Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchic

Introduction

When it comes to comforting, satisfying meals, this Saucy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi hits all the right notes. Imagine soft, pillowy gnocchi, smothered in a rich, velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce. It’s one of those dishes that feels like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but in reality, it’s easy to whip up in under 40 minutes.

I first discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I was craving something indulgent but didn’t have much time. I had some gnocchi in the pantry, sun-dried tomatoes in the fridge, and heavy cream that was begging to be used. The result? A plate of comfort food that I couldn’t stop eating. From that night on, it became a favorite go-to in my household—and it’s easy to see why!

What makes this recipe so special is the combination of flavors. The gnocchi is delicate yet hearty, the sun-dried tomatoes give it a tangy richness, and the cream sauce brings it all together into something completely irresistible. If you’re a fan of pasta dishes but want to try something a little different, this is a perfect option! It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor—what more could you ask for?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, there are a million reasons why this Saucy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi is a must-try. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Quick and Easy: Despite being indulgent, this dish is incredibly easy to make. You can have dinner on the table in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and delicious.
2. Rich and Flavorful: The sun-dried tomatoes bring a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so gourmet.
3. Comforting: There’s just something about gnocchi—soft, pillowy dumplings that melt in your mouth. Paired with the rich sauce, this dish will give you all the cozy, warm feelings you crave on a chilly evening.
4. Customizable: Want to make this dish your own? You can easily add or swap ingredients. You can toss in some spinach for extra greens, top it with freshly grated Parmesan, or even throw in some crispy bacon for a savory kick. The possibilities are endless!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Carbs: 50g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 4g

Ingredients

Before we get into the steps, let’s talk about the ingredients that will make this Saucy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi recipe come to life. Most of these are kitchen staples, and you can easily find them at your local grocery store.

• 1 lb gnocchi (fresh or frozen—whichever you prefer)
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 tbsp butter (for added richness)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional, but it adds nice flavor)
• Fresh spinach (optional, but a great addition for some greens!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking—this recipe is super straightforward, and I’m here to walk you through every step. The best part? You can do this in about 40 minutes, and the end result will be absolutely delicious.

Step 1: Boil the Gnocchi

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions (usually about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top). Once they’re cooked, drain them and set them aside. Keep a little pasta water on hand just in case you need to loosen up the sauce later.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the gnocchi! They should be tender but still have a little bite to them. If you overcook them, they’ll get mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

While the gnocchi is cooking, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! After that, toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes. You’ll want them to soften up and get all nice and aromatic.

Tip: If you love garlic, feel free to add more! Garlic and sun-dried tomatoes are a match made in heaven.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken up. You should see it start to get nice and creamy. Add the red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning at this stage if you’re using them. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, just add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 4: Toss the Gnocchi in the Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened and the gnocchi is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Gently toss the cooked gnocchi into the sauce, stirring until they’re all coated and warmed through. If you like, you can also toss in some fresh spinach at this point and let it wilt into the sauce. This is totally optional, but it adds a nice pop of green to the dish!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the gnocchi to serving bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. The cheese adds a salty, nutty kick, while the basil gives it a fresh, herby finish.

Serving Tip: This dish is great on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a light salad or some crispy bread to soak up that delicious sauce.

How to Serve

This Saucy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi is a one-dish wonder, but if you want to make it a full meal, here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve with Garlic Bread: Nothing beats dipping warm, buttery garlic bread into the creamy sauce. It’s the perfect pairing.
• Add a Side Salad: A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette would add a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the gnocchi.
• Top with Grilled Chicken: For a protein boost, grilled chicken pairs perfectly with this dish. Just slice it thin and place it on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the best results with this recipe:

1. Use High-Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Since they’re the star of the dish, make sure you use good-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. It’ll make a big difference in flavor.
2. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to experiment with the sauce. Add a splash of white wine for a deeper flavor or toss in some freshly grated mozzarella for extra creaminess.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When you toss the gnocchi into the sauce, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, do it in batches to ensure even coating.
4. Make It Spicy: Want to kick things up a notch? Add a little more red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to give it a zesty heat.
5. Rest the Dish: Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.

Recipe Variations

One of the great things about this Saucy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken broth and add vegetable broth instead. You can also add roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to bulk up the dish.
• Vegan Option: Use coconut cream or almond cream instead of heavy cream, and top with vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Add Meat: If you’re craving some protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sausage would make a delicious addition to this dish.

Why This Recipe Works

This Saucy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi works because it strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The gnocchi is light and airy, while the sauce is rich, tangy, and creamy. The sun-dried tomatoes provide bursts of intense flavor, and the cream brings it all together into a smooth, comforting sauce. Every bite is a little bite of heaven, and the dish is satisfying without being too heavy.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought gnocchi! Fresh or frozen gnocchi will both work just fine.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss with cooked gnocchi.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers, but keep in mind that the cream sauce might separate when reheated. It’s best to store the sauce and gnocchi separately for freezing.

Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes in oil with dry-packed ones?
Yes, you can use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, but make sure to rehydrate them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using them in the recipe.

Print

Conclusion

This Saucy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi is a flavor-packed, comforting dish that’s quick and easy to make. The creamy sauce and tender gnocchi combine to create an indulgent meal that feels like a treat, but without all the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this recipe is sure to impress.

So, the next time you’re craving something comforting and delicious, give this dish a try. You’ll fall in love with the rich flavors, creamy sauce, and pillowy gnocchi that make this meal a winner every time.