A Cozy Bowl of Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi

If there’s one dish that instantly brings comfort into my kitchen, it’s this Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi with Mozzarella Pearls. Honestly, every time I make it, I feel like I’m treating myself to a fancy restaurant meal — but without leaving my house or spending a lot of time cooking. I love how the sauce becomes velvety and rich, the gnocchi turns soft and pillowy, and those tiny mozzarella pearls melt into dreamy pockets of cheese. It’s the kind of meal you make when you want something easy but still “wow.”

What I enjoy most is how this dish keeps things simple but still feels incredibly satisfying. You don’t need complicated techniques or fancy tools — just a pan, a spoon, and about 20 minutes. And let’s be honest: having a comforting dinner ready that fast feels like a small miracle on busy nights. If you love creamy sauces, fresh basil, melty cheese, and that cozy Italian vibe, I promise this recipe will become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is indulgent, yes, but it also has some surprising nutritional perks. Tomatoes are naturally rich in vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene, which support your immune system and heart health. Basil adds freshness but also helps with digestion because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties. And while gnocchi is comforting and carb-rich, pairing it with a sauce that includes tomato and a bit of protein from mozzarella creates a balanced, satisfying meal. If you choose whole-milk mozzarella, you also get calcium and healthy fats that keep you full for longer.

Adaptable Variations

I always love making a dish feel personalized, and this gnocchi is honestly one of the easiest recipes to adapt. Here are some swaps and upgrades you can try:

• Add protein: Grilled chicken strips, seasoned shrimp, or even Italian sausage work beautifully with the creamy tomato base.
• Make it vegetarian-friendly (or more veggie-packed): Add spinach, mushrooms, sautéed zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and fiber.
• Want it lighter? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, coconut cream, or even blended cashews.
• Extra basil flavor: Add homemade basil pesto to the sauce — even a small spoonful transforms the dish.
• Heat lovers: A pinch of red pepper flakes makes the sauce cozy and warm without overpowering the basil.

Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi with Mozzarella Pearls

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella pearls
• 1 small bunch of fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Instructions

1. Boil the gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top — this usually takes just 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and fragrant. Then stir in the garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds.
3. Build the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors come together.
4. Make it creamy: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Mix until the sauce becomes rich and silky. Add Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
5. Season: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat.
6. Combine: Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and gently stir until everything is coated beautifully.
7. Add the finishing touches: Toss in fresh basil and gently fold in the mozzarella pearls. They will start melting slightly, creating the most delicious creamy pockets inside the gnocchi.
8. Serve warm: Garnish with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like.

Practical & Valuable Tips

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks extremely fast. Once they float, take them out to keep them soft and pillowy.
• Use fresh basil at the end: Adding basil too early makes it lose its brightness. Stir it in right before serving.
• Want a thicker sauce? Let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the gnocchi.
• Make it ahead: The sauce reheats beautifully. Just add a splash of cream or broth when warming it up to bring back the silky texture.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use shelf-stable or frozen gnocchi? Yes! Both work perfectly. Frozen may need an extra minute to cook.
2. Do mozzarella pearls melt completely? They soften and become creamy but hold their shape slightly — that’s what makes them so good in this dish.
3. Can I make the sauce dairy-free? Absolutely. Use coconut cream, almond milk creamers, or cashew cream instead.
4. Is this dish spicy? Not unless you add red pepper flakes. It’s naturally mild and comforting.

Call to Action

I’d love to know if you try this Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi! Share your photos or tag me on Pinterest so I can see your delicious creation. And don’t forget to save this recipe — trust me, once you make it once, you’ll want it again and again! 🍅🧀✨