This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is a dreamy, comforting dish that brings together pillowy soft gnocchi, a rich tomato cream sauce, and creamy burrata cheese—all ready in just half an hour. I love how the sauce clings to every bite of gnocchi, and when I break open that burrata, it melts into the sauce like magic. It’s quick, satisfying, and elegant enough to serve to guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and feels like something straight out of a restaurant. The gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that rich tomato flavor. The burrata adds a luxurious, creamy finish that turns this simple meal into something really special. Plus, it all comes together in one pan—minimal prep, minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
- Burrata cheese
- Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Directions
- I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- I pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring them to a simmer, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.
- I stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- I add the gnocchi straight into the sauce (no need to pre-boil) and let it cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Once everything is cooked through, I remove the pan from heat and gently place the burrata on top. I let it sit for a minute to soften.
- I garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, then serve immediately—breaking open that burrata right before digging in.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes around 5–10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so dinner’s ready in about 30 minutes flat.
Variations
I sometimes add baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms for more veggies. If I want a protein boost, I stir in cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken. For a dairy-free version, I use coconut cream and skip the burrata—still creamy and delicious. And when I want extra depth, I add a splash of balsamic vinegar or white wine to the sauce before adding the cream.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. It also reheats well in the microwave—about 1–2 minutes per serving. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the burrata and gnocchi can change texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, I use frozen gnocchi straight from the freezer. It may need an extra minute or two to cook in the sauce.
What’s the best type of tomato for the sauce?
I like using crushed tomatoes or passata for a smooth, rich base. Fire-roasted tomatoes also add a nice smoky flavor.
Is burrata necessary?
Burrata adds a creamy, indulgent touch, but if I don’t have it, I use fresh mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta as a substitute.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I prefer this dish fresh, but I sometimes make the sauce ahead and store it separately. I add the gnocchi and burrata when I’m ready to serve.
What should I serve with it?
I serve this with a simple green salad or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. It also pairs nicely with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Conclusion
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is everything I want in a quick, cozy dinner—creamy, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. It’s the kind of meal I turn to when I want comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. One pan, big flavor, and that melty burrata on top? It’s always a win.
Print30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata
This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is a quick, comforting dish featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce, topped with luscious burrata cheese. It’s elegant enough for guests and simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 ball burrata cheese (about 4 oz)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add gnocchi directly to the sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes or until gnocchi are tender and sauce is creamy.
- Remove from heat and gently place burrata on top. Let sit for 1–2 minutes to soften.
- Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, breaking open the burrata before serving.
Notes
- Add baby spinach, mushrooms, or cooked sausage for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use fresh mozzarella or ricotta if burrata isn’t available.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or white wine for extra depth before adding cream.
- Reheat gently with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
- Best served fresh—gnocchi and burrata can change texture if frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
