Name: 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; 2 (16-oz.) packages potato gnocchi (preferably DeLallo brand); 2 (4-oz.) balls fresh burrata cheese; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn

I absolutely adore making this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe because it combines bold, comforting flavors with the ease of a quick meal. The luscious creamy tomato sauce clings beautifully to pillowy gnocchi, while the fresh burrata on top adds a dreamy, silky richness that feels indulgent without any fuss. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that feels special enough for company but simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, making it a total winner in my kitchen every time.

Why You'll Love This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

What makes this recipe stand out for me is the incredible harmony of flavors and textures. The tomatoes cook down into a naturally sweet, slightly tangy sauce that's perfectly balanced by the gentle heat from optional red pepper flakes and the velvety creaminess that makes every bite so comforting. Then there’s the gnocchi, which are delightfully pillowy and soak up that sauce like a dream.

Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. From start to finish, it clocks in at around 30 minutes, which is absolutely fantastic when I want a homemade meal without the long wait or complicated steps. I love that the ingredient list is short yet packs so much personality, and having fresh burrata to break over the top brings the dish to a whole new level of decadent simplicity.

This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is perfect for a range of occasions, whether it’s a laid-back weeknight dinner when I’m craving cozy comfort or even a casual dinner party where I want to impress without slaving away in the kitchen. It always feels special and satisfying, and honestly, that little touch of burrata never fails to get compliments from friends and family.

Ingredients You'll Need

A round stainless steel pan with two handles holds a dish with three layers. The bottom layer is a thick, smooth, bright orange-red tomato sauce with small pieces of cooked tomato visible. On top of this sauce, there is a pile of pale yellow, soft gnocchi pieces spread over the center. Fresh, vibrant green basil leaves are scattered on the right side over the gnocchi and sauce. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, so I always focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the sauce's depth, balancing the creaminess, and providing that soft, tender texture with the gnocchi.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Extra-virgin olive oil: This adds a fruity, rich base for sautéing the garlic and tomatoes, infusing the sauce with depth.
Garlic cloves: Using whole, lightly crushed garlic cloves gives a mellow, fragrant aroma without overwhelming the sauce.
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness break down beautifully, creating the perfect texture for the sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch provides a subtle kick that balances the creaminess and sweetness.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: These essential seasonings bring all the flavors to life and ensure the sauce is perfectly balanced.
Heavy cream: This is the magic ingredient that transforms the tomato base into a luscious, rich sauce.
Potato gnocchi: I prefer the DeLallo brand for its lightness and ability to soak up the sauce beautifully.
Fresh burrata cheese: The star that adds an ultra-creamy, decadent finishing touch.
Fresh basil leaves: Adding brightness and a hint of herbal freshness, basil lifts the whole dish.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic cloves and cook them gently until they become fragrant, about 2 minutes—this step is crucial for infusing the oil with garlic flavor without burning it.

Step 2: Turn the heat to medium and add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir occasionally as the tomatoes soften and begin to burst, breaking down over 10 to 12 minutes into a thick, jammy sauce. If you notice the garlic browning too quickly, lower the heat to medium-low. Once the tomatoes have reached the right consistency, season the sauce with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to fully incorporate with the tomato mixture to form a rich, creamy base.

Step 4: When the water is boiling, add the gnocchi and cook as per the package instructions until al dente. Typically, this takes about 2 to 3 minutes—once they float to the surface, they're ready. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water before draining the gnocchi.

Step 5: Transfer the cooked gnocchi and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss continuously over medium heat for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, perfectly coating each pillow of gnocchi.

Step 6: Stir in most of the fresh basil, saving some for garnish. Then, break the burrata balls into pieces and scatter them over the gnocchi while still warm. The cheese will gently melt into creamy pockets throughout the dish.

Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with the remaining basil, and serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

Servings and Timing

This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe makes approximately 6 generous servings—perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends. Prep time is minimal, roughly 5 minutes to gather and prepare ingredients. Cook time is about 25 minutes, including simmering the sauce and cooking the gnocchi. Altogether, you’re looking at a total time of 30 minutes from start to finish, making this dish ideal for those busy days when you want something quick yet impressive. No additional resting or cooling time is required, so you can serve right away and enjoy the dish at its best temperature.

