Imagine the aroma of sautéed garlic mingling with sun-ripened tomatoes filling your kitchen. This Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata dish whisks you away to an Italian trattoria, and trust me, it’s been all the rage lately. Who can say no to creamy comfort that’s ready in just 30 minutes?
Picture tender gnocchi enveloped in a luscious, tangy tomato cream sauce, crowned with dreamy burrata. It’s like your favorite Italian comfort food but prepped in a flash! The best part? You throw everything in one pan for easy cleanup, using pantry staples you probably have on hand. It’s practically foolproof!
I started whipping this up for weeknight dinners back in 2018, and it quickly became a family favorite. My husband declared it “better than takeout” the first time I made it. The secret? A splash of pasta water at the end brings it all together beautifully. Years of recipe testing taught me that simple can be extraordinary, and this cozy dish proves just that.
Thomas Baker
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata: Irresistibly Easy Recipe
Enjoy a delightful and easy weeknight dinner with this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata recipe. Ready in just 30 minutes, this 30 Minute Tomato Gnocchi brings together fresh cherry tomatoes and rich burrata cheese in a creamy sauce. Perfect as an Easy Burrata Pasta Dish, it’s packed with flavor and simplicity for any home cook.
2 (16-oz. packages) potato gnocchi (I like DeLallo brand)
2 (4-oz.) balls fresh burrata cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn
Method
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
While waiting, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat and gently sauté the garlic until it releases its aroma, about 2 minutes.
Turn the heat up to medium, add the cherry tomatoes, and cook them down, occasionally stirring, until they soften and become jam-like, roughly 10 to 12 minutes. Lower the heat if garlic begins to brown. Season the mixture with red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, salt, and black pepper.
Turn the heat down to medium-low and blend in the heavy cream until fully combined.
Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi and cook per the package directions until tender but still firm. Scoop out half a cup of the cooking water before draining the gnocchi.
Add the cooked gnocchi and reserved pasta water into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir and toss continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the gnocchi with a glossy finish, about 2 minutes. Mix in most of the fresh basil, keeping some aside for decorating.
Tear the burrata cheese into chunks and scatter it over the gnocchi. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with the remaining basil for a fresh touch.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop without heating the burrata. For freezing, omit the burrata and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast and Easy: This Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Delicious Comfort: The combination of creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and burrata creates a cozy, indulgent meal.
One Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavors.
Family Favorite: The vibrant colors and rich taste appeal to all ages, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Before diving in, let’s gather our essentials:
Olive Oil: For sautéing garlic and enhancing the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds wonderful flavor and aroma.
Cherry Tomatoes: These become sweet and jammy when cooked, making them perfect for this dish.
Heavy Cream: This creates that luxurious, creamy texture.
Gnocchi: Store-bought potato gnocchi, for ease, but so comforting!
Burrata: The star ingredient that adds a creamy and delicate finish.
Fresh Basil: For a fresh touch that brightens the dish.
Tools: You’ll need a large skillet and a stock pot for boiling water.
How It Works Step-by-Step
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add the crushed garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn!
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until they start to burst and become jammy (about 10-12 minutes).
Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Then stir in the heavy cream.
Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water and drain the rest.
Transfer the cooked gnocchi into the skillet with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until everything is perfectly coated.
Mix in the fresh basil, saving some for garnish, and then break the burrata into pieces over the pasta.
Toss gently together and serve warm with remaining basil on top!
Troubleshooting Tips
Too Dry: If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Tomatoes Not Bursting: Make sure to cook the tomatoes long enoughif they aren’t breaking down, just give them a little more time on the heat!
Burnt Garlic: If your garlic is browning too quickly, turn the heat down to medium-low to prevent bitterness.
Tweaks & Variations
This dish is wonderfully flexible. Here are some tweaks to consider:
Herbs: Swap out basil for fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of oregano for a different flavor profile.
Spice: Add more red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat!
Color: Throw in some baby spinach or arugula for added nutrition and color right at the end.
Serving & Storage Tips
This 30 Minute Tomato Gnocchi is perfect for meal prep and can be stored as follows:
Option
Details
Refrigerate
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat
Gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. Avoid heating the burrata; add it fresh.
Freeze
This meal freezes beautifully without the burrata for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Expert Says
Creamy tomato gnocchi with burrata not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a delightful balance of textures. The starches in gnocchi help thicken sauces, while burrata adds a rich creaminess and protein boost, making this dish both comforting and nourishing.
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The Journey to Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata
Perfecting this creamy tomato gnocchi with burrata was a delicious adventure that took me several attempts. I went from a clumpy sauce to a velvety masterpiece, learning to balance the flavors just right. Each bite now carries not just taste but the warmth of my kitchen experiments, making it a true comfort dish.
FAQs ( Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata )
What is the best way to cook gnocchi?
The best way to cook gnocchi is to boil them in salted water until they float to the surface, which indicates they are done. After boiling, you can sauté them in a skillet with olive oil for added flavor and texture before adding to this recipe.
Can I use fresh tomatoes in this dish?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. Sauté them until they are soft and juicy for a delicious flavor. Just make sure to season them well to enhance the taste in this meal.
What other cheeses can I use?
While burrata is a wonderful choice, other cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta can work beautifully too. Just ensure they melt well and complement the creamy sauce for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat or meat-based products, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian diet.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat to this dish, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos while cooking. Adjust the amount to your heat preference for a satisfying kick.
Conclusion
You’ve just whipped up an irresistible Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata in 30 minutes! The comforting aroma and creamy texture will wrap around you like a warm hug. Trust me, your family will rave about this dish!
Feel free to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or toss in some sautéed veggies for a twist. If you have any leftovers (which I doubt!), simply reheat gently for a cozy lunch. A little trick I picked up is to keep the burrata fresh and add it when serving for that melty magic!
I’d love to see how your version turns out! Did you grow up with a favorite pasta dish? Share your photos or stories, and don’t forget to save this recipe for family gatherings. Here’s to creating delicious memories together!
