If you are craving a soulful, comforting dish that comes together in a flash, this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is bound to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine pillowy gnocchi bathed in a luscious tomato cream sauce, enriched with the rich, milky goodness of burrata. It’s a celebration of flavors and textures that feels indulgent yet simple, proving you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to create something spectacular. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you wishing you could eat it every day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma for this creamy tomato gnocchi delight.
- Olive oil: A quality extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity, smooth base that starts the sauce perfectly.
- Medium onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that elevates the whole flavor profile.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): This offers a robust, fresh tomato flavor that forms our sauce’s heart.
- Vegetable broth: Lightens the sauce while adding subtle savory notes.
- Heavy cream: Creates that irresistible, velvety texture we all love in creamy sauces.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs infuse the sauce with an aromatic, herbaceous lift.
- Red pepper flakes: A gentle hint of heat for a playful kick without overpowering.
- Gnocchi (16 ounces): Soft and pillowy, perfect for soaking up every bit of that creamy tomato goodness.
- Burrata cheese (4 ounces): Adds luscious creaminess and a slight tang that transforms this dish into something truly special.
- Fresh basil, chopped: Bright and fresh, for that final burst of herbaceous vibrancy.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
How to Make 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft. This stage coax sweetness from the onion that sets the foundation for your sauce. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Be careful to stir constantly to avoid burning—garlic should always smell fragrant, never bitter.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, juices included, stirring everything together to combine those lovely caramelized aromatics with juicy tomato chunks. Immediately add vegetable broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste. Stir vigorously to dissolve the tomato paste completely, creating a velvety and unified sauce base.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. This blend of herbs and spices will deepen the flavor layers in the sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 5-7 minutes. As it simmers, the sauce thickens just enough to perfectly cling to the gnocchi later.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
While the sauce works its magic, cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Usually, this means boiling them in salted water until they float to the surface, which signals they are perfectly cooked. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the gnocchi directly into the sauce, allowing them to soak up every drop of those luscious flavors.
Step 5: Add Burrata and Finish
Tear the burrata into pieces and gently fold it into the skillet. Stir carefully, just enough to create creamy pockets throughout the sauce without completely melting the cheese. Let everything warm through for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and tweak seasoning as needed, then remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top to add freshness and color to your dish.
How to Serve 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves scattered on top add both eye appeal and a bright herbal note. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper also pairs beautifully. For a little extra indulgence, you could add toasted pine nuts or a dusting of Pecorino Romano cheese to invite a salty, nutty flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This creamy gnocchi stands perfectly on its own but pairs well with a crisp, peppery arugula salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil for contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also ideal to scoop up any leftover sauce. For a heartier meal, consider grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to complement the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the gnocchi in rustic individual bowls to create a warm, inviting atmosphere at the table. Layering torn burrata on top right before serving adds a lovely visual texture. You could also drizzle a bright balsamic glaze around the edge of the plate for a subtle tang and a striking look. Don’t be shy with the basil garnishes—they bring vibrant green color that contrasts beautifully with the creamy red sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more, but keep in mind the burrata may soften further and become creamier, which many find delightful.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked gnocchi, it is best to freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container. Burrata doesn’t freeze well, so add fresh burrata when reheating. Freeze the sauce for up to 1 month for convenient future meals.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid breaking down the creamy sauce. Add a splash of broth or cream if it feels too thick. If you froze the sauce separately, thaw it completely first before warming and then toss freshly cooked gnocchi and burrata in before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi or should I make it from scratch?
Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully for this recipe and is a huge time saver, especially when you only have 30 minutes. Homemade gnocchi can add a personalized touch but isn’t necessary to achieve that comforting, creamy texture you crave.
Is there a substitute for burrata if I can’t find it?
If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella is a good alternative. While it lacks burrata’s gooey center, it will still melt beautifully and add a mild creaminess to the sauce.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that complements the creamy tomato sauce but shouldn’t overpower it. You can always adjust the amount to your liking or omit them entirely if you prefer no heat.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make a vegan version by swapping the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and using a plant-based burrata alternative or simply omitting the cheese. The sauce remains rich and flavorful with these tweaks.
What wine pairs best with this creamy tomato gnocchi?
A light to medium-bodied red like Chianti or a fruity Pinot Noir pairs beautifully, balancing the creamy tomato richness. If you prefer white, an unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc with crisp acidity will complement the dish well.
Final Thoughts
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is truly a gem when you want to impress yourself and others without hours of fussing in the kitchen. The combination of pillowy gnocchi, velvety tomato cream sauce, and rich burrata cheese is an irresistible crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I absolutely encourage you to try making this at home—you might just find it becoming your new go-to comfort food for busy nights or casual dinner parties. Happy cooking!
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 featuring pillowy gnocchi simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with herbs and spices. The addition of fresh burrata cheese adds a luscious, creamy texture that melts beautifully into the sauce, making every bite indulgent. Perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner, this recipe balances ease with gourmet flavors.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi
- 4 ounces burrata cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn by stirring frequently.
- Add diced tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine evenly with the onion and garlic.
- Combine broth, cream, and tomato paste: Add vegetable broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until the tomato paste fully dissolves into the sauce.
- Season the sauce: Sprinkle in dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, then stir well to distribute all the flavors.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly and for the flavors to meld.
- Cook the gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions—typically 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface.
- Transfer gnocchi: Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked gnocchi and place them directly into the skillet with the simmering tomato sauce.
- Combine gnocchi with sauce: Gently stir the gnocchi in the sauce, coating each piece well without breaking them.
- Add burrata cheese: Tear the burrata into chunks and fold it carefully into the skillet. Stir gently to incorporate the cheese while leaving creamy pockets in the sauce.
- Melt the cheese: Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes, allowing the burrata to soften and blend into the sauce for a creamy texture.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and add more salt or pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Add fresh basil: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil to brighten and freshen the dish.
- Serve immediately: Plate the creamy tomato gnocchi with burrata while hot, garnishing with extra basil if desired for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the red pepper flakes according to taste.
- The fresh basil should be added at the end to retain its vibrant flavor and color.
- Gnocchi can be cooked ahead and added to the sauce just before serving, but fresh cooking yields the best texture.
- Burrata adds a rich creaminess, but mozzarella can be a substitute in a pinch.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
