Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines fresh gnocchi with a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s quick and simple to make in one pan, topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
1 tbsp oil
1 small red onion, diced
100g cherry tomatoes, halved
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/3 cup (80 ml) water or vegetable broth
1 tbsp lighter cream cheese
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp thyme
300g fresh gnocchi
50g mozzarella, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil, thinly sliced
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat oil in a skillet or pan over low heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes; stir.
- Mix in tomato paste, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and thyme. Pour in water or vegetable broth.
- Simmer for 7–8 minutes, gently breaking down the tomatoes with the back of a spoon to form a sauce.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth, then add gnocchi. Cook for 2 minutes until gnocchi is coated in sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer mixture to an oven-safe dish if needed, top with sliced mozzarella.
- Grill or broil until mozzarella melts and tops of gnocchi are slightly crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Serves: 2–3
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Use heavy cream instead of lighter cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Substitute mozzarella with Parmesan or provolone cheese.
- Spice it up with chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Use store-bought gnocchi or homemade for best texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, adjust cooking time slightly and cook until gnocchi float and are tender.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Use heavy cream, mascarpone, or a vegan cream cheese alternative.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from sticking?
Stir frequently and add enough liquid to keep them coated.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes, make the sauce and reheat with gnocchi added later.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it contains no meat.
Can I make it vegan?
Use vegan cream cheese and mozzarella substitutes.
How do I get crispy gnocchi tops?
Use the grill or broiler for a few minutes at the end.
Can I add protein?
Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
How spicy is this dish?
Mild by default; add chili flakes to taste.
What side dishes go well?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs well.
Conclusion
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi is a quick, delicious meal combining tender gnocchi with a luscious tomato cream sauce and gooey mozzarella topping. Perfect for a cozy dinner or easy weeknight meal, it’s a flavorful dish that’s sure to please any pasta lover.
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté and broil
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and comforting one-pot creamy tomato gnocchi dish topped with melted mozzarella, bursting with rich flavors and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 tbsp oil
1 small red onion, diced
100g cherry tomatoes, halved
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/3 cup (80 ml) water or vegetable broth
1 tbsp lighter cream cheese
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp thyme
300g fresh gnocchi
50g mozzarella, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet or pan over low heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes; stir.
- Mix in tomato paste, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and thyme. Pour in water or vegetable broth.
- Simmer for 7–8 minutes, gently breaking down the tomatoes with the back of a spoon to form a sauce.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth, then add gnocchi. Cook for 2 minutes until gnocchi is coated in sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer mixture to an oven-safe dish if needed, top with sliced mozzarella.
- Grill or broil until mozzarella melts and tops of gnocchi are slightly crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Use heavy cream instead of lighter cream cheese for a richer sauce.
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Substitute mozzarella with Parmesan or provolone cheese.
Spice it up with chili flakes or hot sauce.
Use store-bought or homemade gnocchi for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
