30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender potato gnocchi smothered in a flavorful cherry tomato and garlic sauce, enriched with heavy cream and topped with luscious fresh burrata cheese and fragrant basil. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe combines creamy, fresh, and slightly spicy elements to create a satisfying and elegant pasta dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Seasoning
- 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 and Garnish
- 2 (16-oz.) packages potato gnocchi (DeLallo brand recommended)
- 2 (4-oz.) balls fresh burrata cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, around 2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Increase heat to medium and add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes jammy, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. If the garlic begins to burn, reduce the heat to medium-low. Season with red pepper flakes if using, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing the sauce to combine smoothly.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Once the water boils, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the rest.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Transfer the cooked gnocchi and reserved pasta water into the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Toss continuously over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, about 2 minutes. Stir in most of the fresh basil, saving some for garnish.
- Add Burrata and Garnish: Break the burrata balls into pieces and evenly distribute them over the gnocchi and sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with the reserved fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level or omit them entirely for a milder dish.
- Using fresh burrata adds a creamy texture that complements the tomato sauce beautifully; if unavailable, fresh mozzarella can be used as an alternative.
- Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi; they should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Reserve some pasta water when draining gnocchi to help create a silky sauce consistency.
- Fresh basil is key for brightness; add just before serving to keep its vibrant flavor.
Keywords: Creamy Tomato Gnocchi, Burrata recipe, quick Italian dinner, gnocchi recipes, tomato cream sauce, vegetarian pasta
