Nothing says comfort food quite like a bowl of warm, indulgent pasta smothered in a velvety sauce, and this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe delivers exactly that. Imagine pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luscious tomato sauce enriched with cream, punctuated by the fresh creaminess of burrata cheese melting perfectly over every bite. This dish is a celebration of simple, vibrant flavors that come together effortlessly to create a dinner that feels both special and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, this recipe promises to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward, pantry-staple ingredients makes this dish both accessible and delicious. Each component plays a vital role, from the aromatic spices that deepen the tomato sauce to the tender gnocchi that absorb every luscious drop.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing and adds a fruity undertone.
- Small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and texture to the sauce.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory depth.
- Dried basil: Adds herbal earthiness complementing the tomatoes.
- Dried oregano: Offers a slightly peppery warmth.
- Red pepper flakes: Gives a subtle, gentle kick that amps up flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes: The vibrant, tangy heart of the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly creamy, silky texture.
- Chicken broth: Enhances depth and balances the richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every element.
- Gnocchi: Tender pasta pillows that soak up and carry the sauce beautifully.
- Burrata cheese: The melty, indulgent topping that transforms the dish.
- Fresh basil, chopped: Adds brightness and a pop of green color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty finish to round it all out.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, toss in your diced onion. Cook this gently, stirring now and then, until it softens and becomes translucent. This process draws out natural sweetness, setting a flavorful foundation. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook just long enough to release its aroma but avoid browning; about one minute will do.
Step 2: Add Herbs and Spices
Sprinkle in dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir them quickly into the onion and garlic mixture, allowing the heat to coax their essential oils and aromas. This step transforms the base into a fragrant, flavor-packed sauce starter.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pour in crushed tomatoes, stirring them thoroughly with the herb mixture. Follow with heavy cream and chicken broth, combining everything until the sauce turns luxuriously smooth. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your taste. Now, bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—the sauce will thicken and enrich as it cooks for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
While the sauce is thickening, prepare a large pot of salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi according to the package instructions — typically 2 to 3 minutes or until they float to the surface. This quick cook makes them wonderfully tender yet sturdy enough to hold up to the sauce.
Step 5: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the gnocchi directly into your skillet with the tomato sauce. Gently stir to ensure every pillowy piece is lovingly coated in the creamy, spiced tomato goodness.
Step 6: Melt in the Burrata
Tear the burrata cheese into chunks and scatter it on top of the gnocchi and sauce. Place a lid on the skillet and let it cook off the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. The burrata will start melting and softening, swirling into a luscious, creamy layer that elevates the entire dish.
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped basil and a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. These final touches add vivid color and an extra burst of flavor, perfect for serving your beautiful Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or even a sprinkle of chopped parsley add that bright, fresh note to contrast the creamy sauce. A crack of freshly ground black pepper and an extra shave of Parmesan can make each bite pop with flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
A light side is best to balance the richness here: think crisp green salads tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or simple roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or crusty focaccia are perfect to mop up every last bit of that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve straight from your skillet for a rustic, communal feel or plate neatly with burrata placed artfully on top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can make the dish feel extra special for dinner parties or romantic meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep the burrata separate if possible, to maintain its fresh texture.
Freezing
Because of the cream and cheese, freezing this dish is less ideal, as the texture may change and become grainy. If needed, freeze the gnocchi and sauce separately but avoid freezing burrata.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. Add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s lusciousness.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth and the dish remains hearty and full of flavor.
Is it possible to use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly here. Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions until they float before adding to the sauce.
What can I substitute for burrata if unavailable?
Fresh mozzarella is a good alternative, though burrata’s creamy center is uniquely luscious. You might also try ricotta for a slightly different but still rich texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes provide a gentle warmth, but you can adjust the amount or omit entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the tomato cream sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently and add the gnocchi and burrata just before serving to retain freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe brings together simple ingredients into a dish that feels both luxurious and homey. It’s the kind of meal that will have friends and family asking for seconds and the secret to your cooking. Don’t hesitate to make this your go-to comfort food when you want something special yet straightforward. I guarantee it will warm your heart and your dinner table.
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Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring pillowy gnocchi coated in a luscious tomato cream sauce, topped with soft, melting burrata cheese and fresh basil. The sauce combines crushed tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of heavy cream for a rich, flavorful meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Main
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare the base for the sauce.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes, to develop sweetness and flavor.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant, enhancing the aromatic base.
- Add herbs and spices: Stir in dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds to release their aromas and flavors.
- Add crushed tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and mix well to combine with the sautéed aromatics and herbs.
- Add cream and broth: Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth until the sauce becomes smooth and combines evenly.
- Season sauce: Add salt and black pepper to taste, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Boil water for gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Cook gnocchi: Add gnocchi to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes, until they float to the top indicating doneness.
- Transfer gnocchi: Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet with the tomato cream sauce.
- Combine gnocchi and sauce: Gently stir to coat the gnocchi evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Add burrata: Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and scatter it over the gnocchi and sauce.
- Melt burrata: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 2-3 minutes off heat, allowing burrata to soften and gently melt into the sauce.
- Add fresh basil: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the dish for brightness and aroma.
- Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi for an added layer of savory flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra basil or Parmesan if desired, for a warm and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly, so watch carefully to prevent overcooking.
- If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella can be used as a substitute, though texture will differ.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of heat according to preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the gnocchi.
