Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Gnocchi

Servings: 4 Total Time: 25 mins Difficulty: Beginner
A quick and indulgent dish that’s perfect for weeknights or impressing guests!
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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Gnocchi



Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place.

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Gnocchi is the kind of meal that feels fancy but is secretly a breeze to make.

Imagine pillowy gnocchi smothered in a rich, velvety sauce bursting with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the fresh, herby kick of basil.

It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.


How to Make It


1. Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Once they’re tender and floating to the top, drain them and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics
While the gnocchi cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté until fragrant. This is where the magic starts—those sun-dried tomatoes will release their sweet, tangy flavor into the oil.

3. Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, luscious sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

4. Combine and Finish
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld. Finally, stir in fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

5. Serve and Enjoy
Divide the gnocchi into bowls, garnish with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, and dig in! This dish is best served immediately while it’s warm and creamy.


Pro Tips


  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you’re using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, reserve a little of the oil to sauté the garlic—it adds extra flavor!
  • Cream Substitute: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be as rich.
  • Fresh Basil: Add the basil at the very end to keep its vibrant color and fresh flavor.


Storage


  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
  • Freezer: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce, which can separate when thawed.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Gnocchi

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins
Servings: 4 Calories: 450
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Pillowy gnocchi tossed in a creamy, tangy sun-dried tomato and basil sauce—ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Cook the Gnocchi:

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.

  2. Sauté the Aromatics:

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

  3. Make the Sauce:

    Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

  4. Combine:

    Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

  5. Finish:

    Stir in the fresh basil leaves and remove from heat.

  6. Serve:

    Divide into bowls, garnish with extra basil and Parmesan, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 30g47%
Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 5g
Protein 10g20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • If using dry sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
  • Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.

Keywords: Creamy gnocchi, sun-dried tomato basil sauce, easy dinner, 30-minute meal

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Sun-dried tomatoes have a unique tangy sweetness that’s hard to replicate, but you can try using cherry tomatoes for a fresher twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and cook the gnocchi separately, then combine when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk works, but the sauce will be less rich.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta would be delicious additions.

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