30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

When it comes to quick, comforting, and restaurant-quality meals, 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is a game-changer. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With a luscious tomato cream sauce, pillowy gnocchi, and creamy burrata, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Created by Jamie Vespa MS, RD, this recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a cozy dinner, this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi delivers on flavor, texture, and simplicity. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Minimal Ingredients: Made with simple, fresh ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
3. Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of creamy tomato sauce, tender gnocchi, and rich burrata is irresistible.
4. Versatile: Customize the recipe to suit your taste—add protein, swap the cheese, or adjust the spice level.
5. Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers store and reheat beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.

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Ingredients for 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and tomatoes.
• 6 to 8 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed: Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor.
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they break down into a jammy sauce.
• 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick of heat.
• 1 tsp. kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the dish.
• 1/2 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and depth.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
• 2 (16-oz. packages) potato gnocchi: The star of the dish—soft, pillowy, and satisfying.
• 2 (4-oz.) balls fresh burrata cheese: Adds a creamy, indulgent finish.
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Gnocchi

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will cook the gnocchi to perfection while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes

Increase the heat to medium and add the cherry tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the tomatoes break down and become jammy, about 10 to 12 minutes. If the garlic starts to burn, reduce the heat to medium-low. Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Add the Cream

Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. This creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the gnocchi beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

Once the water comes to a boil, add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the rest.

Step 6: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Transfer the cooked gnocchi and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 minutes. Stir in the fresh basil, reserving some for garnish.

Step 7: Add the Burrata

Break the burrata balls into pieces and disperse them evenly over the pasta. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with the reserved basil.

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The Magic of Gnocchi in Quick Meals

Gnocchi, those delightful little pillows of dough, are a secret weapon for quick and satisfying meals. Originating from Italian cuisine, gnocchi are typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, resulting in a soft, chewy texture that pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces. What makes gnocchi particularly appealing for busy cooks is its versatility and speed. Unlike traditional pasta, which can take time to cook al dente, gnocchi cooks in just a few minutes, making it an ideal base for 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi.

One of the best things about gnocchi is its ability to absorb flavors. Whether you’re tossing it in a rich tomato sauce, a creamy Alfredo, or a simple brown butter and sage sauce, gnocchi soaks up the flavors like a sponge. In this recipe, the gnocchi is paired with a luscious tomato cream sauce, creating a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and creamy notes. The addition of burrata cheese takes it to the next level, adding a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Another advantage of gnocchi is its shelf-stable nature. Most grocery stores carry packaged gnocchi that can be stored in your pantry for months, ready to be transformed into a delicious meal at a moment’s notice. For those who prefer homemade, gnocchi can be made in advance and frozen, ensuring you always have a quick meal option on hand.

In the context of 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi, gnocchi serves as the perfect canvas for the vibrant tomato sauce and creamy burrata. Its soft texture contrasts beautifully with the jammy tomatoes, while its mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, gnocchi is a forgiving and rewarding ingredient that makes weeknight dinners feel special.

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 The Role of Burrata in Elevating Dishes

Burrata, the creamy Italian cheese, is the star of many dishes, and for good reason. Its unique texture and rich flavor make it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Unlike mozzarella, which is firm and elastic, burrata has a soft, creamy interior that oozes out when cut, adding a decadent touch to any dish. In 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi, burrata plays a crucial role in elevating the dish from simple to spectacular.

The magic of burrata lies in its construction. It consists of a mozzarella outer shell filled with a mixture of cream and stracciatella, a type of shredded mozzarella. When you slice into a ball of burrata, the creamy center spills out, creating a luxurious sauce that blends seamlessly with the tomato cream sauce and gnocchi. This combination of textures—soft gnocchi, jammy tomatoes, and creamy burrata—makes every bite a delight.

Burrata is also incredibly versatile. While it shines in this gnocchi recipe, it can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas to appetizers. Its mild, buttery flavor pairs well with both bold and subtle ingredients, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

When using burrata in 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi, it’s important to add it at the end of the cooking process. Heating burrata too much can cause it to lose its creamy texture, so it’s best to let the residual heat of the dish warm it slightly. This ensures that every bite is filled with its rich, velvety goodness.

For those who can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be used as substitutes. However, if you have the opportunity to use burrata, don’t hesitate—it’s worth the splurge for the indulgent experience it brings to the dish.

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 The Art of Balancing Flavors in a Creamy Tomato Sauce

Creating a perfectly balanced creamy tomato sauce is an art, and this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi recipe masters it beautifully. The key to a great tomato sauce lies in the interplay of acidity, sweetness, and creaminess, and this dish achieves that balance with ease.

The foundation of the sauce is cherry tomatoes, which are naturally sweet and juicy. When cooked down, they break into a jammy consistency that forms the base of the sauce. The addition of garlic adds depth and aroma, while red pepper flakes introduce a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.

The creaminess comes from heavy cream, which tempers the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a velvety texture. This is where the magic happens—the cream melds with the tomato sauce, creating a rich, cohesive blend that coats the gnocchi perfectly. The reserved pasta water plays a crucial role here, as its starchiness helps bind the sauce and gnocchi, ensuring every bite is flavorful and well-coated.

Seasoning is another critical component. Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients, while fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. The result is a sauce that is complex yet harmonious, with each element playing its part to create a memorable dish.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

• To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat: Rewarm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Avoid heating the burrata if possible—it’s best to add it after the dish is warm.
• To Freeze: This dish freezes well! Simply freeze leftovers (without burrata) in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per serving (1.33 cups):

• Calories: 466kcal
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6.5g
• Sodium: 990mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 6g

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Customization Ideas

• Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
• Swap the Cheese: If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or ricotta are great alternatives.
• Make It Vegan: Use vegan gnocchi, coconut cream, and dairy-free cheese to create a plant-based version.
• Add Greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or arugula for an extra boost of nutrients.

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Why This Recipe Works for SEO

This blog post is optimized around the keyword “30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi” to ensure it ranks well on search engines. Here’s how:

1. Keyword Placement: The keyword is included in the title, headings, and throughout the body of the text.
2. Engaging Content: The post provides value by offering a detailed recipe, tips, and customization ideas.
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4. Visual Appeal: While this is a text-based post, adding high-quality images of the dish would further enhance its SEO performance.
5. Internal Linking: Linking to related recipes or blog posts (e.g., “10 Easy Weeknight Dinners”) can improve user engagement and SEO.

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Final Thoughts

30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s both quick and indulgent. With its rich tomato cream sauce, tender gnocchi, and creamy burrata, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to customize and meal prep-friendly, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.