauce its beautiful depth. Season now with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat.
Step 3: Stir in the Cream
Reduce the heat back to medium-low and gently mix in the heavy cream. This will mellow the acidity of the tomatoes and add that silky smooth texture. Once you see the sauce come together into a creamy consistency, you re ready for the next step.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions until they re just tender-usually a couple of minutes. Here s the trick I use: reserve about half a cup of the gnocchi cooking water before draining to help loosen the sauce later.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Transfer the cooked gnocchi along with the reserved pasta water to your skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss everything together continuously over medium heat for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy-this step helps the sauce cling perfectly to every piece of gnocchi. Stir in most of the fresh basil, saving a bit for garnish.
Step 6: Finish with Burrata and Basil
Break the burrata balls into chunks and gently disperse them over the gnocchi. The cheese will melt slightly, adding luscious creaminess to every bite. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with the reserved basil leaves for a fresh, fragrant finish. Serve immediately-trust me, you don t want to wait to dig in!
Pro Tips for Making 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
- Avoid Burning Garlic: Keep the heat medium-low when cooking garlic to avoid bitterness and bitter flavors in your sauce.
- Use Gnocchi Cooking Water: This starchy water is your secret weapon to help the sauce become glossy and stick perfectly to the gnocchi.
- Don t Overcook Gnocchi: Follow package instructions closely and drain as soon as they float to the top to keep them pillowy, not gummy.
- Add Burrata Last: Come off heat before adding burrata so it stays soft and creamy without melting away entirely.
How to Serve 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of good olive oil to enhance all those rich flavors. Sometimes I add a pinch of lemon zest for a subtle brightness that makes the dish pop even more.
Side Dishes
Simple sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus work beautifully alongside this creamy gnocchi. If you want something heartier, a crusty garlic bread will soak up every last bit of that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I like to serve this gnocchi in shallow bowls so the burrata stays front and center. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens adds an elegant touch that impresses guests without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they keep well for up to 4 days. The gnocchi soak up the sauce a bit overnight, which actually tastes more intense the next day, though it might be a little less saucy.
Freezing
Freezing works great for this recipe if you leave out the burrata first. I portion the gnocchi and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving burrata-always add fresh burrata after reheating for the best creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen gnocchi for this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just fine and usually takes only a minute or two longer to cook. Just make sure to follow the package instructions and watch for when they float to the surface-this means they’re done.
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Is it okay to substitute burrata with another cheese?
Yes, if burrata isn t available, fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese can be used as substitutes. They won’t have the exact same creaminess but still add a delightful cheesy element.
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Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the tomato cream sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge, but I recommend cooking the gnocchi fresh for the best texture. Reheat the sauce gently before combining with freshly cooked gnocchi.
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How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild, gentle heat that complements the creamy tomato base without overwhelming it. You can adjust the amount to your taste or skip it if you prefer no spiciness.
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What if I want a vegan version of this recipe?
For a vegan version, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and omit the burrata or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The tomato base is naturally vegan and very flavorful on its own.
Final Thoughts
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe really feels like a hug in a bowl. I love how simple ingredients come together to create something that tastes luxurious without complicated steps or long cooking times. It s perfect for those busy evenings when you want to impress yourself (and anyone you re sharing with) with a meal that s comforting, fresh, and downright delicious. Give it a try-I m pretty sure you ll end up loving it as much as my family and I do.
Print30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is a quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender potato gnocchi simmered in a luscious cherry tomato and garlic cream sauce, finished with fresh burrata cheese and fragrant basil. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 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 water: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the gnocchi.
- Cook the garlic: Meanwhile, heat 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.
- Simmer the tomatoes: Increase the heat to medium and add cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes jammy, about 10 to 12 minutes. If garlic starts to burn, reduce to medium-low heat. Season the sauce with red pepper flakes (if using), kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Add cream: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, combining it thoroughly with the tomato sauce.
- Cook gnocchi: Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the gnocchi.
- Combine gnocchi with sauce: Transfer the cooked gnocchi and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Toss continuously over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 minutes. Stir in most of the fresh basil, saving some for garnish.
- Add burrata: Break the burrata balls into pieces and evenly distribute over the gnocchi pasta. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with the remaining basil before serving.
Notes
- To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Gently rewarm in the microwave or on the stovetop. Avoid heating the burrata; add it fresh after reheating.
- To Freeze: Freeze leftovers without burrata in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg