Gnocchi with Tomatoes & Mozzarella (Printable Version)
Pillowy potato gnocchi tossed with burst cherry tomatoes and melty mozzarella pearls, brightened with fresh basil.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta & Cheese
01 - 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
02 - 1 cup mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)
→ Vegetables
03 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Oils & Seasonings
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Herbs & Garnish
08 - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
09 - Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the top (about 2–3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
02 - While the gnocchi cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst.
04 - Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Toss gently to coat and allow the gnocchi to brown slightly, about 2 minutes.
05 - Stir in mozzarella pearls and cook just until they begin to melt.
06 - Remove from heat and fold in fresh basil. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes if using.
07 - Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- Creates a restaurant quality meal with minimal effort
- The perfect balance of comfort and freshness
02 -
- Requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor
- Can be on your table in less than 30 minutes
- Creates an impressive meal even beginners can master
- Leftovers reheat beautifully making it perfect for meal prep
03 -
- Use a wide skillet rather than a deep pot to allow moisture to evaporate creating a more concentrated tomato flavor
- Allow the gnocchi to sit undisturbed for a minute or two when added to the skillet for that perfect golden crust
- Save a small cup of pasta water before draining the gnocchi to loosen the sauce if needed