Crispy Gnocchi with Cherry Tomato Sauce: 30-Minute Delight

Crispy gnocchi with cherry tomato sauce is a delightful dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its crispy exterior and luscious, tangy sauce. Imagine sinking your teeth into golden-brown gnocchi, perfectly crisp on the outside, while the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes creates a flavor explosion in your mouth.

Every bite brings up memories of family dinners where laughter echoed around the table, and everyone eagerly reached for seconds. This dish is perfect for cozy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.

I still remember the first time I served this dish; my friends couldn’t believe it was homemade and not from a trendy restaurant.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Gnocchi: Store-bought is great, but homemade adds an extra personal touch and chewy texture.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Look for bright, firm tomatoes; they should be bursting with sweetness when cooked.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential; it adds depth and aroma that elevates the entire dish.

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for drizzling and sautéing to enhance flavor.

• Fresh Basil: Adds a fragrant touch; use whole leaves or chop them for more flavor integration.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a nutty finish that complements the sauce beautifully.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended for those who like a little kick in their meal.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Crispy Gnocchi with Cherry Tomato Sauce

Cooking crispy gnocchi with cherry tomato sauce involves some fun phases that will lead you to culinary glory.

Prepare Your Gnocchi: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once boiling, add salt generously before tossing in your gnocchi. Cook until they float—about 2-3 minutes—then drain well.

Sauté Your Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown—about 1-2 minutes—making sure not to burn it!

Add Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Stir gently until they begin to soften, releasing their juices—this should take about 5-7 minutes.

Crisp Up Those Gnocchi: Push the tomatoes to one side of the skillet and add your drained gnocchi. Let them sear without stirring for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown on one side before flipping them gently.

Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes over everything. Toss gently to combine while removing from heat—let those flavors mingle beautifully!

This process may seem simple, but together they create an extraordinary experience that will have everyone at your table raving about dinner long after they’ve left.

Now gather your loved ones around because it’s time to dig into this delightful plate of crispy gnocchi with cherry tomato sauce!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your gnocchi until they float, then quickly pan-fry them in olive oil for that irresistible crispiness, while your cherry tomatoes simmer away with garlic and herbs.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the cherry tomatoes for sun-dried ones or add some spinach or basil for extra flavor. Cheese lovers can sprinkle parmesan for a creamy finish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to restore crispness without making them soggy.

Cooking this dish always reminds me of the first dinner party I hosted. My friends couldn’t stop raving about it, and it turned into a regular request whenever we gathered!

FAQ

What is the best way to cook gnocchi?

Boil them until they float, then pan-fry for crispy perfection.

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well; just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I store leftover crispy gnocchi with cherry tomato sauce?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

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Crispy Gnocchi with Cherry Tomato Sauce

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Crispy gnocchi with cherry tomato sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines golden-brown, crunchy gnocchi with a sweet and tangy cherry tomato sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. With fresh ingredients and a quick cooking process, you’ll create a delightful meal that evokes warm memories of family gatherings and laughter. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound store-bought gnocchi
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Cook gnocchi until they float (about 2-3 minutes), then drain.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
3. Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until softened (5-7 minutes).
4. Push tomatoes aside; add drained gnocchi to the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side.
5. Toss in fresh basil and red pepper flakes, mixing gently before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: For added flavor, substitute cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes or toss in spinach. For extra creaminess, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese before serving.