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Here's what you need to make creamy tomato basil gnocchi. Gather these items before you start cooking: - Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - Olive oil - Garlic (3 cloves, finely minced) - Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz) - Heavy cream (1 cup) - Dried oregano (1 teaspoon) - Salt and pepper (to taste) - Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick, optional) - Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, finely chopped) - Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated) Each ingredient plays a key role in building that rich, creamy flavor. Gnocchi provides a soft base, while garlic adds depth. The crushed tomatoes give a sweet and tangy taste. Heavy cream makes the dish rich, and fresh basil brightens everything up. Don’t forget the Parmesan; it brings a savory finish. If you like heat, red pepper flakes can spice things up! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Wait for it to reach a rolling boil. Add your gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions. Look closely; when the gnocchi float to the top, they are ready. Use a slotted spoon to take them out and place them in a colander to drain. Next, let’s make the sauce. Warm 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. Stir constantly until it gets fragrant and golden. Be careful; burnt garlic can ruin your sauce. Pour in one can of crushed tomatoes. Stir to mix it with the garlic. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Raise the heat slightly and let the sauce simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and the sauce thicken a bit. Now, reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes. Let it cook for another 2 minutes. Carefully add the cooked gnocchi to your sauce. Toss them gently until every piece is coated in that creamy goodness. Take the skillet off the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything combines beautifully and the cheese melts slightly. Let the dish sit off the heat for a minute. This helps the sauce thicken just a bit more. To avoid curdling the cream, always use low heat when adding it to the sauce. High heat can cause the cream to separate, which ruins the texture. Stir constantly as you add the cream for a smooth blend. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. This water helps keep the sauce creamy. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. Timing is key when cooking gnocchi. Boil your water and add the gnocchi gently. They will float when they are ready, usually in 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Make sure your water is at a rolling boil before adding the gnocchi. This helps them cook evenly. If you cook too many at once, they may stick together. Cook in batches if needed. For serving, use shallow bowls to show off the creamy sauce. Ladle the gnocchi in the center, and let it shine. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of olive oil adds a nice touch too. These details make the dish look and taste amazing. Enjoy your beautiful creation! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and quality tomatoes can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Always opt for the freshest ingredients you can find for the best taste. Don't Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi are perfect when they float to the surface of the boiling water. Overcooking can make them mushy, so keep an eye on them! Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It will still give you a creamy texture but with fewer calories. Customize the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Start with a small amount and add more if you like it spicy! {{image_4}} If you need gluten-free gnocchi, look for brands made from rice or potatoes. These options work well and taste great. You can also make your own using gluten-free flour. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Adding vegetables to your dish boosts nutrition and flavor. You can try spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the garlic to soften before adding the tomatoes. If you like heat, consider adding fresh or dried peppers. The red pepper flakes give a mild kick, but jalapeños or serranos can spice things up. You can change the sauce to match your taste. Pesto adds a fresh twist, while Alfredo creates a rich, creamy base. If you want protein in your dish, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage. This makes your meal hearty and satisfying. Mixing in these ingredients allows you to create new flavors each time you make this dish. To keep your creamy tomato basil gnocchi fresh, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down first to avoid steam buildup. This helps prevent sogginess. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over low heat. This method warms the gnocchi gently. Stir regularly to keep the sauce smooth. If you use a microwave, heat it in short intervals to avoid texture loss. You want that creamy sauce to stay nice and velvety. You can freeze this dish if you want to save some for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if it seems too thick. Freezing may change the texture slightly, but it will still taste great. Homemade gnocchi cooks quickly. It usually takes about 2 to 4 minutes. You know it’s done when the gnocchi rises to the surface of the water. This means they are light and fluffy. Once they float, use a slotted spoon to remove them. Drain them well in a colander. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the gnocchi and prepare the sauce separately. Store the gnocchi in water to keep them moist. Place the sauce in an airtight container. You can keep both in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the gnocchi. Absolutely! You can use fresh tomatoes. You will need about 2 to 3 medium-sized tomatoes. First, blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute. Then, peel and chop them. You may need to simmer them longer to reach the right sauce thickness. Adjust seasoning to taste for the best flavor. This blog post covered how to make a delicious gnocchi dish from scratch. We discussed the essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and smart tips for success. You learned about variations to fit your diet and how to store leftovers. Remember, cooking gnocchi is fun and offers many options. Enjoy making this cream-based delight, and don’t shy away from experimenting with flavors. Your kitchen creations can be both tasty and unique!

Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy gnocchi dish with tomato and basil flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • optional red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions. As soon as the gnocchi rise to the surface, they are ready. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside in a colander to drain.
  • In a large skillet, warm the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute. Stir constantly until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden but be careful not to let it burn.
  • Pour the can of crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring well to combine. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and increase the heat slightly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce turns a luscious creamy consistency.
  • Season your sauce generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a touch of heat. Allow this to cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
  • Carefully add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing them gently in the creamy tomato sauce until they are fully coated in the delicious mixture.
  • Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the freshly chopped basil and the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted slightly into the sauce.
  • Allow the dish to sit off the heat for a minute, which will help the sauce thicken a bit more.

Notes

For serving, top with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Keyword basil, creamy, gnocchi, tomato