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 (DeLallo brand recommended); 2 (4-oz.) balls fresh burrata cheese; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn

If you’re craving something indulgent yet delightfully simple, this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe is going to be your new weeknight hero. Imagine pillowy gnocchi lovingly coated in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce, bursting with sweet cherry tomatoes and kissed with garlic and just a hint of heat. Topped with fresh, oozy burrata and fragrant basil, it’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together in no time at all. You’re about to fall in love with comfort food all over again, and it’s perfect for sharing with family or friends any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round wooden board with five white bowls arranged on it, placed on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl is filled with pale yellow gnocchi shaped with small ridges, and behind it are large green basil leaves. To the top right, a small bowl holds several peeled garlic cloves with a few separated pieces. On the bottom left, there is a bowl with thick white cream. Next to it, a smaller bowl contains a smooth white ball of fresh mozzarella. At the bottom center, a medium white bowl is filled with bright red and orange cherry tomatoes. The arrangement is neat and colorful, showing fresh ingredients ready to be used for cooking, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role. Every component adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that transforms this dish from something ordinary into a spectacular meal.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a silky base for cooking garlic and tomatoes with a rich, fruity aroma.
Garlic cloves: Crushed to release their natural oils, they infuse the sauce with a warm, savory depth.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they break down beautifully to create that vibrant, fresh tomato sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch gives the sauce a subtle kick, waking up your taste buds without overshadowing other flavors.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a layer of aromatic spice and balances the creaminess perfectly.
Heavy cream: Turns the tomato sauce into a rich, velvety coating that clings to the gnocchi.
Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully—DeLallo brand comes highly recommended.
Fresh burrata cheese: Creamy and decadent, its melty cream center elevates the dish to a luxurious treat.
Fresh basil leaves: Adds a bright, herbal freshness that complements the richness of the sauce and cheese.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

Step 1: Start Your Sauce with Garlic and Tomatoes

Begin by heating up that beautiful extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat—this creates a flavorful foundation. Add the lightly crushed garlic cloves and cook gently until fragrant; you’ll notice the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. Up the heat to medium and toss in those vibrant cherry tomatoes, stirring occasionally as they soften and burst down into a jammy, luscious sauce. This process takes around 10 to 12 minutes, perfect for developing rich, sweet flavors. Season with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, plus kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to balance everything out. Finally, lower the heat and swirl in the heavy cream, creating that creamy texture that makes this sauce so unforgettable.

Step 2: Cook and Combine the Gnocchi

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your potato gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions until just tender and al dente—it should only take a few minutes since gnocchi cook quickly. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of the starchy cooking water; this magical liquid will help bring your sauce and gnocchi together. Drain the rest and transfer the gnocchi along with the reserved cooking water into the skillet with your creamy tomato sauce. Toss everything continuously over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and becomes beautifully glossy, ensuring every gnocchi is coated in that dreamy sauce. Stir in most of the sliced or torn fresh basil, reserving some for finishing touches.

Step 3: Add Burrata and Garnish

Turn off the heat and gently break the fresh burrata balls into chunks, nestling them evenly over the warm gnocchi. The burrata’s soft creaminess will slowly melt into the sauce, making each bite indulgent and rich. Scatter the reserved basil leaves on top for a fresh, green burst of color and aroma that perfectly balances the creaminess.

How to Serve 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

The image shows a pot of gnocchi pasta in two stages. On the left side, the gnocchi are placed on top of a sauce with visible whole cherry tomatoes and a creamy orange base with a smooth texture and some herbs. The gnocchi are white, small, and round with ridged edges, piled to cover most of the sauce underneath. On the right side, the gnocchi are mixed well with the sauce, coated evenly in a rich, creamy orange color, with the cherry tomatoes softened and partially crushed, blending into the sauce. The sauce looks thick and smooth with specks of black pepper visible throughout. The pot is round with a dark rim, set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this dish even more, consider sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan or a dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving. A drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil adds a beautiful gloss and fruity finish that pairs wonderfully with the burrata topping.

Side Dishes

Since the gnocchi is already hearty and creamy, complement it with light, crisp sides like a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon and olive oil or some roasted seasonal vegetables to add texture and freshness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this beautiful dish family-style in a large rustic skillet or individual bowls to showcase the bubbling burrata and glossy gnocchi. For a touch of elegance, garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh basil and a few cherry tomatoes. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers of this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2 days for the freshest flavor and texture, as gnocchi tend to soften over time.

Freezing

Freezing gnocchi with the creamy sauce isn’t ideal because the texture can suffer—and burrata won’t freeze well due to its delicate creaminess. However, if you want to freeze the gnocchi separately before cooking, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook fresh for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the pillowy texture of the gnocchi and keep the burrata from becoming rubbery. Fresh basil should be added after reheating to keep its vibrant flavor.

FAQs

Can I use dried gnocchi instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, dried gnocchi can work, but fresh or frozen potato gnocchi tends to have a softer, pillowy texture that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions.

What can I substitute for burrata if it’s not available?

If burrata is hard to find, fresh mozzarella is a good alternative. While it won’t have the same creamy center, it will still add a lovely melty texture that pairs well with the tomato cream sauce.

Is this dish spicy? Can I skip the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes are optional and provide a gentle hint of spice. You can easily leave them out if you prefer a milder, sweeter sauce. It will still be delicious and creamy without the heat.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

To make it vegan, substitute the heavy cream with a coconut cream or cashew cream alternative and replace burrata with a plant-based cheese or simply omit it. Use olive oil generously for richness and add fresh herbs for flavor.

How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked perfectly?

Gnocchi are cooked when they float to the surface of boiling water, usually within 2 to 3 minutes. They should feel soft yet slightly firm to the bite, so avoid overcooking to keep their texture pillowy and light.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe, it will become a beloved classic in your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that feels special without demanding hours of time, perfect for busy nights when you want something that satisfies every craving. Gather your ingredients, set aside just half an hour, and enjoy a comforting, creamy, tomato-forward feast that feels like a celebratory treat every time.

30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata Recipe