I absolutely adore this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe because it’s a perfect blend of comfort and elegance that I can whip up on a busy weeknight or impress guests without stress. The rich, velvety tomato cream sauce clings to pillowy gnocchi, while the fresh burrata cheese adds a luscious, creamy finish that feels so indulgent. I love how quickly it comes together, delivering restaurant-quality flavors with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
One thing that really excites me about this recipe is its bold and vibrant flavor profile. The cherry tomatoes simmer down into a jammy, slightly sweet sauce, which perfectly balances the gentle heat from red pepper flakes and the aromatic garlic. Adding cream softens the acidity beautifully, creating an indulgent, silky sauce that wraps around each gnocchi like a warm hug. Tossing in fresh basil offers that bright, herby lift that makes every bite unforgettable.
What really makes this dish stand out to me is how effortless it is while feeling so special. Gnocchi cooks in just minutes, and the sauce simmers away while the pasta boils, allowing me to multitask easily. It’s a dish that fits so many occasions—whether I’m looking for a cozy family dinner, a weekend lunch with friends, or a simple but elegant meal to raise the bar on a weekday night. Plus, the burrata on top! That creamy, dreamy cheese just elevates everything, making it look and taste like I spent hours in the kitchen, even when I haven’t.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe are wonderfully simple yet essential. Each element plays a key role in building the luscious sauce, the tender gnocchi’s texture, or the bright, fresh finish.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness that forms the base for sautéing garlic and tomatoes.
- Garlic cloves: Provides a fragrant, savory depth that infuses the entire sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness create a vibrant, jammy sauce when cooked down.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the natural sweetness of tomatoes.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a mild spicy kick and complexity to the dish.
- Heavy cream: Brings a luxurious, smooth texture that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Potato gnocchi: I prefer DeLallo brand for its pillowy softness and perfect cook time.
- Fresh burrata cheese: Melts gently on top, introducing a creamy, decadent element to the dish.
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds a vibrant, herbaceous freshness that brightens the finished plate.
Directions
Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. You want the water to be well-seasoned so the gnocchi absorbs some flavor while cooking.
Step 2: While waiting for the water to boil, heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the peeled, lightly crushed garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic will add bitterness.
Step 3: Turn your heat to medium and add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir occasionally and let them cook down until they become soft and jammy, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes. If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat to medium-low to keep everything mellow and balanced.
Step 4: Season the tomato mixture with red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir gently to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream. Let it blend in for a few minutes until your sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Meanwhile, once your water boils, add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually 2 to 3 minutes, until they float to the surface and are tender but still springy. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the gnocchi.
Step 6: Transfer the cooked gnocchi and reserved cooking water directly into the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Toss continuously over medium heat for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, perfectly coating every piece of gnocchi.
Step 7: Stir in fresh basil leaves, saving some to garnish at the end.
Step 8: Finally, tear the burrata balls into generous pieces and gently disperse them over the gnocchi. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the reserved basil leaves on top for a fresh, stunning presentation.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 6 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. Prep time is surprisingly quick, just about 5 minutes to get everything ready. Cooking takes roughly 25 minutes, including simmering the sauce and cooking gnocchi, bringing the total time to about 30 minutes. There’s no resting time required, so you serve it hot and fresh straight from the stove, maximizing the creamy texture and the perfect warmth of the burrata.
How to Serve This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
When I serve this creamy tomato gnocchi, I like to keep the sides simple and complementary. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a plate of roasted seasonal vegetables pairs beautifully, offering freshness and a bit of crunch to contrast the tender gnocchi. Warm, crusty bread on the side is a must for me — it’s perfect for sopping up the luscious tomato cream sauce.
For presentation, I love spooning the gnocchi into warm bowls, ensuring each serving gets a few melting pieces of burrata and a sprinkle of vibrant basil. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil right before serving adds a glorious shimmer and an extra layer of flavor. If I’m entertaining, I sometimes add a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan for a sharper cheese note that contrasts nicely with the creamy burrata.
When it comes to drinks, I am a fan of pairing this dish with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light, fruity rosé. Both wines enhance the tomato’s brightness and complement the creamy sauce without overpowering it. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a lightly brewed iced tea works beautifully. I find this dish perfect for cozy weeknights, casual dinner parties, or when I want something satisfying and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Variations
One of the best things about this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you want to lighten it up, swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a creamy cashew sauce (for a vegan twist) works nicely while keeping that luscious texture. You can also swap potato gnocchi for gluten-free varieties or even fresh pasta if that’s what you have on hand.
If you crave some extra veggies, I sometimes toss in sautéed spinach, roasted mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor depth. For a hint of smoky richness, stirring in some crispy pancetta or Italian sausage before adding the tomatoes never fails to elevate the dish. And of course, you can skip burrata and use fresh mozzarella or ricotta, though nothing quite matches burrata’s creamy magic.
For a unique cooking method, I’ve experimented with oven-roasting the tomatoes instead of sautéing them. It intensifies their sweetness and adds a subtle caramelized flavor that makes the sauce even more complex. Just roast the cherry tomatoes tossed with garlic and olive oil at 400°F for about 20 minutes, then mash and finish with cream in the skillet.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, I recommend transferring them to an airtight container and refrigerating them promptly. I find that the gnocchi and sauce keep well for up to 3 days. Because burrata is best fresh, try to spoon off any leftover cheese and store it separately if you have extra; otherwise, it’s best to add fresh burrata when reheating or serving leftovers.
Freezing
This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing due to the cream sauce and delicate burrata, which don’t freeze well and can become grainy or watery when thawed. If you need to freeze components, I suggest freezing gnocchi uncooked and thawing fresh tomatoes separately. For the full dish, enjoying it fresh is really worth it.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, I gently warm the gnocchi and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the gnocchi gummy and the sauce separate. Always reintroduce fresh basil and, if you have it, fresh burrata on top just before serving to bring back that special creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well, and you can cook it straight from the freezer according to the package instructions. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as frozen gnocchi may need an extra minute or two to become tender and float to the surface.
What’s the difference between burrata and mozzarella?
Burrata is like mozzarella’s creamier cousin. It has an outer shell of mozzarella but is filled with a soft, creamy mixture of cheese and cream inside. This gives it that luxurious texture and rich flavor that pairs incredibly well with this tomato gnocchi recipe, whereas mozzarella is firmer and milder.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, you can replace the heavy cream with a plant-based cream such as coconut cream or cashew cream, and swap the burrata for a vegan cheese alternative or simply omit it. Using vegan gnocchi that’s free of eggs will complete the transformation.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but aren’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or leaving them out entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop the garlic and basil in advance to save time. Also, the tomato sauce can be made a day ahead and gently reheated when you’re ready to cook the gnocchi. Just add cream and burrata fresh at serving for the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
I can’t recommend this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe enough for anyone craving a quick yet indulgent meal that feels like a true treat. It’s such a joy to prepare and share with loved ones, and I promise you’ll love how the creamy tomato sauce and buttery burrata come together in every bite. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too!
