Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Dish (Print Version)

Pillowy gnocchi cooked in a rich creamy tomato sauce with Parmesan and fresh basil garnish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Gnocchi

01 - 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)

→ Sauce

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/4 cup vegetable broth
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
10 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Cheese & Garnish

12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
13 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes.
04 - Stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Add potato gnocchi to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly, cover, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi are tender.
06 - Remove the lid and fold grated Parmesan into the sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
07 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as necessary.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, which means weeknight dinner without the stress.
  • One skillet means less cleanup, more time to actually enjoy eating.
  • The sauce is rich enough to feel indulgent but light enough that you won't feel weighed down.
02 -
  • Don't let the sauce boil hard once the cream is in—it can break and become grainy instead of silky.
  • Fresh gnocchi cooks faster than shelf-stable, so check them at the 5-minute mark rather than waiting the full 7.
  • Season the sauce before adding the gnocchi, then taste again after the cream; cream mutes flavors slightly.
03 -
  • Buy the best canned tomatoes you can afford—they make a real difference in the final flavor since tomatoes are the star.
  • Keep the gnocchi package on hand in your pantry; this meal exists in the gap between intention and hunger when you need something fast.
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