Tomato Basil Gnocchi 🍅🌿🧄🧀 Tender Gnocchi in a Bright, Buttery Tomato Sauce With Fresh Basil and Cheese

This is pasta night with a twist — soft potato gnocchi seared for texture, then bathed in a vibrant tomato-garlic sauce and finished with fragrant basil and gooey cheese.

It’s rich yet light, fast yet decadent, and endlessly comforting. Perfect for when you want homemade flavor without homemade effort.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the gnocchi

• 1 lb store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi
• Salted water for boiling
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing)

For the sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Handful of fresh basil, torn

To finish

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or fresh torn mozzarella
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or Pecorino
• Extra basil for garnish
• Optional: drizzle of olive oil or chili oil

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the gnocchi
Boil gnocchi in salted water until they float (about 2–3 minutes). Drain and pat dry. Optionally, sear in a skillet with olive oil or butter until golden and crispy on the outside. Set aside.

Step 2: Build the sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute, then add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add basil and gnocchi
Stir in fresh basil. Add gnocchi and toss gently until coated and heated through.

Step 4: Finish with cheese
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes until cheese melts, or broil for 1–2 minutes if you want bubbly, browned cheese.

Step 5: Serve hot
Garnish with more basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

• Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost
• Stir in cooked Italian sausage or pancetta
• Use burrata or ricotta instead of mozzarella for extra creaminess
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or white wine for depth
• Finish with toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts for crunch

Pro Tips

• Searing gnocchi after boiling adds golden edges and texture
• Simmer the sauce long enough to concentrate flavor
• Fresh basil should go in at the end to stay vibrant
• Use high-quality tomatoes and cheese — they’re the stars here
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet if searing gnocchi — crisp in batches

Final Thoughts

Tomato Basil Gnocchi is a cozy, cheesy classic that never fails — elegant enough for date night, simple enough for Tuesday. The balance of rich sauce, soft gnocchi, and fresh basil hits every comfort note.

Sear it. Swirl it. Scoop the melty cheese. 🍅🌿🧄🧀

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