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- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped The main ingredients in creamy tomato basil gnocchi create a lovely harmony of flavors. The potato gnocchi gives a soft and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. I love using high-quality olive oil to sauté the garlic. This adds a rich base for flavor. Fresh garlic brings a bold taste to the dish. Diced tomatoes add a sweet and tangy touch, while heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Finally, fresh basil adds a vibrant aroma and a touch of green. - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving) - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) For seasonings, I like to add sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Salt and black pepper enhance every flavor in the dish. Grated Parmesan cheese not only thickens the sauce but also adds a savory umami taste. If you want a kick, red pepper flakes are great for adding heat. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a deliciously balanced dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Watch for them to float to the top. - Once they float, they are ready. Drain and set aside. - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. - Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. It should smell nice, but don’t let it burn. - Now add the diced tomatoes with their juices and a teaspoon of sugar. - Bring this to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. - Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let it come to a simmer again. - Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. - Reduce the heat to low. Add the chopped basil leaves and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. - Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. - Now, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat in the creamy sauce. - Let everything warm through for about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Serve the gnocchi warm. You can add more Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top if you like. To get the best texture, always use fresh gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi cooks perfectly and feels light. When you cook it, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for about 2-3 minutes. You know it’s ready when it floats to the top. Drain it well and set aside. To make your creamy tomato basil gnocchi shine, think about adding herbs and spices. You can use fresh oregano or thyme for extra depth. If you want more protein, try adding cooked chicken or shrimp. Both options pair well with the creamy sauce and make the dish heartier. Presentation matters in any meal. To make your gnocchi stand out, garnish it with fresh basil leaves. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch too. Serve the dish in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil. This small step makes your dish look inviting and fresh. Pro Tips Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor that dried basil can't replicate. Add it at the end of cooking to maintain its bright green color and aroma. Cook Gnocchi Perfectly: Make sure to cook the gnocchi just until they float to the surface of the boiling water; this indicates they are done. Overcooking can make them mushy. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth. This will still give you a creamy texture without being too heavy. Spice it Up: If you enjoy a kick, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra layer of heat. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sauce for a new taste. Marinara adds a tangy kick. It pairs well with the creamy texture of the gnocchi. Pesto brings fresh, herbal notes to the dish. This sauce is bright and full of flavor. For a creamy alternative, try vegan cream. It gives a rich taste while keeping the meal plant-based. Gnocchi can vary in type and texture. You can find gluten-free gnocchi at many stores. It’s made from rice or other gluten-free ingredients. Homemade gnocchi is also an option. It takes more time but gives a special touch. Store-bought gnocchi is quick and easy. It saves time for busy cooks. You can adjust this dish to fit your diet. For vegan options, replace heavy cream with coconut cream. This keeps it creamy without dairy. You can use a non-dairy cheese for the topping. Low-carb diets can benefit from zucchini noodles instead of gnocchi. This change gives a fresh twist while cutting carbs. To keep your creamy tomato basil gnocchi fresh, place it in an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors locked in. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing the dish. To freeze, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it might expand when frozen. For the best taste and texture, I recommend reheating gnocchi on the stovetop. Heat a skillet over low heat and add a splash of cream or water. Gently warm the dish, stirring often. This method keeps the gnocchi creamy and prevents it from becoming mushy. You can use the microwave if you're short on time. Just cover the dish and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. In the fridge, creamy tomato basil gnocchi lasts about three days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you can savor those delightful flavors again! Gnocchi is usually made from potatoes. You can also use flour and eggs. Some recipes use ricotta cheese for a lighter texture. The dough is soft and pillowy. This makes gnocchi a favorite in many dishes. Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. They save time and are very convenient. Canned tomatoes are often picked at peak ripeness. This means they can taste great. However, fresh tomatoes have a bright flavor. They can add a nice freshness to your dish. For a rich sauce, choose high-quality canned tomatoes. To keep your sauce smooth, add cream slowly. Stir it in gently. Heat the sauce on low. High heat can cause the cream to curdle. Also, make sure to use fresh cream. Old cream might separate when heated. If you follow these steps, your sauce will stay creamy and delicious. In this article, we explored making a delicious gnocchi dish using fresh ingredients. You learned about the main components, cooking methods, and helpful tips to perfect your meal. Remember to experiment with flavors and side options for a personal touch. Storing and reheating your leftovers properly can keep this dish tasty for days. With all these insights, you can confidently create this comforting meal for yourself or loved ones. Enjoy cooking!

Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy gnocchi dish with fresh tomatoes and basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz potato gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, allowing the sauce to come to a simmer again. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
  • Reduce the heat to low, add the chopped basil leaves, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently tossing to coat them in the creamy tomato sauce.
  • Allow everything to warm through for about 2-3 minutes, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
Keyword basil, creamy, gnocchi, pasta, tomato