Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata

Featured in The Stars of the Table.

This quick gnocchi dinner turns pillowy soft potato dumplings into something extraordinary through a velvety tomato cream sauce that's enriched with creamy burrata cheese. As the sauce gently simmers, it develops incredible depth while staying light enough to let the gnocchi shine. The burrata melts into luxurious pools throughout, creating these amazing pockets of richness that make every bite special. Ready in just 30 minutes, it brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table without hours of cooking. Perfect for those busy nights when you want something that tastes like you spent all day making it!
A smiling woman in a chef's jacket stands in a commercial kitchen, looking at the camera with various food containers and utensils in the background.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:09:09 GMT
A bowl of gnocchi in a creamy tomato sauce topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and dollops of ricotta cheese. Pin it
A bowl of gnocchi in a creamy tomato sauce topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and dollops of ricotta cheese. | tasteofcook.com

I discovered this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi recipe during a busy week when I needed something quick but special. Now it's my favorite 30-minute dinner magic. Those pillowy gnocchi swimming in garlicky tomato sauce topped with melty burrata it's pure comfort in a bowl.

Kitchen Magic in Minutes

Seven ingredients that's all it takes to create something amazing. The sauce comes together while the gnocchi cooks making it perfect for busy nights. Add some veggies or protein if you like but honestly it's pretty perfect just as is.

What You'll Need

  • Garlic: Eight cloves minced fine for maximum flavor.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Pick the ripest sweetest ones you can find.
  • Olive Oil: The good stuff makes a difference here.
  • Gnocchi: DeLallo is my favorite but any quality brand works.
  • Heavy Cream: Makes everything luxuriously silky.
  • Burrata: Look for it in the fancy cheese section should feel soft.
  • Basil: Fresh leaves for that perfect finish.

Let's Cook

Start The Sauce
Warm olive oil gently cook garlic until your kitchen smells amazing. Add tomatoes let them burst and get saucy.
Cook Your Gnocchi
Boil in salty water save some of that starchy water before draining.
Bring It Together
Mix sauce gnocchi and pasta water until everything's coated and glossy.
Final Touch
Break that creamy burrata over top scatter fresh basil serve while it's hot.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I toss in chicken or shrimp for protein. Baby spinach wilts in beautifully. Love heat? Red pepper flakes work magic here. Try cauliflower gnocchi if you're watching carbs.

A bowl of gnocchi topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a dollop of cream, garnished with black pepper. Pin it
A bowl of gnocchi topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a dollop of cream, garnished with black pepper. | tasteofcook.com

Save Some For Later

Keeps nicely in the fridge four days. Warm it slow add a splash of water to wake up the sauce. Skip saving the burrata though add fresh when serving. Freezes great without the cheese.

Perfect Partners

A crisp salad balances all that creamy goodness. Pour a glass of white wine if you're feeling fancy. Always serve it warm with extra basil on hand.

My Best Tips

Quality gnocchi makes all the difference. Let those tomatoes take their time bursting builds better flavor. That pasta water is liquid gold for the perfect sauce.

Quick Answers

Regular gnocchi uses potatoes flour and eggs. Find burrata near the fancy cheeses. Making it dairy free? Plant cream works great just skip the burrata. Freezes beautifully minus the cheese.

Pure Comfort

This dish never fails to make everyone happy. Quick enough for Monday night fancy enough for company. One bite of those tender gnocchi in that creamy sauce you'll see why it's always in my recipe rotation.

A bowl of gnocchi topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese in a vibrant orange sauce. Pin it
A bowl of gnocchi topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese in a vibrant orange sauce. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, the dish freezes well without burrata for up to 3 months. Add fresh burrata when serving.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Keep in fridge up to 4 days. Reheat gently and add fresh burrata after warming.
→ What type of gnocchi works best?
Potato gnocchi is recommended. DeLallo brand works particularly well in this recipe.
→ Can I skip the heavy cream?
The cream adds richness but you could use half-and-half for a lighter version.
→ Why crush the garlic cloves?
Crushing releases more flavor while keeping cloves whole for easy removal if desired.

Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata

Easy weeknight pasta featuring potato gnocchi in a creamy tomato sauce, topped with fresh burrata cheese and basil.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (8 cups)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 Extra virgin olive oil - 1/4 cup.
02 Garlic cloves, crushed - 6-8.
03 Cherry tomatoes - 2 pints.
04 Red pepper flakes - 1/2 teaspoon.
05 Kosher salt - 1 teaspoon.
06 Black pepper, freshly cracked - 1/2 teaspoon.
07 Heavy cream - 1/2 cup.
08 Potato gnocchi - 32 ounces.
09 Burrata cheese - 8 ounces.
10 Fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup.

Instructions

Step 01

Bring large pot of salted water to boil for gnocchi.

Step 02

Heat oil over medium-low. Cook crushed garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 03

Add tomatoes and cook until jammy, 10-12 minutes. Season with pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 04

Lower heat and stir in cream. Cook gnocchi in boiling water until done.

Step 05

Add gnocchi and 1/2 cup pasta water to sauce. Toss until thickened. Mix in basil.

Step 06

Break burrata over pasta. Garnish with extra basil.

Notes

  1. Can freeze without burrata for 3 months.
  2. Keeps in fridge up to 4 days.
  3. Add burrata after reheating.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Stock pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 466
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 64 g
  • Protein: 12 g