Description
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring pillowy potato gnocchi simmered in a luscious cherry tomato cream sauce and topped with fresh burrata cheese and fragrant basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet approachable.
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
Pasta & Garnish
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the crushed garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. Increase heat to medium, add the cherry tomatoes, and cook while stirring occasionally until most tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes jammy, about 10 to 12 minutes. If garlic begins to burn, reduce heat to medium-low. Season the sauce with optional red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Lower the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream to create a creamy base.
- Cook the Gnocchi: While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook following package directions until they float and are al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the gnocchi.
- Combine and Finish 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, keeping some aside for garnish.
- Add Burrata and Garnish: Break the burrata cheese balls into pieces and scatter them evenly over the gnocchi. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with the reserved fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- The red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted according to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen and emulsify the sauce with the gnocchi, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Using fresh burrata adds a rich, creamy contrast to the tangy tomato sauce; if unavailable, fresh mozzarella can be a substitute.
- Cook the gnocchi just until they float to avoid overcooking and maintain their tender texture.
- Fresh basil adds brightness and aroma; adding it at the end preserves its flavor.
