Creamy Tomato Burrata Gnocchi is a rich, velvety dish that combines pillowy gnocchi with a luscious tomato-cream sauce, topped with melty burrata and fresh basil. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy – The combination of tomato sauce, heavy cream, and burrata creates a luxurious texture.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Comforting & Satisfying – Soft gnocchi coated in a velvety sauce is the ultimate comfort food.
- One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Elegant enough for guests yet simple for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 ball burrata cheese, torn into pieces
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Directions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic & Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in tomato sauce, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Coat the Gnocchi: Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy tomato sauce.
- Add Burrata: Tear burrata over the gnocchi and let it melt slightly into the sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Protein Addition – Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
- Vegetarian Boost – Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
- Vegan Option – Swap burrata for dairy-free cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Pesto Twist – Stir in a spoonful of pesto for extra depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if needed.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce and burrata do not freeze well.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes! Fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe.
How do I make sure my gnocchi doesn’t turn mushy?
Cook the gnocchi just until they float, then drain immediately to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best type of tomato sauce to use?
A high-quality marinara or homemade tomato sauce works best for a rich flavor.
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Yes, but burrata provides a creamier, richer texture that melts beautifully into the sauce.
What should I serve with this dish?
A side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables complement this dish well.
Can I add white wine to the sauce?
Absolutely! Add ¼ cup of dry white wine before the tomato sauce for extra depth.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes, you can use milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative, though the texture will be less creamy.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra tomato sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this recipe fully gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Conclusion
Creamy Tomato Burrata Gnocchi is a simple yet indulgent dish that brings together soft gnocchi, a luscious tomato sauce, and melty burrata for the ultimate Italian-inspired comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today for a quick and delicious meal!
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PrintCreamy Tomato Burrata Gnocchi
This Creamy Tomato Burrata Gnocchi is a quick and indulgent one-pan meal, featuring pillowy soft gnocchi coated in a rich, velvety tomato-cream sauce. Topped with melty burrata cheese and fresh basil, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner in just 15 minutes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 ball burrata cheese, torn into pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook gnocchi until they float (about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in tomato sauce, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Add the Burrata: Tear burrata over the gnocchi and let it melt slightly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap burrata for fresh mozzarella if preferred.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- For a vegetarian-friendly twist, use plant-based heavy cream.