Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

Dreamy Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

Crafting a delightful creamy tomato gnocchi with burrata promises pure culinary magic that will transport you straight to an Italian kitchen.

Soft potato dumplings nestle perfectly in a velvety sauce rich with ripe tomatoes.

Fragrant basil leaves dance across the surface, adding fresh herbal notes to each luxurious bite.

Melted burrata cheese creates a dreamy, silky texture that makes this dish irresistibly comforting.

Weeknight dinners never looked so elegant or tasted so incredible.

Simple ingredients come together in a symphony of flavors that feel simultaneously rustic and sophisticated.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate an instant classic.

What You Need For Tomato Gnocchi With Burrata

Main Ingredients:
  • Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that form the base of this comforting dish.
  • Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes create a rich, flavorful sauce base.
  • Burrata: Creamy, luxurious cheese that adds a decadent finish to the pasta.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Classic flavor enhancers that bring depth and warmth to the sauce.
Finishing Touches:
  • Olive Oil, Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds richness and a fresh herbal note to complete the dish.

Simple Instructions For Tomato Gnocchi With Burrata

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium flame until the oil shimmers and spreads easily across the pan’s surface.

Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the hot skillet and let it dance and release its aromatic essence for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 3: Create the Tomato Base

  • Diced tomatoes
  • Canned tomatoes

Pour the tomatoes into the skillet and let them simmer and bubble, transforming into a rich, slightly thickened sauce over 10-15 minutes.

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor.

Step 4: Boil the Water

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water and let them cook for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface, indicating they’re perfectly tender.

Step 6: Drain and Reserve

Carefully drain the gnocchi, but save a quarter cup of the starchy pasta water – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce.

Step 7: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Transfer the cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce.

Gently toss and coat each pillow-like dumpling, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.

Step 8: Meld the Flavors

Let the gnocchi and sauce mingle and warm together for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to intertwine beautifully.

Step 9: Add Creamy Burrata

Remove the skillet from heat and artfully tear the burrata into soft, creamy pieces.

Scatter these white clouds across the top of the gnocchi.

Step 10: Final Touches

Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dish, sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves, and season with an extra pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Gnocchi Tips To Keep It Creamy And Tasty

  • Roast canned tomatoes in the oven for 15-20 minutes before adding to the skillet to intensify their natural sweetness and develop a deeper, richer taste.
  • Pat gnocchi dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure they become golden and crispy instead of becoming soggy in the sauce.
  • Let burrata sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before adding to the dish, allowing it to soften and create a more luxurious, creamy texture.
  • If the tomato sauce becomes too thick, use pasta water to thin it out – the starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy consistency that coats the gnocchi perfectly.
  • Replace burrata with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternative for a plant-based version that still delivers rich, satisfying flavor.

Store And Reheat Tomato Gnocchi With Burrata Easily

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Place gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
  • Warm gnocchi in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly.
  • Skip freezing as burrata and gnocchi can become mushy and lose their creamy texture when thawed, compromising the dish's quality.

Ideal Pairings For Tomato Gnocchi With Burrata

  • Pairing Refreshing Italian White Wine: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Vermentino that complements the creamy tomato sauce's acidity and cuts through the rich burrata.
  • Matching Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding a peppery contrast and fresh green notes.
  • Elevate with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted sourdough or ciabatta rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide delightful textural crunch.
  • Serve Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon and a hint of basil to cleanse the palate between bites and provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy gnocchi.

Ways To Switch Up Tomato Gnocchi With Burrata

  • Vegan Veggie Delight: Swap burrata with cashew cream cheese and use plant-based gnocchi. Replace dairy olive oil with avocado oil for added nutrition.
  • Gluten-Free Gnocchi Bowl: Choose potato gnocchi made from gluten-free flour blend. Use roasted cherry tomatoes instead of canned for deeper flavor profile.
  • Protein-Packed Option: Add cooked shredded chicken or white beans to increase protein content. Incorporate spinach or kale for extra nutrients and color.
  • Mediterranean Remix: Replace regular tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese instead of burrata and add kalamata olives for authentic Mediterranean taste.

FAQs

  • What is gnocchi and how is it different from regular pasta?

Gnocchi are small, soft Italian dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. Unlike traditional pasta, they have a denser, chewier texture and are usually rounder and smaller.

  • Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly fine. Fresh or vacuum-sealed gnocchi from the refrigerated section are best, but dried gnocchi from the pasta aisle can also be used with similar results.

  • Is burrata necessary for this recipe?

While burrata adds a luxurious creaminess, you can substitute with fresh mozzarella or ricotta if burrata is unavailable. The key is using a soft, creamy cheese that melts slightly when added to the warm dish.

  • How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a mild heat that provides a subtle kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small pinch or omit them entirely. You can always add more to taste.

What Makes Tomato Gnocchi With Burrata Irresistible

  • Enjoy the rich, creamy texture of burrata combined with soft gnocchi and tangy tomato sauce that feels like a warm hug.
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings with friends, this dish appeals to various taste preferences and skill levels.
  • Elevate your home cooking with restaurant-quality flavors using accessible ingredients that make you feel like a professional chef.
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Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Luxurious creamy tomato gnocchi with burrata blends Italian comfort and sophisticated flavors in one delightful dish. Silky pillows of potato dumplings nestled in rich sauce promise a culinary experience that invites you to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) fresh or store-bought gnocchi
  • 2 balls of burrata cheese
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) ripe tomatoes (diced (or 1 14-ounce (396 grams) can of high-quality canned tomatoes))

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh basil leaves (torn)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Spice:

  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a foundation for the aromatic sauce.
  2. Introduce minced garlic, stirring until its fragrance becomes pronounced and intensifies, approximately 30 seconds.
  3. Incorporate diced tomatoes, allowing them to simmer and reduce for 10-15 minutes, transforming into a luscious, slightly thickened consistency.
  4. Enhance the sauce with a balanced blend of salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
  5. Simultaneously, prepare a large pot of salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil.
  6. Carefully add gnocchi to the boiling water, cooking until they float to the surface, typically 2-3 minutes.
  7. Strain the gnocchi, reserving a quarter cup of starchy pasta water to potentially adjust sauce consistency.
  8. Transfer the cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet with the rich tomato sauce.
  9. Gently fold the gnocchi, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated with sauce, using reserved pasta water if the mixture seems too thick.
  10. Allow the dish to meld together for an additional 1-2 minutes, intensifying the flavor profile.
  11. Remove the skillet from heat, preparing for the final luxurious touches.
  12. Delicately tear burrata into soft, creamy pieces, scattering them across the gnocchi.
  13. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dish, adding a final layer of richness.
  14. Garnish with fresh, torn basil leaves, introducing a vibrant, herbaceous element.
  15. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired, ensuring a perfectly balanced final presentation.

Notes

  • Enhance the sauce’s depth by caramelizing tomatoes slightly before adding garlic, which intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a richer flavor profile.
  • Prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy by cooking them just until they float to the water’s surface, ensuring a perfectly tender yet firm texture.
  • Accommodate gluten-sensitive diets by using store-bought or homemade potato-based gluten-free gnocchi, maintaining the dish’s creamy and comforting essence.
  • Elevate the protein content by adding crispy pancetta or grilled chicken for a more substantial meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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