Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, indulgent, and just a little bit fancy, I’ve got the perfect solution for you: Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe. This dish hits that sweet spot of comfort food with its pillowy gnocchi smothered in a luscious creamy tomato sauce. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become your go-to for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe come together beautifully to create a balanced, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to the soft gnocchi. My tip? Use fresh cherry tomatoes when you can—they burst with flavor and give the sauce a lovely texture.

• Oil: I use a neutral oil or light olive oil to gently cook the onions without overpowering the sauce.
• Red onion: Adds sweetness and depth; make sure to dice it finely so it softens quickly.
• Cherry tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, they break down into the base of the sauce for natural sweetness and acidity.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives that perfectly aromatic punch you want in tomato dishes.
• Tomato paste: This concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness without extra liquid.
• Water or vegetable broth: Adds moisture and lets the tomatoes simmer down into a saucy consistency.
• Lighter cream cheese: This is the secret to creamy texture without heaviness—stirs in beautifully.
• Dried oregano, Italian seasoning, thyme: These herbs layer flavor and give it that Mediterranean feel.
• Fresh gnocchi: Most grocery stores carry fresh gnocchi; they cook quickly and soften in the sauce.
• Mozzarella: Thinly sliced, it melts and crisps up under the grill for an irresistible topping.
• Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for balancing all the flavors.
• Fresh basil: Added at the end for bright, herbaceous notes that lift the entire dish.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is so adaptable—you can tweak it based on whatever’s in your fridge or your mood that day. I often play around with adding different ingredients to make it my own.

• Add Protein: I sometimes toss in cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken for a heartier meal, which my family absolutely appreciates.
• Make it Vegan: Swap cream cheese for vegan cream cheese and use vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast for that cheesy touch.
• Extra Veggies: Roasted bell peppers or spinach stirred in at the end gives it a green boost and more color.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way if you want a little heat.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Onions and Aromatics

Start by heating your oil in a skillet over low to medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and gently cook for about 5-6 minutes until it’s soft and translucent—no browning here, just sweet softness. Then add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. I like to stir frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn and the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 2: Build Your Sauce

Next, stir in the tomato paste along with the dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and thyme. Pour in the water or vegetable broth, then reduce heat to low and let everything simmer gently for about 7-8 minutes. Use the back of your spoon to gently mash the tomatoes, encouraging the sauce to thicken up and develop that velvety texture you’re after.

Step 3: Stir in Cream Cheese and Gnocchi

Once your sauce looks thick and saucy, add the cream cheese and fresh gnocchi right into the pan. Stir continuously till the cream cheese melts fully and clings to every piece of gnocchi—this takes about 2 minutes. The sauce will become creamy and glossy, and the gnocchi soft and tender.

Step 4: Add Mozzarella and Finish Under the Grill

Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Now comes the fun part: layering thin slices of mozzarella over the top, either right in the skillet (if it’s oven-safe) or transfer everything to a baking dish. Slide it under a hot grill for about 5 minutes max until the cheese melts, bubbles, and the gnocchi edges get a little crispy and irresistible.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Freshly scatter finely sliced basil leaves over the top just before serving. The fresh herbiness complements the rich, creamy sauce perfectly. Then dive in with a big spoon!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and fresh—thin slices or chiffonade of fresh basil add a wonderful herbaceous note. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Roasted garlic bread or a crunchy baguette is also a must-have to soak up every drop of that sauce. If you want something heartier, steamed green beans or sautéed spinach complement the dish nicely without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I love plating this recipe in individual ramekins topped with basil and a little extra cheese before broiling. It looks rustic yet polished, and everyone loves the fun personal portion. Or serve it family-style in a beautiful ceramic baking dish right from the oven—comfort food that doubles as a centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep really well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens up, so I usually loosen it when reheating with a splash of water or broth to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

Freezing works okay if you’re in a pinch, but the texture of gnocchi can change after thawing—it might get a bit softer or mushy. If you freeze it, I recommend freezing just the sauce separately and cooking fresh gnocchi when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little liquid if needed to prevent sticking. You can also microwave—but just be sure to cover loosely and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe comes together with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. It’s one of those meals that feels special and homemade without the stress. I still remember the first time I cooked it for my family—I thought it would be a simple dinner, but it ended up being the star of the week. If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your weeknight dinners, do yourself a favor and try this—you’ll be so glad you did!

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