Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi

$- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Red pepper flakes (for heat) - Extra basil for garnish - A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil - Large pot for boiling water - Large skillet for cooking - Wooden spoon for stirring - Measuring cups and spoons - Colander for draining gnocchi When planning to make Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi, gather all your ingredients first. This will make cooking easier and more fun. If you want to add some heat, grab red pepper flakes. They bring a nice kick to the dish. Fresh basil is key for that bright flavor, so don't skip it. As for tools, a large pot helps cook the gnocchi perfectly. A large skillet is ideal for making the sauce. You will also need a wooden spoon for mixing everything together. Being organized will make this meal come together smoothly. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add the gnocchi. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. You know they are ready when they float. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside. Keep them warm while you make the sauce. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add three minced garlic cloves and sauté them for about one minute. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. Next, pour in a 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Stir in one teaspoon of dried oregano. Let this simmer for five to seven minutes. This helps the sauce get thicker and richer. Now, lower the heat and add one cup of heavy cream. Stir well to make it creamy and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Cook it for two more minutes to heat everything through. Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to cover each piece with the creamy tomato sauce. Then, mix in about 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is combined well. Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for a minute. This helps the sauce thicken a bit more. Serve the dish in shallow bowls. You can sprinkle more Parmesan and some fresh basil on top for a nice touch. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil if you want to impress your guests. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil gnocchi! To get the sauce just right, use a mix of crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. The crushed tomatoes give the sauce a rich base. The cream adds a lovely, smooth finish. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, about five to seven minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together. If you want a thicker sauce, let it cook a bit longer. Stir often to prevent it from sticking. Fresh ingredients can make a big difference. Use garlic that you mince yourself for more flavor. Fresh basil adds a vibrant taste that dried herbs can’t match. If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes. These little flakes bring heat without overwhelming the dish. Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. Presentation matters, even for simple meals. Serve your gnocchi in shallow bowls. This allows the sauce to shine. Garnish with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a nice touch. You can also add a side salad or garlic bread. This makes the meal feel complete and satisfying. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality tomatoes will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Once they float to the surface, they are done. Overcooking can make them mushy. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth. Customize the Heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick if desired. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Swap the heavy cream for a plant-based cream. Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich taste. These options keep the dish creamy and delicious. You can also choose to skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan version. Fresh veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, add color and flavor too. For those who love protein, there are many choices. You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms. Cook the protein separately and mix it in with the gnocchi and sauce. This makes for a hearty meal that fills you up. If you want a plant-based option, try adding lentils or chickpeas. They provide great protein and texture. You can change the taste with fun flavor twists. Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick. A pinch of smoked paprika gives the dish a nice depth. For some heat, toss in red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a fresh touch. Don't be afraid to experiment with your own favorite flavors! After enjoying your creamy tomato basil gnocchi, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature first. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, place the gnocchi in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps the gnocchi heat evenly. If you want to freeze gnocchi, do this before cooking. Spread the uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can take out just what you need later. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to your boiling time. Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi. In fact, it adds a personal touch. Homemade gnocchi often tastes better than store-bought. Just follow the same cooking steps. Cook them in salted water until they float. This means they are ready to drain and use. You can use half-and-half or whole milk. These options will make the sauce lighter. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk. It adds a nice flavor and creaminess. Just keep in mind that the taste will slightly change. To prevent curdling, heat the cream gently. Add it to the sauce on low heat. Stir it well and avoid boiling it. If you want, you can mix in a bit of cornstarch. This helps to stabilize the sauce and keep it smooth. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the sauce and gnocchi separately. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, heat them together on the stove. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. This article covered tasty gnocchi with creamy tomato basil sauce. We detailed key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step cooking methods. I shared tips for perfecting sauce texture and flavor, plus serving ideas. You can tweak the recipe with variations or swap ingredients to fit your tastes. Don't hesitate to make this dish your own. With practice, you'll impress your friends and family. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!$

Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy gnocchi dish with tomato and basil flavors.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Once they float to the surface, they are done. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the dried oregano. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the creamy tomato sauce.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Remove from heat and let rest for a minute to thicken up.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls or plates, garnished with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil for a touch of elegance.

Keyword basil, creamy, gnocchi, tomato