Tomato Basil Gnocchi with Fresh Mozzarella
A cozy bowl of pillowy gnocchi nestled in a vibrant tomato basil sauce, crowned with melty fresh mozzarella.
Total: 30 minPrep: 10 minCook: 20 minServes 4Difficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for spice
Steps
- 1 In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- 2 Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 3 Toss in cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4 Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper.
- 5 Add basil and Parmesan, and give it a good mix.
- 6 Meanwhile, cook gnocchi according to package instructions, then add to the skillet.
- 7 Gently fold the gnocchi into the sauce until well-coated.
- 8 Top with fresh mozzarella halves and cook until cheese is melty.
- 9 Serve immediately with additional basil and Parmesan if desired.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling gnocchi
Variations
- Add sautéed spinach for extra greens
- Substitute fresh mozzarella with feta for a tangy twist
Substitutions
- If fresh basil isn't available, use 1 tablespoon dried basil.
- Use any potato gnocchi variety you prefer.
Pairings
- A glass of Pinot Noir complements the flavors nicely
- Crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce
Nutrition
Calories:
500 kcal
Fat:
20g fat
Carbs:
60g carbohydrates
Protein:
15g protein
Fiber:
4g fiber
Sugar:
10g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of the gnocchi cooking water.
- If you like a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Freezing: Not ideal for freezing due to the fresh mozzarella, but gnocchi and sauce can be frozen separately for up to 1 month.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein
FAQ
Can I use canned tomatoes instead?
Yes, use 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes, drained, for a similar flavor profile.