Creamy Tomato Gnocchi
Warm and comforting, creamy tomato gnocchi combines delicate textures with a rich and velvety sauce, accented by the vibrant acidity of tomatoes and herbs. This vegetarian-friendly dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, offering gourmet comfort with fresh ingredients.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz / 800 g
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
For the Gnocchi
- 1 pound potato gnocchi 450 g, store-bought works well
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 50 g
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
- Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, allowing it to sizzle gently for about 1 minute.
- Tip: Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning, as that can turn the flavor bitter.
- Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring them into the sizzling oil and garlic. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add the Cream
- Once the tomato mixture has thickened, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Tip: For extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Season with dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer while you prepare the gnocchi.
Cook the Gnocchi
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. They will be ready when they float to the surface.
- Tip: Gnocchi cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
- Using a colander, drain the gnocchi and then gently add them to your creamy tomato sauce, tossing to coat every piece lovingly.
Serve
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve in beautiful bowls.
Notes
Pro tips: Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor. Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce. Add cooked spinach or kale for an extra veggie boost. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings to your preference. Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for an interesting flavor twist.