One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi Simple Delight

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Welcome to the world of swift and satisfying cooking! In this post, I’ll share my recipe for One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi. Imagine a rich, creamy dish that brings comfort in every bite—all made in just one pot! With fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and tender gnocchi, this meal is easy to make and packed with flavor. Ready to impress your taste buds without the mess? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)

– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup vegetable broth

– 1 cup heavy cream

Additional Ingredients

– 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (reserve some for garnish)

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

– Crushed red pepper flakes

The heart of my One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi lies in its fresh ingredients. Gnocchi forms the base of this dish. You can choose fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi based on what you have. Fresh gnocchi cooks quicker, while shelf-stable can be stored longer.

Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor. Halving them helps release their juices, creating a rich sauce. Vegetable broth brings in depth and moisture. Heavy cream is the magic ingredient. It gives the dish its creamy texture and richness.

Next, fresh basil leaves infuse a bright taste. I always chop some but save a bit for later. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty kick. Garlic enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic notes. Olive oil is essential for sautéing and adds a nice finish.

Don’t forget the salt and pepper! They help balance all the flavors. If you like a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes are a great option. They elevate the dish without overpowering it.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to a creamy delight!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

Heating olive oil and cooking garlic

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 minced cloves of garlic. Stir and cook for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell nice but not burn.

Adding cherry tomatoes

Next, add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir them around. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices, making a tasty base.

Cooking the Gnocchi

Pouring in vegetable broth

Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth. Bring the mix to a simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This adds flavor and moisture to your dish.

Stirring in gnocchi and cooking

Now, add 1 pound of gnocchi to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir the gnocchi into the tomato mix. Cook for about 5 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the top when done.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Adding heavy cream and Parmesan cheese

Once the gnocchi is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Incorporating fresh basil and seasoning

Fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil, saving some for garnish. Season with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

To boost the taste of your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. This small touch gives the dish a pleasant kick. If you want more flavor, try adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. They pair well with the basil and tomatoes.

Texture and Consistency

To get that perfect creamy sauce, make sure to stir in the heavy cream slowly. This helps it blend well with the other ingredients. If you like a thicker sauce, let it cook a bit longer. You can also add more cheese for creaminess if desired.

Cooking Equipment

Use a large pot or deep skillet for the best results. A non-stick surface helps prevent sticking and burning, making cleanup easier. A wooden spoon is great for stirring the ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap ingredients to make this dish your own.

Using different types of pasta: If you don’t have gnocchi, try small pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. They soak up the sauce well.

Substituting cream with lighter options: For a lighter dish, use half-and-half or even coconut milk. This keeps the creamy texture but reduces calories.

Flavor Additions

Get creative with what you add to the dish.

Incorporating protein like chicken or shrimp: Adding cooked chicken or shrimp gives the dish more protein. Cook it separately, then mix it in.

Adding vegetables for a healthier twist: Toss in veggies like spinach or zucchini. They add nutrition and color, making your meal even better.

Serving Suggestions

Think about what to serve with your gnocchi for a full meal.

Pairing with sides or salads: A fresh green salad pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can also serve crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Suggestions for side dishes that complement gnocchi: Roasted vegetables or garlic bread are great sides. They add flavor and texture to your meal.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your creamy tomato basil gnocchi fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store the dish in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. Make sure to cool it first before sealing.

Reheating Instructions

When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, heat gently on the stove. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. Add a splash of cream or broth to help. Stir often to avoid burning. If the sauce separates, whisk it back together.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze creamy tomato basil gnocchi for later. Let it cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out as much air as you can. It can last for up to three months.

To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on low heat, stirring gently. Add a bit of cream or broth to help it return to its creamy state. Enjoy your meal even after storing!

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make this dish vegan with a few swaps. Use plant-based gnocchi made from potatoes or other veggies. Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan. These swaps keep the creamy texture while making it plant-based.

What can I use if I don’t have gnocchi?

If you lack gnocchi, don’t worry! You can use other pasta types. Try small shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Cook them in the same sauce until tender. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pasta. This will still create a tasty one-pot dish.

How do I know when the gnocchi is done?

Watch for gnocchi to float to the top of the pot. This shows they’re cooked through. You can also taste one to check for doneness. It should be soft but firm. Avoid overcooking to keep the perfect texture.

This blog post covered how to make a delicious gnocchi dish. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize this recipe by adding flavors and swapping ingredients. Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy them later by reheating correctly. With these instructions, you can create a creamy, flavorful meal that satisfies your cravings. Now it’s your turn to try making this gnocchi dish at home. Enjoy the cooking experience and have fun experimenting!

