Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce
Soft potato gnocchi pillows tossed in a luscious, velvety tomato cream sauce with a hint of garlic and basil. This comforting Italian-American classic is a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer Tomato Sauce
- b.Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- c.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook Gnocchi
- b.While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt.
- c.Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically until they float to the surface (about 2-4 minutes).
- d.Before draining, use a mug to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the gnocchi well.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish the Cream Sauce
- b.Uncover the tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- c.Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- d.Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat every piece.
- c.If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved gnocchi water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- d.Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil.
- e.Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use high-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano.
- 2Don't overcook the gnocchi. As soon as they float to the top of the water, they are ready. Overcooking can make them mushy.
- 3The starchy water from cooking the gnocchi is liquid gold. It helps the sauce emulsify and cling perfectly to the gnocchi.
- 4For a crispy texture, pan-fry the boiled gnocchi in a separate skillet with a little butter until golden brown before adding them to the sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Stir in cooked Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sautéed shrimp along with the gnocchi for a heartier meal.
Veggie LoadedVeggie-Loaded
Add 2 cups of fresh spinach or kale to the sauce at the end and let it wilt, or stir in roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Spicy Arrabbiata CreamSpicy Arrabbiata Cream
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 or 1 teaspoon and add a splash of vodka with the tomatoes to create a spicy vodka cream sauce variation.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Incorporate other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary along with the garlic for a more complex, earthy flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Provides Quick Energy
The potato gnocchi is a good source of carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source, providing the energy needed for daily activities.
Contains Allicin
Garlic contains the compound allicin, known for its potential immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall wellness.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this dish contains approximately 650-750 calories. The exact number can vary based on the specific brands of gnocchi, cream, and cheese used.