Description
Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi is a luscious and comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines pillowy gnocchi with a velvety tomato cream sauce, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and herbaceous flavors, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that feels special and satisfying in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound gnocchi
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi: Prepare the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually boiling them in salted water until they float to the surface, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook cherry tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and begin to release their juices, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts fully into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Combine gnocchi and basil: Add the cooked gnocchi and chopped fresh basil to the skillet, stirring well to coat everything evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Season: Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Dish out the creamy tomato basil gnocchi warm, optionally garnished with extra fresh basil leaves for added freshness and color.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use fresh gnocchi if available for an even more tender texture.
- You can add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle spicy kick.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
- If you prefer, roasted cherry tomatoes intensify the sweetness and flavor in the sauce.
