Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi
Pillowy potato gnocchi tossed in a rich, velvety tomato and basil sauce for a comforting dish.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Sometimes, you just need a big bowl of comfort, and this Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi delivers exactly that! With tender, pillowy gnocchi and a luscious sauce bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, it's an incredibly satisfying meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but comes together in a flash. Pure pasta perfection!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Preparation
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Step 2
Add the minced garlic and dried oregano, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 3
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4
While the sauce simmers, cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Gnocchi cooks very quickly, usually floating to the surface when done (about 2-3 minutes). Drain well.
Step 5
Stir the heavy cream into the tomato sauce. Add the cooked gnocchi, chopped fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
Step 6
Cook for 1-2 minutes more, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and gnocchi to absorb some flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7
Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Using good quality crushed tomatoes makes a big difference in the sauce's flavor.
- Don't overcook the gnocchi; it's best when tender and slightly chewy.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine with the broth.
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