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Creamy Tomato Gnocchi in a teal cast iron skillet, topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

Creamy Tomato Gnocchi

Hilary PARKER
The best easy creamy gnocchi dinner you’ll ever make! This 30-minute wonder uses the secret ingredient, cream cheese, to create a decadent, silky tomato cream sauce that clings perfectly to the gnocchi. It's simple, satisfying, and immediately added to the weekly rotation.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 19 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Fusion, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Gnocchi:

  • 1 pound 16 oz store-bought potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
  • Salt for cooking water

For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 4 ounces ½ cup cream cheese, cut into cubes and softened
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water as needed

For Garnish:

  • Fresh basil leaves torn or chopped
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add gnocchi and cook 2–4 minutes until they float. Reserve ½ cup of cooking water, then drain gnocchi and set aside.
  • Start Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Build Tomato Base: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Add the cubed, softened cream cheese and stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  • Finish and Serve: Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry. Serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 18gFat: 22gFiber: 6g
Keyword Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Recipe
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