Name: 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 6 to 8 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed; 2 pints cherry tomatoes; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 (16-oz) packages potato gnocchi (such as DeLallo brand); 2 (4-oz) balls fresh burrata cheese; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 62 reviews

If you love cozy, comforting meals that come together in a flash, then you are going to fall head over heels for this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe. It’s a radiant symphony of pillowy gnocchi bathed in a luscious tomato cream sauce, studded with sweet cherry tomatoes, and finished off with the richest, creamiest burrata you can imagine. In just half an hour, you’ll transform simple pantry ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that feels indulgent yet approachable—perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side close-up views of a cooking process. On the left side, there is a black pan filled with a layer of roasted small tomatoes in red and yellow shades, mixed with whole cloves of garlic that look soft and slightly browned. The tomatoes have a shiny, slightly wrinkled texture, indicating they are cooked. On the right side, a creamy sauce with an orange color takes up the whole pan, with several whole tomatoes visible through the sauce. The sauce has a smooth and thick texture with small bits of tomato and garlic mixed throughout, with the roasted tomatoes coated and partially submerged in the sauce. The surface is vibrant and visually rich, highlighting the warm and inviting look of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but vital ingredients, each one bringing its own magic to the table. From the fragrant garlic and vibrant fresh basil to the luscious cream and fresh burrata, every element is essential for creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish truly stand out.

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness that forms the base of the sauce and helps infuse the garlic’s aroma.
6 to 8 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed: Garlic gives the sauce a warm, savory depth that makes every bite comforting and irresistible.
2 pints cherry tomatoes: These burst with natural sweetness and break down into a jammy, rich sauce full of bright color.
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick of heat balances the creaminess and sweetness beautifully.
1 tsp. kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the full flavors of the dish.
1/2 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy note that lifts the sauce.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Turns the tomato sauce into a velvety, luscious coating that clings to every gnocchi.
2 (16-oz.) packages potato gnocchi: The star of the dish—soft, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up sauce. (We love using DeLallo brand for its perfect texture.)
2 (4-oz.) balls fresh burrata cheese: Creamy and dreamy, burrata melts just enough to add luxurious creaminess and stunning presentation.
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the cream and ties all the flavors together.

How to Make 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Cook Tomatoes

Start by heating your olive oil gently over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Toss in the lightly crushed garlic cloves and let them cook just until their aroma fills the kitchen—about 2 minutes. You want to coax out their flavor without burning them. Now crank the heat up to medium and add the juicy cherry tomatoes. Stir occasionally as they slowly collapse into a thick, jammy sauce over 10 to 12 minutes. This step is where the magic really begins, as the tomatoes transform from fresh and bright into a luscious base packed with concentrated flavor. Season with your salt, pepper, and if you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes.

Step 2: Add Cream and Prepare Gnocchi

Once the tomatoes have cooked down, lower the heat back to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. This addition softens the acidity and enriches the sauce, making it silky and decadent. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the gnocchi. Toss in the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes until they float up and become perfectly al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining to help marry the sauce and gnocchi seamlessly.

Step 3: Combine Gnocchi with Sauce and Add Basil

Transfer the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with your creamy tomato sauce, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss continuously over medium heat to thicken the sauce until it becomes glossy and coats every pillow-soft gnocchi just right—about 2 minutes. Finish by stirring in most of the fresh basil, saving a few leaves to garnish. This fresh herbaceous note brightens up the rich sauce wonderfully.

Step 4: Top with Burrata and Serve

Finally, remove your skillet from the heat and break the burrata balls into chunks, distributing them evenly over the gnocchi. The burrata’s creamy interior will melt into the warm sauce, adding an extra layer of indulgence that makes this dish truly special. Garnish with the reserved basil and prepare to wow everyone at the table.

How to Serve 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

The image shows a close-up of two stages of a gnocchi dish in a white pot on a white marbled surface. On the left side, there is a layer of creamy orange sauce with whole red cherry tomatoes scattered, topped with a pile of small, white, soft gnocchi with distinct ridges, creating a textured contrast to the smooth sauce. On the right side, the gnocchi is mixed into the orange sauce, coating each piece evenly with a shiny, creamy texture, and the tomatoes are softened and slightly broken, adding red spots over the rich orange background. The whole dish looks warm and inviting, with a smooth and thick consistency. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil not only add a pop of color but also enhance the fresh, vibrant notes of the dish. For a little extra flair, you can sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper on top. These finishing touches bring an attractive contrast in flavor and make your presentation shine.

Side Dishes

This gnocchi dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’d like to round out your meal, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty focaccia are fantastic for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce, turning every bite into a delightfully messy experience worth savoring.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, spoon this dish into individual shallow bowls and place a fresh ball of burrata on each plate for dramatic effect. For a rustic vibe, serve it straight from the skillet, letting everyone dig in family-style. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a handful of microgreens can also add unique texture and visual appeal, bringing a gourmet touch to this simple 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The gnocchi may absorb some of the sauce and soften, but reheating gently will bring it back to life without sacrificing texture or flavor. Just be sure to keep the burrata separate, and add fresh burrata when serving again.

Freezing

This particular dish is best enjoyed fresh since the cream and burrata don’t freeze well and can separate or become grainy. If you want to prep in advance, you can freeze the cooked gnocchi and tomato sauce separately, but it’s best to skip freezing once the cream and cheese are added.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to bring everything back to a silky texture. Add a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Once hot, crumble fresh burrata on top to revive that rich, creamy finish that makes this dish so special.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, using store-bought potato gnocchi is perfect for this recipe because it cuts down on prep time while still delivering great texture and flavor. Just be sure to cook it until al dente as per the package instructions.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, so you can control the level of heat. It has a gentle, warm kick if you add the flakes, but feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder taste.

Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?

You can adapt the recipe by using coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and substituting burrata with a cashew-based cheese or omitting it altogether. Just keep in mind that the creamy richness will be different but still delicious.

What wine pairs well with 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti complements the creamy tomato sauce beautifully. Their acidity helps cut through the richness of the cream and burrata, balancing the flavors on your palate.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

The tomato sauce can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently and finish by adding cream and basil just before serving to preserve their freshness and bright flavor.

Final Thoughts

This 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is pure comfort wrapped in elegance, perfect for days when you want something effortless but a bit special. Its vibrant colors, creamy textures, and harmonious flavors always feel like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try soon—you might find it becoming one of your favorite go-to recipes to brighten up weeknights or impress guests with minimal fuss and maximum love.

30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need