Creamy Tomato Gnocchi

Name: Creamy Tomato Gnocchi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil, for garnish; Parmesan cheese, for serving

Highlighted under: Homegrown Comfort

When I crave comfort food, creamy tomato gnocchi always hits the spot. The soft, pillowy gnocchi combined with a rich tomato sauce creates an indulgent experience that I love to share with family and friends. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. I often enhance the flavor with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan, turning a simple dish into something special. Join me on this delicious journey of making creamy tomato gnocchi that's sure to become a favorite in your household.

Created by

Ruby Lawson

Last updated on 2026-02-08T05:25:36.102Z

Making creamy tomato gnocchi has been a delightful experiment in my kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the rich flavors to shine through. I like sautéing garlic in olive oil before adding the tomatoes, which creates a base that’s bursting with flavor. Once combined with the gnocchi, the dish becomes incredibly decadent yet comforting.

One tip I found essential is to toss the cooked gnocchi gently in the sauce so they remain plump and avoid breaking apart. This recipe never fails to impress, and I often find myself going back for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Irresistibly creamy sauce with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Pillowy gnocchi that absorbs all the wonderful flavors

The Magic of Gnocchi

Gnocchi serves as the soft, pillowy foundation of this recipe, and choosing the right type is essential. Store-bought gnocchi can save time, but consider making fresh gnocchi if you have extra time; the texture can be more rewarding. When cooking the gnocchi, it's crucial to watch for that telltale float—once they bob to the surface, they’re ready. Remember, overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, so keep a close eye on them during the cooking process.

To elevate the chewiness of your gnocchi, consider a two-part cooking method. First, boil them as instructed, and then pan-sear in a little olive oil once drained. This technique gives them crispy edges, enhancing the overall experience as they absorb the creamy sauce. A well-cooked gnocchi should have a light, airy quality that complements the richness of the sauce perfectly.

Sauce Secrets

The sauce in this recipe is the star, and its flavor profile relies heavily on the quality of your crushed tomatoes. Opt for a brand with minimal ingredients—ideally just tomatoes and salt—to ensure a clean taste. If you want to deepen the flavor, consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance acidity, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for complexity. As the tomatoes simmer, they should take on a vibrant color and sweet aroma—watch for small bubbles breaking the surface.

Incorporating the heavy cream into the sauce not only adds richness but also mellows out the acidity from the tomatoes. Stir gently until the sauce is glossy and well-combined—overheating can lead to separation, so keep the heat on low. If you find the sauce too thick after adding the cream, don't hesitate to thin it with a splash of reserved pasta water for a silky finish!

Serving and Storage Tips

When serving creamy tomato gnocchi, presentation can make a significant difference. Use a shallow bowl to showcase the gnocchi and sauce, and top generously with fresh basil and parmesan cheese for visual appeal and enhanced flavor. I like to serve it with crusty bread for dipping, ensuring no sauce is left behind. Pair it with a light salad for a well-rounded meal, contrasting the richness of the dish.

If you're looking to make this dish ahead of time, prepare the gnocchi and sauce separately to maintain the best texture. The gnocchi can be cooked and stored in the fridge for up to two days, while the sauce can be refrigerated for about a week. Reheat them together on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce's creaminess. I find that this dish also freezes well; simply let it cool completely before portioning into airtight containers.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your creamy tomato gnocchi:

Ingredients

1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish
Parmesan cheese, for serving

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before starting the cooking process for the best experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious creamy tomato gnocchi:

Cook the Gnocchi

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically around 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.

Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.

Serve

Transfer the creamy gnocchi to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal!

Pair with a crisp salad or some crusty bread to complete your meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce without compromising the creaminess.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten up this creamy tomato gnocchi, consider substituting half-and-half for heavy cream. This swap maintains a degree of creaminess while reducing calories. Alternatively, for a vegan option, cashew cream can be an excellent substitute. Simply soak raw cashews in water for a few hours, blend until smooth, and stir it into the sauce for richness without dairy.

For those who may be avoiding gluten, many brands offer gluten-free gnocchi made from ingredients like rice or potato flour. Just ensure to check the cooking instructions on the package, as they may differ from regular gnocchi. Additionally, if you can’t find fresh basil, dried herbs like oregano or thyme can add great flavor, though use them sparingly.

Cooking Techniques

A key cooking technique for achieving the best texture in your gnocchi is ensuring your water is at a rolling boil before adding them. This solid boil helps keep the gnocchi intact and prevents them from falling apart during cooking. Add a generous amount of salt to the water—like the ocean, it should be salty—this is where your gnocchi will absorb foundational flavor.

When combining the gnocchi and sauce, use a pair of tongs to gently toss them together, ensuring each piece of gnocchi is coated without breaking them apart. This method helps maintain the integrity of the gnocchi while making sure that each piece is infused with sauce, allowing for a balanced flavor in every bite.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with the sauce by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Sauté them after the garlic but before adding the crushed tomatoes for additional texture and flavor. This not only boosts nutritional value but also enhances the dish's visual appeal with vibrant colors reflecting a balanced meal.

Consider making it more substantial by adding protein like grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. Simply add them to the skillet after tossing the gnocchi and sauce together, allowing them to heat through. This variation can make the dish heartier and turn it into a fulfilling main course that works well for entertaining or weeknight dinners.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi is a great time-saver and will work perfectly in this recipe.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure your parmesan cheese is rennet-free for a fully vegetarian option.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use a combination of milk and cream or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk if preferred.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.