Creamy Tomato Gnocchi

This luxurious, creamy tomato gnocchi transforms store-bought ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 20 minutes. The pillowy potato dumplings are bathed in a silky tomato cream sauce that’s rich yet light, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special without the fuss.

If gnocchi is your thing, you won’t want to miss out on Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Gnocchi

Maximum Flavor, Minimum Effort

This dish delivers impressive flavor with minimal ingredients and effort. Sweet tomatoes, cream, fresh herbs, and pillowy gnocchi combine to create a sophisticated dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

One-Pan Wonder

Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. The sauce comes together while the gnocchi cooks, making this truly efficient cooking.

Versatile Comfort Food

This dish bridges the gap between casual comfort food and elegant dining. Serve it as a quick family dinner or impress dinner guests with its restaurant-quality presentation and flavor.

Budget-Friendly Gourmet

Using pantry staples and affordable ingredients, this recipe elevates humble components into something truly special without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

For the Tomato Cream Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely diced (adds depth the original recipe lacks)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (helps bind the sauce)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, torn or chopped, plus more for garnish

For the Gnocchi

• 1 pound (16 oz) shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
• 1 tablespoon butter (for added richness)

Supplies & Tools Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan (10-12 inches works best)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Cheese grater
• Colander (if boiling gnocchi separately)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Gnocchi

1. Choose your cooking method:
   • Traditional method: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface). Drain and set aside.
   • One-pan method: Skip pre-boiling and add the gnocchi directly to the sauce later, where they’ll cook in the liquid.

Making the Tomato Cream Sauce

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn).
2. Build the sauce base: Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
3. Add richness: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and butter, allowing the sauce to return to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Incorporate gnocchi:
   • If you boiled the gnocchi separately, add it to the sauce now.
   • If using the one-pan method, add uncooked gnocchi directly to the sauce, stir gently, cover, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
5. Finish the dish: Once gnocchi is tender, add Parmesan cheese and 1-2 tablespoons of pasta water if needed to reach the desired consistency. Gently stir in fresh basil.
6. Final touches: Taste and adjust seasonings. The sauce should coat the gnocchi beautifully with a silky texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Gnocchi

Gnocchi cooks very quickly. Overcooked gnocchi becomes mushy and falls apart. Whether boiling separately or cooking in the sauce, keep a close eye on them—they’re done as soon as they float or become tender.

Making the Sauce Too Thick

The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick while cooking, add a splash of pasta water or cream to reach the desired silky consistency.

Rushing the Simmer Stage

Allow the tomato base to simmer before adding cream. This develops a deeper flavor and reduces acidity. Skipping this step results in a less complex sauce.

Skipping the Fresh Herbs

Fresh basil makes a significant difference in the final flavor. While dried herbs work in the sauce, finish with fresh herbs for brightness and aroma.

Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips

Perfect Pairings

• Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
• Pair with garlic bread or a crusty Italian bread to soak up extra sauce
• Add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli
• For protein, consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Microwave on 70% power with a damp paper towel covering the dish.
• Freezing: While possible, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. If freezing, do so in individual portions for up to 1 month and reheat slowly, whisking to recombine.

Variations & Substitutions

Make It Lighter

• Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream (sauce will be thinner)
• Use mascarpone instead of cream for a different but equally rich flavor
• Try Greek yogurt (add off heat to prevent curdling) for a tangy twist

Different Gnocchi Options

• Try cauliflower or sweet potato gnocchi for a different flavor profile
• Use homemade gnocchi for a truly special dish
• Try spinach or herb gnocchi for added color and flavor

Sauce Variations

• Vodka Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons vodka to the tomato base and simmer for 5 minutes before adding cream
• Pesto Cream: Stir in 2 tablespoons of prepared pesto with the cream
• Spicy Arrabbiata: Double the red pepper flakes and add 1/2 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
• Mushroom Tomato: Add 8oz sliced mushrooms after the shallots and sauté until golden

Add-Ins

• Baby spinach or kale (add in the last minute of cooking)
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Roasted red peppers, diced
• Caramelized onions
• Fresh mozzarella pearls (add at the very end)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly but remain delicious. Nutritional yeast can add a cheese-like flavor.

Why did my cream sauce curdle?

Cream can curdle if added to very hot tomato sauce or if boiled vigorously. To prevent this, reduce heat before adding cream and maintain a gentle simmer. Tempering the cream by adding a spoonful of the hot sauce to it before incorporating can also help.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

While fresh basil provides the best flavor, you can substitute 1 teaspoon dried basil added with the other dried herbs. Consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest at the end to brighten the dish if you don’t have fresh herbs.

What’s the difference between shelf-stable and refrigerated gnocchi?

Shelf-stable gnocchi has been partially cooked and dehydrated, giving it a longer shelf life but slightly firmer texture. Refrigerated gnocchi is fresher with a more delicate texture. Both work beautifully in this recipe with minimal cooking time adjustments.

How can I add protein to this dish?

Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sautéed shrimp make excellent additions. Cook proteins separately and add them to the sauce before incorporating the gnocchi, or serve them alongside or on top of the finished dish.

Concluding Thoughts

This creamy tomato gnocchi bridges the gap between weeknight convenience and special-occasion indulgence. With its silky sauce and pillowy dumplings, it’s a dish that impresses without stressing. Try it tonight—your family will think you’ve been cooking all day!

Creamy Tomato Gnocchi

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• Author: Julie
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This luxurious, creamy tomato gnocchi transforms store-bought ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 20 minutes. The pillowy potato dumplings are bathed in a silky tomato cream sauce that’s rich yet light—perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special without the fuss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1 pound (16 oz) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• 1 tablespoon butter

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Instructions

1. Choose cooking method for gnocchi: boil in salted water until floating (2–3 min), or cook directly in sauce later.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté shallot for 2 minutes, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
4. Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream and butter. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
5. Add gnocchi: either boiled or uncooked (cover and simmer 3–4 minutes if uncooked).
6. Stir in Parmesan and reserved pasta water if needed. Add chopped basil.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve garnished with more basil and Parmesan.

Notes

Don’t overcook the gnocchi—remove as soon as they’re tender or floating. Let the tomato base simmer before adding cream to avoid curdling and boost flavor. Fresh basil is essential for a bright finish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pan
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: gnocchi, tomato cream sauce, creamy tomato gnocchi, quick dinner, vegetarian

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