Description
This Creamy Tomato Gnocchi recipe features tender gnocchi simmered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, enhanced with cream cheese and topped with melted mozzarella for a delightful finish. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 300g fresh gnocchi
- 50g mozzarella, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet or pan over low heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté gently for 5-6 minutes until the onions have softened, creating a sweet base for the sauce.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking briefly to release their flavors.
- Season and Simmer: Add the dried oregano, Italian seasoning, thyme, and tomato paste. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, then simmer the mixture for 7-8 minutes. Use the back of a spoon to gently break down the tomatoes into a saucy consistency.
- Melt Cream Cheese and Coat Gnocchi: Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Add the fresh gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes, ensuring each piece is coated in the creamy tomato sauce.
- Add Cheese and Grill: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish if your skillet is not oven-proof. Layer thin slices of mozzarella evenly on top and grill for up to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the gnocchi edges turn crispy and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the grill, scatter fresh basil over the top, and serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened.
- You can substitute the lighter cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture.
- Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to maintain its soft, pillowy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
