Description
This creamy tomato gnocchi recipe is a quick and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Soft potato gnocchi simmered in a rich tomato sauce enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream creates a luscious meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, it’s a delightful Italian-inspired entrée that’s simple yet flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Cook garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer sauce base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, creating a rich and creamy tomato base.
- Cook gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly in the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
- Add cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts into the sauce and it becomes luxuriously creamy.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve garnished: Serve the creamy tomato gnocchi hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or store-bought gnocchi; just adjust cooking time slightly if using fresh.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese does not contain animal rennet or use a vegetarian cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
