Creamy Tomato and Burrata Gnocchi Recipe – A Delicious, Comforting Italian Dish

Are you looking for a dish that brings together the rich flavors of tomatoes, creamy cheese, and soft, pillowy gnocchi? Look no further! This Creamy Tomato and Burrata Gnocchi recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a comforting, decadent meal that will warm you up on chilly evenings and make you feel like you’re dining at an Italian trattoria. The combination of crispy gnocchi, tangy tomato sauce, creamy burrata cheese, and aromatic basil is simply divine.

Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Creamy Tomato and Burrata Gnocchi recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes! Let’s dive into the details of how you can create this Italian-inspired masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Tomato and Burrata Gnocchi

Before we begin, make sure you gather the following simple ingredients:

For the Gnocchi and Sauce:

• 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi: Gnocchi are soft, pillowy dumplings made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. You can either make them from scratch or buy pre-made gnocchi from the store.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil is essential for sautéing the garlic and helping the flavors come together beautifully.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant base to the tomato sauce and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes are the foundation of the rich tomato sauce that will coat the gnocchi. You can use fresh tomatoes if preferred, but canned ones work great for convenience.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce a luscious, velvety texture, making it rich and creamy.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano adds an earthy, Mediterranean flavor to the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A dash of red pepper flakes adds a bit of heat to balance the richness of the sauce. Feel free to skip this if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: These will season the sauce to perfection.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan is added to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor and a little tang.

For the Burrata and Garnish:

• 1 ball burrata cheese: Burrata is a soft, creamy cheese that melts perfectly when added to the gnocchi. Its rich texture is what makes this dish truly indulgent.
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish: Fresh basil adds a vibrant touch of flavor and color to the dish, completing the Italian vibe.

Instructions for Making Creamy Tomato and Burrata Gnocchi

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it comes to a boil, add the gnocchi and cook them according to the package instructions. This typically takes about 2–3 minutes, and the gnocchi are done when they float to the top. After draining them, set them aside and get ready for the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Step 3: Simmer the Tomatoes

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. You’ll start to notice the sauce thickening slightly.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes a rich and creamy consistency.

Step 5: Combine with Gnocchi

Now it’s time to add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Toss the gnocchi in the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Let the gnocchi cook in the sauce for about 2 more minutes, making sure everything is heated through.

Step 6: Add the Burrata

Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and place it over the gnocchi. The cheese should start to melt into the sauce, creating a beautifully creamy texture. Burrata brings an indulgent richness that will take this dish to the next level.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

To finish off the dish, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves over the gnocchi for a pop of color and an added layer of flavor. If you’d like, you can also add a little extra grated Parmesan for a cheesier bite. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why You Should Try This Creamy Tomato and Burrata Gnocchi

This recipe is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, making it ideal for a cozy dinner with family or friends. The rich tomato sauce, creamy burrata cheese, and soft gnocchi combine to create a dish that is satisfying and full of flavor. It’s an easy yet indulgent meal that feels like comfort food but tastes restaurant-worthy.

Versatility of Gnocchi

Gnocchi is incredibly versatile and can be paired with many different sauces, making it a perfect pasta alternative. For this recipe, the creamy tomato sauce works beautifully with the gnocchi, but you can always swap it for a pesto sauce, brown butter sauce, or even a simple garlic and olive oil sauce. The possibilities are endless!

Fresh Burrata for Extra Creaminess

What makes this dish stand out is the addition of burrata cheese. Burrata has a delicate outer shell and a creamy, soft interior that adds an extra layer of indulgence to the meal. As the burrata melts into the sauce, it gives the dish a luxurious, velvety texture that will have everyone coming back for more.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want a comforting meal to enjoy after a long day, this creamy tomato and burrata gnocchi recipe is sure to impress. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough to serve at special occasions.

FAQs About Creamy Tomato and Burrata Gnocchi

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and gnocchi ahead of time. Store the cooked gnocchi and sauce separately in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to serve. However, it’s best to add the burrata cheese just before serving to ensure it remains fresh and creamy.

2. Can I substitute the burrata cheese?

While burrata is a key ingredient in this dish, you can substitute it with fresh mozzarella if you prefer. The mozzarella will give a similar creamy texture, though it won’t have the same richness as burrata.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian as it doesn’t contain meat, and it’s perfect for anyone following a vegetarian diet. You can even make it vegan by swapping the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream and using a vegan cheese alternative.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover gnocchi and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Burrata will lose some of its creamy texture when reheated, so it’s best to add fresh burrata when serving leftovers.

5. Can I make homemade gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Making homemade gnocchi is a fun and rewarding process. You can find many recipes online for homemade gnocchi, or you can use pre-made gnocchi for convenience. Either way, the creamy tomato and burrata sauce will be the star of the dish.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato and Burrata Gnocchi is the perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal with a touch of elegance. The combination of pillowy gnocchi, creamy tomato sauce, and decadent burrata cheese creates an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Enjoy this indulgent dish with your loved ones, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Print