30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is here to satisfy every comforting food desire. This luscious gnocchi dish combines pillowy soft potato dumplings with a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce, all elevated by the luxurious creaminess of fresh burrata cheese. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests, it’s a perfect blend of freshness, creaminess, and just a hint of spice that’s bound to become your new favorite go-to meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: each ingredient plays a star role, bringing layers of flavor, texture, and color to the dish without requiring a lengthy shopping list. You’ll appreciate how these essentials come together effortlessly to create a comforting, vibrant meal.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: The flavorful base that gently cooks the onions and garlic to aromatic perfection.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory depth to the sauce when sautéed soft.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, garlicky aroma that awakens the senses.
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, providing fresh, tangy tomato flavor with lovely texture.
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth: Helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency while adding gentle earthiness.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates that rich, silky base that transforms the tomato sauce into a creamy dream.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Boosts the tomato intensity and deepens the sauce’s color.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses classic Italian herb notes that brighten the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a rustic, aromatic touch that balances the creaminess.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: A subtle spark of heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
• 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi: The tender, pillowy stars of the dish that soak up the luscious sauce perfectly.
• 4 ounces burrata cheese: Creamy, decadent, and slightly tangy, it melts into the sauce for irresistible richness.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Bright and fresh, it finishes the dish with herbaceous vibrancy and a pop of green.
• Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors, bringing balance to each bite.
• Black pepper to taste: Adds a subtle peppery warmth to round out the seasoning.

How to Make 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sautée for 3-4 minutes until it softens to a translucent, tender state. This gentle cooking releases the onion’s natural sweetness, forming the savory backbone of your sauce.

Step 2: Add Garlic Magic

Introduce the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring often. The fragrant garlic infuses the oil and onion with warmth and depth, building layers of aroma that will carry through the entire dish.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Base

Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes, juices included, and stir to combine. This creates a fresh, tangy foundation for your creamy sauce and brings delightful texture.

Step 4: Enrich the Sauce

Add vegetable broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste. Stir until the tomato paste fully dissolves, blending in rich tomato flavor and ensuring a beautifully smooth, creamy sauce base. This combination transforms the dish into the signature creamy tomato delight you’re after.

Step 5: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes, then season with salt and black pepper. These herbs and spices bring classic Italian flavor vibes and just enough heat, creating a perfectly balanced and fragrant sauce.

Step 6: Simmer for Flavor

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes. This simmering step thickens your sauce beautifully and melds all the flavors together, making each bite ever more delicious.

Step 7: Cook the Gnocchi

While your sauce simmers, cook the gnocchi in salted boiling water according to the package directions—usually just 2-3 minutes until they float to the top. This quick cooking keeps them tender and pillowy.

Step 8: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi straight into the skillet. Gently stir to coat each fluffy piece with the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 9: Add Burrata Indulgence

Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and fold it into the skillet mixture. Stir carefully so some of the cheese melts into the sauce, creating luscious, creamy pockets that elevate the dish’s richness to pure bliss.

Step 10: Final Seasoning and Fresh Basil

Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes to let the cheese meld perfectly, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Finish with fresh chopped basil stirred in just before removing from heat to add a note of brightness and color.

How to Serve 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top adds a fragrant pop of freshness and beautiful color contrast. For an extra touch of decadence, consider a few shavings of Parmesan or a grind of black pepper.

Side Dishes

This creamy gnocchi pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables for added texture and nutrition. Crusty bread is also fantastic for sopping up every last bit of that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party impressive presentation, serve portions in warm shallow bowls with an extra piece of burrata gently placed on top. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy touch that feels special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, but the gnocchi may absorb some sauce, so add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.

Freezing

While burrata doesn’t freeze well due to its delicate texture, you can freeze the gnocchi and tomato sauce separately without cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently with a splash of heavy cream or broth to revive the creamy consistency. Add fresh burrata after reheating for the freshest taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly here and cooks quickly, making this a great recipe for busy nights. Just follow the package instructions for best results.

Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy sauce?

You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream or any plant-based cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese instead of burrata. The sauce will still be flavorful and creamy with those substitutions.

How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes provide a gentle warmth without overwhelming heat. You can adjust or omit them depending on your spice preference.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently before adding cooked gnocchi and burrata for best freshness.

What can I substitute if I don’t have burrata?

Fresh mozzarella is a good alternative though less creamy. For a richer option, add a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese at the end to mimic that luscious texture.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved comfort meal for so many. It’s a beautiful balance of quick prep, incredible flavors, and just the right touch of indulgence. Whether for a weeknight treat or an easy dinner party, it’s guaranteed to warm hearts and satisfy hunger with every creamy, dreamy bite.

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