Go Back
- 1 pound store-bought gnocchi - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat In this recipe, I love using store-bought gnocchi. It saves time and tastes great. The extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor. I always use fresh garlic for the best taste. Fire-roasted crushed tomatoes give a smoky touch. The heavy cream creates a smooth, creamy sauce. Dried oregano adds a nice herbal note. Don't forget salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves are key for freshness and brightness. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese adds a delicious, cheesy finish. If you like heat, red pepper flakes are a great choice! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. 2. Bring the salted water to a strong boil. 3. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. 4. Cook them until they float to the top, usually about 2-3 minutes. 5. Once they float, they are ready. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside. 1. In a big skillet, pour in the extra virgin olive oil. 2. Heat it over medium heat until it shimmers. 3. Add the finely minced garlic to the hot oil. 4. Sauté the garlic for one minute. Stir until it is fragrant and slightly golden. 5. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Add dried oregano too. 6. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for about five minutes. 7. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream. Mix it in slowly for a smooth sauce. 8. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your taste. 1. Now it's time to fold in the cooked gnocchi. 2. Gently mix until the gnocchi are well coated in the sauce. 3. Heat it through for another 2-3 minutes. This lets the gnocchi soak up the flavors. 4. Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. 5. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Mix until melted. 6. If you want some heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. To avoid overcooking gnocchi, watch them closely. They usually float in about 2-3 minutes. When they rise, they are ready. Drain them right away to keep them firm. For a creamy sauce, start by heating your heavy cream slowly. Stir it in gently to blend with the tomatoes. If it gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This helps keep your sauce smooth and rich. You can adjust the flavors easily. Try using fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones for a bright taste. A splash of lemon juice can add a nice zing. For spices, consider adding a pinch of thyme or fresh rosemary. Both herbs pair well with the creamy sauce. If you like heat, toss in some red pepper flakes. They give the dish a fun kick without overpowering it. Pro Tips Use Quality Gnocchi: Opt for high-quality, fresh gnocchi for the best texture and flavor. If possible, try making your own for an authentic touch! Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Using fire-roasted crushed tomatoes adds a depth of flavor to the sauce that regular canned tomatoes can't match. Look for them in your local grocery store. Fresh Basil is Key: Always use fresh basil instead of dried for this dish. It enhances the aroma and brings a vibrant taste to the creamy sauce. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable or chicken broth without sacrificing flavor. {{image_4}} For those who need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free gnocchi. Many stores offer this choice. You can also make your own using gluten-free flour. This way, you still enjoy a delightful meal without the gluten. If you follow a vegan diet, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. This will keep your dish creamy and delicious. Instead of Parmesan, use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Both add a nice cheesy flavor. You can easily add proteins to your gnocchi. Chicken or shrimp works great. Cook your protein first, then mix it into the sauce. This adds heartiness and makes the meal even more satisfying. Adding vegetables makes the dish even better. Spinach or mushrooms are fantastic choices. Simply sauté them with the garlic for added flavor. They not only taste great but also add color and nutrition to your meal. To keep the creamy tomato basil gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. It stays good in the fridge for about three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. This helps avoid moisture build-up. If you want to freeze it, first allow it to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. I recommend separating the gnocchi from the sauce if you freeze it. This keeps the texture nice and helps with reheating. To reheat leftovers, the stovetop is best. Place the gnocchi in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. This way, you keep the gnocchi soft. You can also use the microwave. Put the gnocchi in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a little cream or water, cover it, and heat it in short bursts. Stir after each burst to check the temperature. This helps prevent drying out. To refresh flavors, you can add a sprinkle of fresh basil or Parmesan when serving. A dash of olive oil also brings back the creaminess. What are the best sides to serve with creamy tomato basil gnocchi? I love serving creamy tomato basil gnocchi with a fresh salad. A simple arugula salad pairs well. You can also serve it with garlic bread. This adds a crunchy texture and extra flavor. Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe? Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi! Fresh gnocchi will taste amazing in this dish. Just make sure to cook it until it floats, just like store-bought gnocchi. How can I make the dish less creamy or lighter? To lighten up the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add more crushed tomatoes. This will keep the flavors bright and fresh without all the cream. What variations can I try with different sauces? You can swap the sauce for pesto for a fresh twist. A simple marinara sauce works well too. If you like it spicy, try adding some red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat. This recipe for creamy tomato basil gnocchi is both simple and tasty. You learned the key ingredients and straightforward steps to make it. I shared tips to perfect your gnocchi and gave options for variations. You can even store and reheat your dish easily. Enjoy exploring flavors and making this meal your own. Remember, cooking should be fun and a chance to be creative!

Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi Delight

A rich and creamy gnocchi dish with fire-roasted tomatoes and fresh 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 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound store-bought gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted (14.5 oz)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
  • 1 2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • optional red pepper flakes for an extra kick

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Carefully add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. This indicates they are done. Drain the gnocchi and set aside in a colander to release excess moisture.
  • Sauté Garlic: In a spacious skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden—be cautious to avoid burning.
  • Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, along with the dried oregano. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Incorporate Cream: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring continually to achieve a smooth and luscious sauce. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
  • Mix in Gnocchi: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Allow the combined dish to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the gnocchi absorbs some of the sauce's flavors.
  • Finish with Basil and Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the coarsely chopped fresh basil and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Mix until the cheese has melted and is evenly integrated.
  • Optional Heat: For those who enjoy a spicy touch, feel free to add a dash of red pepper flakes to your serving to elevate the flavor profile.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls and garnish with extra basil and Parmesan.
Keyword basil, creamy, gnocchi, tomato