- 1 pound gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable) - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (reserve some for garnish) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Crushed red pepper flakes The heart of my One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi lies in its fresh ingredients. Gnocchi forms the base of this dish. You can choose fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi based on what you have. Fresh gnocchi cooks quicker, while shelf-stable can be stored longer. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor. Halving them helps release their juices, creating a rich sauce. Vegetable broth brings in depth and moisture. Heavy cream is the magic ingredient. It gives the dish its creamy texture and richness. Next, fresh basil leaves infuse a bright taste. I always chop some but save a bit for later. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty kick. Garlic enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic notes. Olive oil is essential for sautéing and adds a nice finish. Don’t forget the salt and pepper! They help balance all the flavors. If you like a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes are a great option. They elevate the dish without overpowering it. Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to a creamy delight! - Heating olive oil and cooking garlic Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 minced cloves of garlic. Stir and cook for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell nice but not burn. - Adding cherry tomatoes Next, add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir them around. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices, making a tasty base. - Pouring in vegetable broth Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth. Bring the mix to a simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This adds flavor and moisture to your dish. - Stirring in gnocchi and cooking Now, add 1 pound of gnocchi to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir the gnocchi into the tomato mix. Cook for about 5 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the top when done. - Adding heavy cream and Parmesan cheese Once the gnocchi is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. - Incorporating fresh basil and seasoning Fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil, saving some for garnish. Season with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. To boost the taste of your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. This small touch gives the dish a pleasant kick. If you want more flavor, try adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. They pair well with the basil and tomatoes. To get that perfect creamy sauce, make sure to stir in the heavy cream slowly. This helps it blend well with the other ingredients. If you like a thicker sauce, let it cook a bit longer. You can also add more cheese for creaminess if desired. Use a large pot or deep skillet for the best results. A non-stick surface helps prevent sticking and burning, making cleanup easier. A wooden spoon is great for stirring the ingredients without scratching your cookware. {{image_2}} You can swap ingredients to make this dish your own. - Using different types of pasta: If you don’t have gnocchi, try small pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. They soak up the sauce well. - Substituting cream with lighter options: For a lighter dish, use half-and-half or even coconut milk. This keeps the creamy texture but reduces calories. Get creative with what you add to the dish. - Incorporating protein like chicken or shrimp: Adding cooked chicken or shrimp gives the dish more protein. Cook it separately, then mix it in. - Adding vegetables for a healthier twist: Toss in veggies like spinach or zucchini. They add nutrition and color, making your meal even better. Think about what to serve with your gnocchi for a full meal. - Pairing with sides or salads: A fresh green salad pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can also serve crusty bread to soak up the sauce. - Suggestions for side dishes that complement gnocchi: Roasted vegetables or garlic bread are great sides. They add flavor and texture to your meal. To keep your creamy tomato basil gnocchi fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store the dish in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. Make sure to cool it first before sealing. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, heat gently on the stove. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. Add a splash of cream or broth to help. Stir often to avoid burning. If the sauce separates, whisk it back together. You can freeze creamy tomato basil gnocchi for later. Let it cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out as much air as you can. It can last for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on low heat, stirring gently. Add a bit of cream or broth to help it return to its creamy state. Enjoy your meal even after storing! Yes, you can make this dish vegan with a few swaps. Use plant-based gnocchi made from potatoes or other veggies. Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan. These swaps keep the creamy texture while making it plant-based. If you lack gnocchi, don't worry! You can use other pasta types. Try small shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Cook them in the same sauce until tender. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pasta. This will still create a tasty one-pot dish. Watch for gnocchi to float to the top of the pot. This shows they're cooked through. You can also taste one to check for doneness. It should be soft but firm. Avoid overcooking to keep the perfect texture. This blog post covered how to make a delicious gnocchi dish. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize this recipe by adding flavors and swapping ingredients. Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy them later by reheating correctly. With these instructions, you can create a creamy, flavorful meal that satisfies your cravings. Now it's your turn to try making this gnocchi dish at home. Enjoy the cooking experience and have fun experimenting!

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi

Indulge in a bowl of comfort with this One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi! This delicious recipe combines tender gnocchi, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it takes just 25 minutes to prepare. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to discover the full recipe and tips for presentation that will make your dish pop!

Ingredients
  

1 pound gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (reserve some for garnish)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

    Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices.

      Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes.

        Add the gnocchi to the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir the gnocchi into the tomato mixture and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they float to the top and are cooked through.

          Once the gnocchi is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

            Fold in the chopped basil, reserving some for garnish, and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well to combine.

              Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy gnocchi in shallow bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. For a pop of color, consider adding a few whole cherry tomatoes on top as decoration!

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