The 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting, indulgent, and bursting with flavor. Silky gnocchi bathed in a luscious tomato cream sauce studded with tender onion and garlic is elevated to heavenly levels by creamy, dreamy burrata cheese and fresh basil finishing touches. This dish truly combines elegance and ease, showing off how simple ingredients can come together for an unforgettable meal in just under half an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, making the final dish vibrant, creamy, and perfectly balanced. These essentials are easy to source but pack a flavor punch, ensuring your 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe hits all the right notes.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing that enhances all the flavors with a fruity touch.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth once softened to translucency.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic punch that awakens the palate.
- Diced tomatoes: Create the fresh and slightly tangy backbone of the sauce.
- Vegetable broth: Brings moisture and subtle savory complexity without overpowering the tomato.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce that irresistible silky, creamy texture.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with concentrated richness.
- Dried basil: Adds herbal earthiness that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- Dried oregano: Brings a warm, slightly bitter note to balance the cream.
- Red pepper flakes: Inject a gentle, pleasant heat for a little excitement.
- Gnocchi: Fluffy and tender, acting as the delightful, chewy vessel for the sauce.
- Burrata cheese: Melts into creamy pockets that make the dish luxuriously indulgent.
- Fresh basil: Brightens the dish with a fresh, green finish.
- Salt and black pepper: Crucial for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently cook diced onion until it becomes soft and translucent. This step is key for building a flavorful foundation because the sweetness of the onion mellows perfectly as it sautés.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma
Next, stir in minced garlic and cook for another couple of minutes until your kitchen is filled with that irresistible garlicky scent. Garlic becomes sweet and fragrant when cooked gently, avoiding any bitterness.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes, juices included, for fresh, vibrant tomato flavor. Then mix in vegetable broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste until the paste dissolves fully. This combo creates a creamy, tangy sauce that will coat the gnocchi beautifully.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes, followed by salt and black pepper. Stir everything well and bring your sauce to a gentle simmer. Letting it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes allows these flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken just right.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
While the sauce simmers, boil the gnocchi according to package instructions, typically just a few minutes until they float to the surface signaling they’re perfectly cooked. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the gnocchi straight into the skillet with the sauce.
Step 6: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce
Gently fold the gnocchi into the creamy tomato sauce, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This ensures every bite is packed with that delicious sauce goodness.
Step 7: Add Burrata for Creamy Magic
Tear the burrata cheese into chunks and stir it in carefully so it melts into the sauce, creating pockets of creamy luxury that elevate this dish beyond the ordinary. Cook for an additional few minutes until everything is wonderfully melded.
Step 8: Final Touches
Give your dish a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then stir in freshly chopped basil for a burst of herbaceous brightness that complements the richness perfectly. Now your 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkling of fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving enhances the flavors and presentation. A few cracked black pepper flakes on top can also add a nice pop of intensity.
Side Dishes
This creamy gnocchi pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are perfect companions for sopping up the luscious tomato cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and elegant touch, serve the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls topped with a whole burrata ball in the center to create an inviting centerpiece. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or add a few sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great dish to prepare ahead.
Freezing
While fresh burrata doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the gnocchi with tomato cream sauce separately without the cheese. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh burrata.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce becomes too thick. Finish by stirring in fresh burrata or mozzarella just before serving for that indulgent creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of burrata?
Yes! While burrata gives this dish its signature creamy texture, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be great substitutes for a similar effect, though the flavor and creaminess won’t be quite the same.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, especially since the vegetable broth is used, but be sure to check the broth label if you want it to be strictly vegetarian.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap out heavy cream for a plant-based cream alternative, use a vegan cheese substitute instead of burrata, and choose vegan gnocchi if necessary. The tomato sauce will still be delightfully flavorful.
How spicy is the dish?
The red pepper flakes add just a mild heat that gently lifts the flavors without overpowering. You can adjust the amount up or down based on your heat preference or leave them out altogether.
What’s the best way to cook store-bought gnocchi?
Boil them in salted water until they float to the top, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. This ensures they’re perfectly tender and ready to soak up the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is the perfect union of speed, simplicity, and sensational taste. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, this dish will impress with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dinner that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly.
Print
30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is a luscious and comforting Italian-inspired dish combining pillowy gnocchi with a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Enhanced with aromatic herbs, a hint of spice, and finished with creamy burrata cheese and fresh basil, this easy skillet meal is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Gnocchi and Topping
- 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi
- 4 ounces burrata cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juices, and stir to combine.
- Add Broth, Cream, and Tomato Paste: Add the vegetable broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring until the tomato paste is fully dissolved into the sauce.
- Season Sauce: Season the mixture with dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir the sauce well and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Cook Gnocchi: While the sauce is simmering, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. This usually involves boiling the gnocchi in a pot of salted water for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top.
- Transfer Gnocchi to Sauce: Once the gnocchi are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce.
- Mix Gnocchi and Sauce: Gently stir the gnocchi into the sauce, making sure they are well coated.
- Add Burrata Cheese: Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and add it to the skillet, stirring carefully to incorporate it into the sauce while leaving some creamy pockets.
- Melt Cheese: Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is slightly melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Add Fresh Basil: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil just before serving.
- Serve: Serve the creamy tomato gnocchi with burrata immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon.
- Burrata can be substituted with fresh mozzarella for a milder effect.
- Use store-bought gnocchi to save prep time; alternatively, homemade gnocchi can be used for a more authentic taste.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit burrata or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