How to Serve This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

A white bowl filled with yellow gnocchi and red cherry tomatoes in a creamy orange sauce, topped with white dollops of soft cheese and green fresh basil leaves scattered on top. The bowl sits on a green textured plate placed on a white marbled surface with a small brown bowl of crushed red pepper in the background. A woman's hand holds a gold spoon inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this dish fresh and hot, right from the skillet to plate, so the aroma and textures are at their peak. It pairs beautifully with a crisp, fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a simple side of roasted seasonal vegetables to add color and balance the creamy sauce.

For garnish, I’m all about adding a bit more fresh basil and maybe a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to enhance the vibrant colors and flavors. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top really wakes up the dish visually and in taste, along with a few chili flakes if you enjoy a little heat.

When it comes to beverages, a chilled glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Italian red wine like Chianti complements the creamy tomato richness beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or an herbal iced tea adds a refreshing touch. This dish shines as a family meal, a casual dinner party centerpiece, or even a bright, satisfying lunch on a weekend. I recommend serving moderate portions since the burrata and cream add richness—trust me, a little goes a long way.

Variations

I enjoy playing around with variations of this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or my mood. If you want to keep it dairy-free or vegan, swapping cream for coconut milk or cashew cream works well, and using vegan burrata or a dollop of nut-based cheese adds that lush, creamy finish.

To make it gluten-free, just be sure to choose gnocchi made from rice flour or certified gluten-free potato gnocchi—there are quite a few on the market now, and they still absorb the sauce wonderfully. For added texture and flavor, I sometimes toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach towards the end, which adds a nice earthiness without overpowering the delicate sauce.

Another way I switch things up is by roasting the cherry tomatoes instead of cooking them in the skillet. Roasting brings out an even deeper sweetness and intensifies the sauce’s flavor. Alternatively, pan-searing the gnocchi before tossing them with the sauce creates a crispy exterior that contrasts delightfully with the creamy coating. So many delicious directions to take this recipe!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like using glass containers with tight-fitting lids to keep everything fresh and to avoid any flavor absorption from other foods. Because the burrata melts into the dish, the leftovers will be creamy but can firm up a bit, so a good stir before reheating helps bring it back to life.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible, but I recommend leaving out the burrata until you reheat and serve, as the delicate cheese doesn’t freeze well. Store the tomato-cream-gnocchi mixture in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. This method helps the gnocchi stay tender and the sauce regain its creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the gnocchi and cause uneven heating. After warming, break fresh burrata over the top for that fresh, melty luxury like the first time you served it.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works great here. Just cook them straight from frozen according to the package instructions before tossing them in the sauce. The cooking time might be a minute or two longer, but overall it won’t change the delicious result.

Is it okay to substitute burrata with mozzarella?

You can substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella if necessary. While mozzarella is tasty, burrata’s creamy, buttery center adds a richness that truly elevates this dish. If you use mozzarella, consider adding a bit of cream or mascarpone for that extra luscious texture.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! The red pepper flakes in the recipe help add a gentle heat that complements the acidity and creaminess. Feel free to increase the amount to suit your spice tolerance or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

What’s the best way to ripen cherry tomatoes for this dish?

If your cherry tomatoes aren’t fully ripe, you can roast them briefly before starting the sauce to bring out their sweetness. Alternatively, gently simmering them longer in the pan will help break them down and concentrate their flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the tomato cream sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, gently reheat it on the stove and cook fresh gnocchi to combine right before serving. Add the burrata last for the freshest, creamiest finish.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe a try because it’s become one of my absolute favorites for good reason. The bright, creamy tomato sauce, tender gnocchi, and that irresistible burrata topping all come together so effortlessly to create pure comfort on a plate. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough to share with someone special. I’m excited for you to enjoy it as much as I do!