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- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream Gnocchi is the star here. You can buy it or make it fresh. I love using store-bought gnocchi for ease, but homemade adds a special touch. Crushed tomatoes add rich flavor and color. The heavy cream brings that creamy texture we crave. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped Olive oil helps sauté the garlic. It adds a nice depth to the dish. Garlic is key for flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Fresh basil gives this dish its signature aroma and taste. Don’t skip it! - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving - Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat) Italian seasoning adds a warm, herbal note. I always keep it handy. Grated Parmesan is perfect for that cheesy finish. It melts into the sauce beautifully. If you like heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. They add a nice kick! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to smell good but not burn. Next, stir in one 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This time helps the flavors blend nicely. Now it’s time to make the sauce creamy. Reduce the heat, then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it all together until mixed well. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This helps thicken it up and deepen the flavor. While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add 1 pound of gnocchi, cooking it according to the package instructions. You know the gnocchi is done when it floats to the surface. Drain it and set it aside. Once the sauce has thickened, gently fold in the cooked gnocchi and 1 cup of chopped basil. Make sure the gnocchi is well coated in that creamy sauce. Finally, sprinkle in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts into the sauce. Enjoy your delicious, creamy tomato basil gnocchi! To cook gnocchi just right, watch for them to float. When they rise to the top of the pot, they are done. This means they are light and fluffy. If they sink, they need more time. To avoid mushy gnocchi, use a large pot of boiling water. Add salt before cooking. Do not overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if needed. Drain them quickly and do not let them sit in water. Using fresh herbs makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh basil brings bright notes to the dish. Chop the leaves right before adding them to keep their taste strong. You can also mix in parsley for extra freshness. If you want a lighter dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk. These options keep the meal creamy without too many calories. For serving, use shallow bowls or pasta plates. This gives a nice view of the colorful dish. Drizzle some extra olive oil on top. It adds shine and flavor. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and more grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add cracked black pepper for a touch of spice. This makes the dish look gourmet and inviting! Pro Tips Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor to your dish. Add it at the end of cooking to preserve its bright taste and color. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable or chicken broth, keeping the flavor rich yet lighter. Gnocchi Cooking Tip: To prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy, ensure your water is at a gentle boil and avoid overcrowding the pot. Customize Heat Level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your taste, or add fresh chili for a fresh kick. {{image_2}} Adding protein to your creamy tomato basil gnocchi can make it more filling and tasty. Here are two great options: - Chicken: Use cooked chicken for a hearty meal. Simply shred or dice it, then mix it into the sauce before adding the gnocchi. The chicken will soak up the flavors and add a nice texture. - Shrimp: For a seafood twist, add shrimp. Cook the shrimp in the skillet after the garlic, just until pink. Then proceed by adding the crushed tomatoes. This adds a light and fresh taste to the dish. Adding vegetables can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your gnocchi. Here are two easy ideas: - Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly. Add it to the sauce just before folding in the gnocchi. This adds a pop of color and a boost of vitamins. - Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra earthiness. They pair well with the creamy sauce and add depth to each bite. If you need a gluten-free option, there are great choices for gnocchi. Look for gnocchi made from: - Cauliflower: This is a popular low-carb choice. It has a soft texture and absorbs flavors well. - Chickpea flour: This variation offers a nutty flavor and added protein. Check the package for cooking instructions, as they may vary. These variations allow you to tailor your creamy tomato basil gnocchi to your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting! Creamy tomato basil gnocchi lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. If you want to freeze it, let it cool down first. Then, place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. For best taste, use it within 2 to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, heat it gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it creamy. Watch for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or an off smell, throw it away. Also, if the sauce separates, it may not taste right anymore. Always trust your senses when checking food. Gnocchi is a soft pasta made mainly from potatoes. It can also include flour and eggs. The main ingredients are: - Potatoes - All-purpose flour - Egg (optional) These simple ingredients create a light and fluffy texture. You can buy gnocchi or make it at home. Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are often ripe and flavorful. They save time and reduce waste. Here are some benefits: - Canned tomatoes are ready to use. - They have a longer shelf life. - They are often cheaper than fresh. Using them in your creamy tomato basil gnocchi will still give great taste. Making gnocchi from scratch is fun and simple. Here’s a basic recipe overview: 1. Boil potatoes until soft. 2. Mash the potatoes smoothly. 3. Mix in flour and egg. 4. Knead the dough gently. 5. Roll into small pieces and shape. This homemade gnocchi will add a personal touch to your dish. This blog post explored how to make a creamy gnocchi dish. We covered main ingredients like gnocchi, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream. I shared tips for cooking gnocchi perfectly and enhancing flavor with fresh herbs. In conclusion, cooking gnocchi at home is simple and fun. You can easily customize it with proteins or veggies. Follow the steps for a tasty meal you’ll love. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy gnocchi dish with fresh tomatoes and basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • optional Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and sugar, mixing well. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  • Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, then let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  • While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions or until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
  • Once the sauce has thickened slightly, gently fold in the cooked gnocchi and chopped basil, ensuring the gnocchi is well coated in the creamy sauce.
  • Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
  • If desired, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
  • Serve warm, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with extra olive oil and fresh basil for garnish.
Keyword basil, creamy, gnocchi, tomato