Indulge in a luscious Italian comfort dish featuring pillowy gnocchi in a creamy tomato sauce, topped with melty burrata and fresh basil.
There’s something about creamy tomato gnocchi with burrata that feels like a cozy Italian trattoria in your own kitchen.
The first time I made this dish, it was a cold Sunday evening and I needed something warm, rich, and deeply satisfying—but easy. I had a pack of gnocchi, a can of tomatoes, and a ball of burrata I’d been saving for something special. What came out of that kitchen was nothing short of magical: tender gnocchi soaked in a creamy tomato sauce with velvety burrata melting right into the dish. The basil added a pop of freshness, and every bite was silky, cheesy, and comforting.
Whether you’re cooking for date night, a dinner party, or just spoiling yourself midweek, this recipe delivers big flavor with little effort.
Key Ingredients & Flavor Highlights
Gnocchi
Soft, pillowy, and quick-cooking, gnocchi is the perfect vehicle for soaking up creamy sauces. You can use store-bought or homemade—both work wonderfully.
Crushed Tomatoes
These provide the rich, slightly tangy backbone of the sauce. Using good-quality canned tomatoes makes a big difference here.
Heavy Cream
Adding cream creates a silky, velvety texture that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and coats the gnocchi beautifully.
Garlic
A few cloves of garlic deepen the flavor profile and give the sauce a comforting aroma and savory bite.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds umami, saltiness, and a nutty finish to the dish. It melts into the sauce for added richness.
Burrata
The star of the show! This creamy-centered cheese adds indulgence and elevates the whole dish. Once broken over hot gnocchi, it melts and turns into a gooey, irresistible layer.
Fresh Basil
This adds a pop of color and brightness, balancing the richness of the sauce and cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float—usually 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Make the Tomato Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly and deepen in flavor.
4. Add Cream & Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
5. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce
Add the drained gnocchi to the sauce and stir gently to coat. Let them simmer for 2–3 minutes to soak in the flavors.
6. Top with Burrata and Basil
Plate the creamy gnocchi and gently tear burrata over each portion. Top with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata in shallow bowls to showcase the sauce and burrata. Pair it with:
- A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Warm garlic bread or focaccia
- A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or light red wine like Chianti
- Cracked black pepper or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra flourish
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the burrata separate and add it fresh when reheating.
Freezing
Freeze the gnocchi and sauce before adding burrata. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Top with fresh burrata after reheating for best texture.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s a comfort-laden, restaurant-worthy meal you can whip up at home in under 30 minutes. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s ideal for lazy Sundays, date nights, or when you simply need a bowl of something warm and satisfying.
Try it once, and it just might become a new favorite.
👇 Let me know in the comments if you made it, swapped ingredients, or added your own twist!
Print
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata is the perfect weeknight comfort meal that feels gourmet but comes together effortlessly. Pillowy gnocchi is bathed in a velvety tomato cream sauce, then crowned with luxurious burrata that melts beautifully into every bite. It’s simple, rich, and bursting with Italian flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ball (4 oz) burrata cheese
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package directions (usually until they float). Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes & Cream: Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.
Combine Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and stir gently to coat. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes to absorb flavor.
Add Burrata & Serve: Transfer to plates or bowls and top each serving with torn pieces of burrata. Garnish with basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with a side of garlic bread, a green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, and a glass of chilled white wine (like Pinot Grigio). Add toasted pine nuts or sautéed spinach for extra flair and texture.
Storage & Reheating:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tip: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth.
Freezing: Not recommended once burrata is added—freeze only the sauce and gnocchi (without cheese) up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 14g
Keywords: Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
FAQ: Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata
Can I use another cheese besides burrata?
Yes! Mozzarella pearls or ricotta work well if burrata isn’t available.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can substitute the cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Can I add protein?
Definitely. Grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp make great additions.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Potato gnocchi is classic, but cauliflower gnocchi or whole wheat versions are great for a lighter option.