Gnocchi Tomato Cream Sauce is the perfect harmony of pillowy-soft potato dumplings coated in a luscious blend of tangy tomato and velvety cream.
This comforting Italian-inspired dish combines rich flavors, fragrant herbs, and a hint of spice for a truly indulgent experience.
Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a satisfying meal that feels gourmet yet comes together effortlessly.
How To Make Gnocchi Tomato Cream Sauce?
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Yield: Serves about 4
Equipment Needed
- A large pot (for boiling gnocchi)
- A deep skillet or sauté pan
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving bowls or plates
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon dashes Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Tomato Base
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and velvety.
5. Combine and Garnish
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition Facts Of Gnocchi Tomato Cream Sauce
- Calories: 497 kcal
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Protein: 11 g
Which Goes Best With Gnocchi Tomato Cream Sauce?
✔ Serve with Garlic Bread: Pair your creamy gnocchi with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the rich sauce.
✔ Add a Side Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
✔ Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil, parsley, or chives for extra freshness and aroma.
✔ Add Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
✔ Sprinkle with Extra Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for an extra savory touch.
Tips & Variation
❖ Adjust the Creaminess: Use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
❖ Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
❖ Add Veggies: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition.
❖ Enhance with Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the tomato sauce for deeper flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it before serving.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Use vegetarian-friendly gnocchi and vegetable stock if needed.
Can I freeze gnocchi tomato cream sauce?
The sauce can be frozen, but the cream may slightly change texture when thawed.
What protein goes well with it?
Chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage pair beautifully with the sauce.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich.
What herbs go best in this sauce?
Basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme are excellent choices.
Conclusion
Gnocchi Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting, flavorful dish that turns simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
With its creamy tomato richness and tender gnocchi, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. Easy to make yet indulgent, it’s a timeless favorite in any kitchen.
Gnocchi Tomato Cream Sauce
Equipment
- A large pot (for boiling gnocchi)
- A deep skillet or sauté pan
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving bowls or plates
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon dashes Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and velvety.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.