If you are craving a comforting, luscious dish that manages to be both simple and gourmet, let me introduce you to this incredible Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe. It combines pillowy potato gnocchi with a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce that bursts with fresh garlic, tangy Dijon, and aromatic basil. Every bite melts effortlessly in your mouth, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special treat for food lovers. This recipe is a beautiful balance of creamy richness and bright tomato flavors that you’ll find yourself wanting again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing a unique element to the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the sautéed onions adding sweetness to the fresh basil bringing herbal brightness, every piece plays its part.
- Olive oil: For that perfect sauté base that adds subtle fruity richness.
- Onion (1/2 medium, finely chopped): Provides a gentle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Dry white wine (1/4 cup): Adds acidity and complexity, marrying all the flavors beautifully.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Introduces a slight tang and warmth that elevates the sauce.
- Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced): Gives an aromatic punch that’s classic and essential.
- Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon dashes): A blend of herbs that brings a subtle Mediterranean flair.
- Canned diced tomatoes with juices (14 oz): The star ingredient lending fresh tomato flavor and acidity.
- Heavy or whipping cream (1 cup): The creamy component that makes the dish luxuriously smooth.
- Uncooked potato gnocchi (1 pound): Soft, pillow-like dumplings that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Fresh basil (small handful, torn or chopped): Bright herbal notes that finish the dish with freshness.
- Salt & pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds savory, nutty depth if you want to make it extra special.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and cook for about five minutes. It’s okay if the onions get a little browned because that adds a lovely caramelized sweetness which deepens the sauce flavor.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the dry white wine, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to your skillet. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, aromatic mixture. Let it cook for about one minute so the flavors marry wonderfully and the wine’s edge softens.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Cream, and Gnocchi
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, the heavy cream, and toss in the uncooked potato gnocchi. Bring everything back up to a light bubble, then reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for five minutes to allow the gnocchi to cook through and absorb the creamy tomato goodness.
Step 4: Finish with Basil and Seasonings
Give your dish a good stir to make sure nothing sticks, then add the fresh torn basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Let it cook for another couple of minutes to thicken the sauce slightly and let those basil flavors fully infuse.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Serve
Lastly, stir in freshly grated Parmesan if you’re using it, or simply sprinkle it on top right before serving. The Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a savory richness that’s hard to beat. Serve your creamy tomato gnocchi immediately while it’s warm, piping hot, and utterly delicious!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
To help your dish stand out, fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, a few torn basil leaves, or a drizzle of good quality olive oil work wonderfully. They add a final flavor boost and a pop of color that makes it feel truly special.
Side Dishes
For sides, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy gnocchi. Roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also make a great pairing, balancing the richness and adding textural variety.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to make this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe feel fancy, try plating it in shallow bowls with extra basil and a little Parmesan snow on top. A slice of crusty garlic bread alongside it is perfect to soak up the luscious sauce, making the presentation as delightful as the taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy tomato gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often develop even more, but the sauce may thicken so just add a splash of cream or milk when reheating if needed.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t ideal because the gnocchi texture can get a bit mushy once thawed. However, if necessary, freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container and cook fresh gnocchi when ready to serve for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little cream or milk if the sauce feels too thick. Microwave works too but be careful to heat it evenly to keep the sauce smooth and avoid dry patches on the gnocchi.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi works perfectly and saves time. Just be sure to check the cooking instructions on the package, but generally, it cooks quickly in the sauce as described.
Is this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this version is vegetarian-friendly, especially if you use vegetarian Parmesan or skip the cheese altogether. The rich sauce and gnocchi make it filling and satisfying without any meat.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative. The flavors might shift slightly but will still be delightfully creamy and rich.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting with no added heat; however, you can easily customize it by adding red pepper flakes or chopped chili for a little kick if you like heat.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the creamy tomato sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat and add freshly cooked gnocchi to avoid overcooking them.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe a try because it is one of those golden dishes that feels both special and effortlessly doable. The creamy sauce and tender gnocchi make a harmony of flavors you won’t want to miss out on. It’s the kind of meal that brings a big comforting hug right to your kitchen table—enjoy every bite!
Print
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Tomato Gnocchi recipe features tender potato gnocchi simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh basil. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped finely
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
For the Gnocchi
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
Finishing Touches
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and lightly browned.
- Add Aromatics and Wine: Pour in the white wine, then add Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and cook for about 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Combine Tomatoes, Cream, and Gnocchi: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, heavy cream, and uncooked gnocchi. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let cook for 5 minutes.
- Finish Cooking and Season: Remove the cover, stir well, then add fresh basil along with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to ensure the gnocchi is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Parmesan and Serve: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, or sprinkle it on top. Serve the creamy tomato gnocchi immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for best flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; if unavailable, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure gnocchi contains no egg products and omit Parmesan or use a vegetarian cheese alternative.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
