Simple Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe for Cozy Meals

With this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi recipe in hand, it is my go-to when I want something comforting but fuss-free. 

Soft gnocchi paired with a silky smooth tomato cream sauce makes for good taste and texture. I always love how the recipe is flexible enough to enjoy a simple version of cream gnocchi, or get fancy with me and create the creamy tomato gnocchi burrata.

She rated it highly enough to include on her working list, and it’s a hit when the chicken is pan seared in, as it’s a hearty main everyone enjoys. Even on busy days, making this tomato gnocchi recipe is a little kitchen joy.

Why Love This Creamy Tomato Gnocchi?

The kind of recipe I enjoy is one which brings big flavors sans need for any fancy equipment. And this dish fulfills just that role. Just one pan, simple ingredients, and less than 30 minutes for cooking: that is all it demands.

It has a thin creamy sauce with a subtle tanginess from tomatoes and richness from heavy cream, smoothened with a dash of white wine, and spiked with fresh basil. 

The other benefit of this recipe is flexibility. You can serve it just on its own, to comfort a vegetarian client for dinner, or entertain their more demanding tastes by adding chicken breast or almond chicken on the side.

Why is Creamy Tomato Gnocchi the Best?

I have tried so many recipes for gnocchi-casseroles, skillet types, and ones topped with burrata. This creamy tomato gnocchi recipe is one that I never stop coming back to. It’s quick, reliable, and flexible. 

If you have ever tried Salt and Lavender’s creamy tomato gnocchi, you know what a comforting dish it can be. 

I kept my version straightforward yet quite flavorful, and I gave some tips on making it creamier, hotter, or lighter, depending on your preference.

How To Make To Make Creamy Tomato Gnocchi

Recipe Overview

This creamy tomato gnocchi recipe is a quick and comforting dish made with soft potato gnocchi tossed in a creamy tomato sauce flavored with garlic, onion, and basil.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired, Mediterranean
  • Course: Main Course
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories per Serving: Approx. 420
Creamy Tomato Gnocchie
Creamy Tomato Gnocchie

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup white wine (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 500g gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it reduces slightly. This step deepens the flavor of the sauce.
  3. Build the sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and crushed tomatoes. Let it simmer for 5–6 minutes so the flavors come together.
  4. Make it creamy: Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Cook the gnocchi: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes). Drain and add straight into the sauce.
  6. Toss and finish: Stir the gnocchi into the sauce until every piece is coated. Add fresh basil on top before serving.

👉 Tip: If you want extra creaminess, add a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of milk.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and just cook the gnocchi before serving.

Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas

  • Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken: Add pan-seared chicken breast slices for a protein-packed meal.
  • Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Bake: Transfer everything into a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
  • With Burrata: Top with burrata cheese for an extra luxurious touch.
  • Pairings: Serve with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted sea bass for a Mediterranean twist.

Additional Cooking Tips

How to make creamy white sauce for broccoli?

If you want to pair this gnocchi with broccoli, make a quick white sauce by whisking butter, flour, and milk together until thick, then stir in cheese.

What toppings would you recommend for the pasta?

My favorites include grated Parmesan, toasted almonds, or even a spoonful of nut-based sauce for a dairy-free option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make creamy tomato gnocchi dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond milk or coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For extra richness, stir in dairy-free cream cheese.

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely. Just boil them straight from frozen until they float, then toss in the sauce.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes—grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or even toasted almond chicken work beautifully.

Is this creamy tomato gnocchi recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free gnocchi, then yes. Many supermarkets carry gluten-free versions now.

Video Tutorial

Creamy Tomato Gnocchie

Final Thought

This creamy tomato gnocchi regimen never fails to put a smile on anybody’s face. Soft gnocchi and garlicky tomato cream sauce feel like a small celebration anytime. 

The simple method being ideal for weekday nights, creamy tomato gnocchi can be refrigerated and baked equally well for company. You could throw in some chicken or go wild with burrata. 

What I love about this recipe is its flexibility and comfort; I cannot wait for you to try making it, experiment a bit, and share a plate of warm, comforting gnocchi with your friends and family.

You Might Also Like

Easy Broccoli Cream Sauce

Scorpion Pepper Hot Sauce Recipe

3-Ingredient Honey BBQ Sauce

Creamy Lemon Sauce

Dijon Cream Sauce

Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe

Creamy Green Chili Sauce

Creamy Tomato Gnocchi
Olivia

Creamy Tomato Gnocchi

Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-inspired, Mediterranean
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup white wine optional but recommended
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 can 400g crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 500 g gnocchi store-bought or homemade
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Sauté the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it reduces slightly. This step deepens the flavor of the sauce.
  3. Build the sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and crushed tomatoes. Let it simmer for 5–6 minutes so the flavors come together.
  4. Make it creamy: Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Cook the gnocchi: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes). Drain and add straight into the sauce.
  6. Toss and finish: Stir the gnocchi into the sauce until every piece is coated. Add fresh basil on top before serving.
Author & Recipe Creator at Olivia Cookery
I’m Nahid Olivia, the heart behind Olivia Cookery. Here, I share my passion for creating delicious recipes to inspire your cooking journey.
Olivia

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating