Burst Cherry Tomato Gnocchi Recipe
Published on May 9th, 2025
Intermediate
If you're looking for a quick, flavour-packed meal that sings of summer and simplicity, this burst cherry tomato gnocchi recipe is your new go-to. With minimal prep and maximum flavour, it brings together soft, pillowy gnocchi and juicy cherry tomatoes in a garlicky, herby sauce. Whether you're whipping up a midweek meal or entertaining friends, this dish delivers satisfaction with ease.
Why You'll Love This Cherry Tomato Gnocchi
What makes this dish a favourite in many households is its rustic charm and sheer ease. It's a pan-fried gnocchi with tomatoes that comes together in under 30 minutes. With a handful of simple ingredients—like fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Parmigiano Reggiano—you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Plus, it's part of the vegetarian gnocchi recipes family, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- A small bunch of fresh basil (1 sprig whole, rest torn)
- 500g cherry tomatoes (half halved, half whole)
- 500g gnocchi
- Finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano, to serve
Instructions: How to Make Gnocchi with Burst Cherry Tomatoes
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook gently until it just begins to turn golden—this builds the base flavour for your gnocchi with tomato and basil.
- Toss in the cherry tomatoes along with the whole basil sprig. Turn up the heat and keep stirring. The tomatoes will begin to soften, some bursting open and others adding a meaty bite. When the sauce looks rich and juicy, turn down the heat to keep warm.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil and add your gnocchi. When the gnocchi starts floating to the surface, it's ready. Scoop out a mug of pasta water before draining.
- Add about 8–10 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to the tomato mixture to loosen the sauce. Gently fold in the drained gnocchi, coating each piece thoroughly. Remove the basil sprig and season to taste.
- Spoon your easy tomato gnocchi recipe into bowls, top with torn basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano. A drizzle of olive oil and fresh black pepper elevate this dish even further.
Tips for the Best Summer Gnocchi Recipes
• Choose ripe tomatoes: Sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes are essential. Taste one before cooking—if it's too sour, a pinch of sugar will balance the sauce.
• Don’t skip the pasta water: It helps emulsify the sauce, giving it a silky, restaurant-style finish.
• Use fresh basil: Dried won’t deliver the same aromatic lift.
This burst cherry tomato gnocchi recipe is not only simple but utterly adaptable. You can add olives, roasted peppers, or even chilli flakes for a bit of heat. It’s one of those summer gnocchi recipes that lets you play with flavours while keeping things light and fresh.
Looking for more meal inspiration? Explore our pasta and noodles collection
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