Creamy Burst Tomato Gnocchi

A creamy fresh cherry tomato sauce coats every inch of pillowy gnocchi in this summery burst tomato gnocchi that’s topped with lots of fresh basil and rich burrata cheese.

Summer eats are back in style! I’m so ready for my counter to be overflowing with all the summer produce and for things like this creamy gnocchi to be on the dinner menu weekly.

If you feel the same, you’re in the right place. Pull up a chair and let’s get summery in here.

Meals like this gnocchi are the epitome of summer in my eyes! We’re making a scratch-made cherry tomato sauce, loading it up with all the fresh basil, and even getting fancy with the burrata on top. It’s pure summer in a pan and yes, you will likely end up eating it straight out of said pan.

My personal favorite part about this gnocchi is that it’s absolutely stress-free despite the sauce being made from scratch! I’m talking 10 basic pantry ingredients, done-in-30-minutes kinda deal.

It’s great on its own as a vegetarian-friendly entree, but also pairs BEAUTIFULLY with a host of other dishes!

This Gnocchi features…

• Pillowy soft gnocchi
• A creamy, flavorful burst cherry tomato sauce
• Lots of fresh basil and creamy burrata cheese on top
• Minutes to make and the perfect summer side dish

Making the Gnocchi

(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)

Ingredients You Will Need

• Olive oil
• Cherry tomatoes
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Granulated sugar
• Heavy whipping cream
• Gnocchi
• Burrata
• Basil

Choosing Your Tomatoes

I find that cherry tomatoes work best in this recipe. They’re quick to break down and lend a perfectly sweet flavor to the sauce.

If you don’t have cherry tomatoes on hand you can also use grape tomatoes or diced whole tomatoes. For best results, I recommend using fresh over canned.

Tips for Perfect Tomato Gnocchi

1. Cook in a cast iron pan – a cast iron pan provides a searing-hot cooking base that will char the cherry tomatoes and break them down beautifully. If you don’t own cast iron, a stainless steel pan will also work!
2. Use fresh garlic and basil – fresh garlic and basil adds an unmatchable flavor to the sauce.
3. Add a pinch of sugar to sauce – this helps mellow out the acidic tomato flavor.
4. Boil gnocchi until al dente – the gnocchi will continue cooking a bit more once added to the sauce so make sure not to overcook it during the boiling step.

Recipe Variations

Try these ideas for a different twist on this gnocchi.

• Use pasta instead of gnocchi – boil 8 oz pasta until al dente then fold into tomato sauce.
• Top with a different cheese – try melting fresh mozzarella, asiago, or Parmesan cheese on top.
• Add meat – add browned sausage, meatballs, or cooked chicken for a meaty addition.
• Add veggies – fold in sauteed spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or summer squash.

Serving Suggestions

This gnocchi pairs wonderfully with a crusty Italian or French bread for dipping and a tossed salad on the side. It’s also great with grilled chicken, fish, baked meatballs, or chicken Parmesan.

For how quick this gnocchi pulls together you sure wouldn’t expect it to have as much flavor as it does! The tomato sauce is rich, sweet, and creamy and clings perfectly to all that tender gnocchi.

The only way you can go wrong here is going light on the basil and burrata in your own personal bowl. Summer requires excess amounts of both!

Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram with #wholeandheavenlyoven.

Watch this gnocchi made step-by-step on Google web stories.

More easy gnocchi recipes to try next!

• Baked Gnocchi alla Vodka
• Lemon Pesto Gnocchi
• Baked French Onion Gnocchi