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Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

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3.9 from 12 reviews

This creamy tomato gnocchi recipe features tender fresh gnocchi simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce enriched with cream cheese and topped with melted mozzarella. Quick and easy to prepare, it combines sautéed onions, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and Italian herbs for a comforting dish perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) water or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon lighter cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Main Ingredients

  • 300g fresh gnocchi
  • 50g mozzarella, thinly sliced
  • Fresh basil, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Heat and soften onions: Heat your oil in a skillet or pan over low heat and add the diced onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onions have softened and become translucent.
  2. Add garlic and tomatoes: Add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and stir together with the onions, cooking gently to release the flavors.
  3. Incorporate seasonings and tomato paste: Stir in the dried oregano, Italian seasoning, thyme, and tomato paste to coat the onion and tomato mixture, enhancing the flavor base.
  4. Simmer to create sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth or water, then let the tomatoes simmer for 7-8 minutes. Use the back of your spoon to gently break down the tomatoes into a sauce consistency.
  5. Add cream cheese and gnocchi: Stir in the lighter cream cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, then add the fresh gnocchi. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes to ensure the gnocchi is fully coated and begins to cook through.
  6. Season and prepare to grill: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Transfer the gnocchi and sauce mixture into an oven-safe dish if not already in one. Layer the thinly sliced mozzarella evenly on top.
  7. Grill to finish: Place under a grill or in a broiler for a maximum of 5 minutes until the mozzarella has melted beautifully and the tops of the gnocchi have turned golden and crispy.
  8. Garnish and serve: Scatter freshly sliced basil over the top just before serving to add freshness and aroma.

Notes

  • Using fresh gnocchi is best for optimal texture; frozen gnocchi can also be used but might require slightly longer cooking time.
  • If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, transfer the gnocchi and sauce to a baking dish before adding cheese for grilling.
  • Adjust the cream cheese quantity to your liking for creaminess and richness.
  • For a vegan option, substitute cream cheese and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives.
  • Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi to retain their soft, pillowy texture.