Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

This Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi is a decadent dish that combines pillowy gnocchi with a rich, creamy sauce made from roasted tomatoes, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs. Topped with Parmesan cheese, it offers a comforting, flavorful meal that will satisfy both your cravings and your taste buds. Whether you’re making this dish for yourself or feeding a crowd, it’s sure to be a hit!

Instructions:

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

1. Preheat Oven:

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   • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Tomatoes:

   • If you’re using Roma tomatoes, slice them in half lengthwise. For cherry or heirloom tomatoes, leave them whole or slice them into quarters. This will ensure the tomatoes roast evenly.

3. Season the Tomatoes:

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   • Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss the tomatoes to coat evenly with the oil and seasonings.

4. Roast the Tomatoes:

   • Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized at the edges. Once done, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool slightly.

5. Blend the Tomatoes (Optional):

   • After roasting, you can either leave the tomatoes as they are for a chunkier sauce or blend them for a smoother texture. To blend, transfer the roasted tomatoes to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree the tomatoes. Set the tomato puree aside for later.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

1. Boil the Gnocchi:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes or until the gnocchi floats to the top). Stir gently to prevent sticking.

2. Drain the Gnocchi:

   • Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to help thicken the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

   • In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. If you prefer a little heat, you can also add the crushed red pepper flakes at this point.

2. Deglaze the Pan:

   • Pour in the dry white wine (if using), scraping up any bits that may have formed on the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook down for 2-3 minutes until reduced by about half. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with a splash of vegetable or chicken broth.

3. Add the Cream and Broth:

   • Add the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth to the pan, stirring to combine. Let the mixture come to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Add the Roasted Tomatoes:

   • Stir in the roasted tomato puree (or chunks, depending on your preference) and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil to taste.

5. Add Parmesan Cheese:

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well-combined. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding richness and flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Gnocchi with the Sauce

1. Add the Gnocchi to the Sauce:

   • Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked gnocchi to the pan with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

2. Simmer:

   • Let the gnocchi and sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the gnocchi to absorb some of the creamy tomato sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Serve:

   • Divide the creamy roasted tomato gnocchi among serving plates.

2. Garnish:

   • Top each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also sprinkle some additional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

3. Enjoy:

   • Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, comforting bowl of gnocchi!

Tips and Variations

1. Homemade Gnocchi:

   • If you have the time, consider making homemade gnocchi for an extra special touch. Homemade gnocchi can be made using potatoes, flour, and eggs, and it will add a wonderful texture to the dish.

2. Substitute the Tomatoes:

   • While roasted tomatoes add a rich depth of flavor, you can substitute them with sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense, tangy flavor. You can also use canned crushed tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are out of season, though roasting fresh tomatoes brings out a deeper, sweeter flavor.

3. Dairy-Free Version:

   • To make this recipe dairy-free, use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream. Replace the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

4. Add Protein:

   • If you want to add some protein to the dish, grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp would be great additions. You can cook the protein separately and stir it into the sauce before serving.

5. Add Vegetables:

   • You can bulk up this dish by adding vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them along with the onion and garlic for added nutrition and flavor.

6. Make It Spicy:

   • If you like spice, add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also stir in a little bit of hot sauce or chili oil for extra heat.

7. Use Fresh Herbs:

   • Fresh basil and parsley will elevate the flavor of this dish. You can also add a little fresh thyme or oregano to the sauce for a more herbaceous taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Bread Pairing: Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: Pair this dish with a simple green salad tossed in olive oil and vinegar for a light, refreshing contrast to the creamy gnocchi.
• Wine Pairing: This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the richness of the sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi is a delicious, comforting dish that brings together the best of fresh, roasted tomatoes, creamy sauce, and soft, pillowy gnocchi. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as a show-stopping meal for guests. The combination of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan creates a rich and flavorful experience with every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress your family, prepare a special date night meal, or simply enjoy some indulgent comfort food, this recipe will not disappoint!

Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of your creamy, savory gnocchi!

Yield: 4

Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

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This Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi is a decadent dish that combines pillowy gnocchi with a rich, creamy sauce made from roasted tomatoes, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs. Topped with Parmesan cheese, it offers a comforting, flavorful meal that will satisfy both your cravings and your taste buds. Whether you're making this dish for yourself or feeding a crowd, it’s sure to be a hit!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces (optional for extra creaminess)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Roast the Tomatoes:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the halved cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Toss the tomatoes to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
   
2. Cook the Gnocchi:
   While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions (typically 2-3 minutes until they float to the top). Drain the gnocchi, reserving a bit of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
   
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   In a large skillet, melt the butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the cream begins to thicken. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
   
4. Combine the Ingredients:
   Once the tomatoes are roasted, remove them from the oven and add them (along with any juices) to the creamy sauce. Gently stir to combine. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
   
5. Finish and Serve:
   Add the torn mozzarella to the skillet, stirring until it melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

• Gnocchi: You can use either store-bought or homemade gnocchi. If you're using store-bought, make sure it's fresh or frozen, as it will cook more quickly than dry gnocchi.
• Tomatoes: You can use Roma or vine tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes if you prefer. Just chop them up and roast them the same way.
• Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, you can add a little bit of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
• Flavor Variations: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or stir in some spinach or kale for added greens.