Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy nights in or when I want to impress my friends without spending all day in the kitchen. The gnocchi is soft and pillowy, soaking up the rich, velvety tomato sauce that’s just bursting with fresh basil flavor. I remember the first time I made this; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t help but sneak a spoonful before serving! It’s incredibly comforting and so simple to whip up. Plus, you can customize it by throwing in some veggies or even adding a dash of spice if you’re feeling adventurous. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dreaming about it!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of store-bought or homemade gnocchi
- 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi
Alright, let’s dive into making this delightful Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring this comforting dish in about 25 minutes!
Cooking the Gnocchi
First things first, let’s get that gnocchi cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, toss in the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions—usually just about 2-3 minutes! You’ll know they’re done when they float to the top. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overcook them! Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve a splash of that pasta water; it can help later if your sauce needs a little loosenin’!
Making the Sauce
Now onto the sauce! In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, throw in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—careful not to burn it! Then, add in those halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and burst with juicy goodness. At this point, pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and watch it melt into that creamy goodness. You’ll want this sauce to be rich and velvety!
Combining Ingredients
Now for the best part—combining everything! Gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, along with the chopped fresh basil. Stir everything together until the gnocchi is coated in that delicious sauce. Take a moment to season with salt and pepper to taste. You’re looking for a creamy, luscious dish that’s bursting with flavor. If it feels a bit thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up a bit. Serve this beauty warm, and don’t be shy about garnishing with more fresh basil! Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: You can have this comforting dish on the table in just 25 minutes!
- Comforting flavors: The combination of creamy sauce, fresh basil, and soft gnocchi is simply irresistible.
- Vegetarian-friendly: This dish is perfect for meatless meals without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or even a little spice to suit your taste.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters will love this deliciously creamy pasta dish!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to make sure your Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi turns out perfectly every single time!
- Use fresh ingredients: The freshness of your cherry tomatoes and basil really makes a difference in flavor, so don’t skimp on quality!
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste as you go! Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper; a little dash can elevate the flavors beautifully.
- Keep an eye on the gnocchi: Remember, gnocchi cooks quickly! They’re ready when they float, so stay close and don’t wander off!
- Make it your own: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, to add extra nutrition and color. Zucchini or mushrooms also work great!
- Try different cheeses: If you want to switch things up, you can use a different cheese like mozzarella or feta for a unique twist.
- Save some pasta water: That reserved pasta water is your friend! Use it to adjust the sauce consistency if it gets too thick.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be whipping up this dish like a pro in no time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 12g
This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a comforting meal that won’t leave you feeling deprived. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well. Just add them directly to boiling water, and cook until they float—just like fresh ones!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half is a great substitute. You could also use coconut milk for a dairy-free version, but it will give a different flavor.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the garlic for added flavor and nutrition!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat gently on the stove to keep the gnocchi nice and tender!
What pairs well with Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi?
This dish goes wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or even a glass of white wine. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy night!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi, and maybe you have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Storing them properly is key to enjoying every creamy bite later on. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This step is super important because it prevents condensation from making your gnocchi soggy. You can keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just place the gnocchi in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or a little extra cream to keep it moist. Stir gently as it warms up, and voila! You’ll have a delightful meal that’s almost as good as the first time around. Just be careful not to overheat it too quickly, or the gnocchi might get a bit mushy. If you need to, you can also use the microwave—just cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
Enjoy your leftovers, and trust me, they’ll still be comforting and delicious!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi, there are so many delightful options to elevate your meal experience! Here are some of my favorite pairings that complement the rich, creamy flavors of this dish:
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a perfect contrast to the creaminess. The crispness and acidity will balance the dish beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce, and who doesn’t love that garlicky goodness?
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss some seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus in olive oil and roast them until tender. They add a nice texture and healthy boost to your plate!
- Parmesan Crisps: For a fun twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on a baking sheet and bake until crispy. These add a crunchy element and extra cheesiness that fits right in!
- Wine Pairing: If you enjoy a glass of wine, a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish. The acidity in the wine cuts through the creaminess, making each bite even more delicious.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions for a cozy dinner that feels special. Trust me, they’ll take your Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi experience to a whole new level!
Print
Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi: 5 Irresistible Comforts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi is a comforting dish that brings together soft gnocchi, rich tomato sauce, and fresh basil.
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until melted.
- Add cooked gnocchi and chopped basil; stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Customize with vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi, Gnocchi recipe, Italian dish, vegetarian pasta