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Let me share my favorite 30-minute dinner miracle! This Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata has become my go-to recipe when I want to feel fancy but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. With just 7 ingredients and pillowy gnocchi swimming in the most gorgeous tomato sauce, topped with creamy burrata it's pure comfort food magic. The best part? It's ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when you want something amazing but don't want to fuss!
Why This Recipe is Pure Gold
This is one of those recipes that makes everyone think you've spent hours in the kitchen (but we know better!). The sauce gets this amazing richness from burst cherry tomatoes, and when you break open that burrata on top? Pure heaven! I love serving this when friends come over they always ask for the recipe, and their jaws drop when I tell them how simple it is.
Let's Grab Our Ingredients
- Garlic: I'm generous with garlic here 8 cloves make it sing!
- Cherry Tomatoes: They get all sweet and jammy when cooked down.
- Good Olive Oil: Use the nice stuff here it makes a difference.
- Gnocchi: Those little potato pillows of happiness.
- Heavy Cream: Just enough to make it luxuriously creamy.
- Burrata: The crown jewel! Look for it near the fresh mozzarella.
- Fresh Basil: Adds that perfect pop of freshness.
Let's Cook!
- Sauce Magic
- Start by getting that garlic all golden and fragrant in olive oil your kitchen will smell amazing! Then watch those tomatoes burst and create the most gorgeous sauce.
- Gnocchi Time
- While the sauce is doing its thing, cook those gnocchi they only take a few minutes. Don't forget to save some of that starchy cooking water it's liquid gold!
- The Grand Finale
- This is my favorite part breaking that creamy burrata over the top and watching it melt into all the nooks and crannies. Pure magic!
Mix It Up
- Make It Meaty: Sometimes I add crispy chicken cutlets my kids go crazy for this version!
- Keep It Light: Try cauliflower gnocchi it works beautifully here.
- Add Some Greens: A handful of spinach or some sautéed mushrooms are perfect additions.
- Spice It Up: Red pepper flakes are your friend here add as much as you like!
My Best Tips
After making this countless times, I've learned a few tricks! Don't skimp on the salt it really makes those tomatoes sing. And that pasta water? It's like magic for getting the perfect sauce consistency. Oh, and wait until the very end to add that burrata you want it just barely melting when you serve.
Keeping It Fresh
This dish is best fresh, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for about 4 days. Just reheat gently you might need to add a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life. And if you're planning to have leftovers, save the burrata for when you're ready to serve. Trust me on this one!
Common Questions Answered
I get lots of questions about gnocchi! They're those lovely little potato dumplings you'll find in the pasta aisle. Can't find regular gnocchi? The freezer section often has great alternatives. And yes, they're a bit more indulgent than regular pasta, but sometimes that's exactly what we need!
Why You Need This Recipe
This dish is my secret weapon for those nights when I want to feel like a fancy chef without the fancy chef effort! It's cozy enough for a family dinner but impressive enough for company. Plus, there's something magical about that moment when you break open the burrata and it melts into the sauce it never fails to make everyone at the table smile!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why crush the garlic cloves instead of mincing?
- Crushed garlic infuses the oil with flavor while cooking and can be easily removed if desired. It also prevents garlic from burning as quickly as minced garlic would.
- → How do I know when tomatoes are 'jammy'?
- Tomatoes should be very soft and mostly broken down, creating a thick sauce-like consistency. They'll collapse and release their juices while maintaining some texture.
- → Why reserve pasta water?
- Starchy pasta water helps create a silky, emulsified sauce that clings to the gnocchi. The starch helps thicken the sauce and make it glossy.
- → Can I substitute the burrata?
- Fresh mozzarella or stracciatella can work as alternatives, though burrata provides the best creamy texture. Regular mozzarella won't be as creamy.
- → How should I reheat leftovers?
- Reheat gently to prevent sauce from breaking. Ideally add fresh burrata after reheating as it's best not to reheat the cheese. The dish freezes well without the burrata.