Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both cozy and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, this Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how the roasted tomatoes melt into a luscious, creamy sauce that hugs every pillowy gnocchi piece. It’s easy to make, vegan-friendly, and the kind of recipe that feels fancy but takes hardly any fuss. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be craving it again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing fresh, quality ingredients makes all the difference here. The grape or cherry tomatoes roast down into a sweet, caramelized sauce, while fresh herbs like thyme and basil add brightness. And if you keep vegan or allergy concerns in mind, this recipe fits perfectly!

• Grape or cherry tomatoes: Small tomatoes roast beautifully for a concentrated, sweet flavor.
• Shallots: Milder than onions, they add subtle sweetness and depth.
• Garlic cloves: Roasting softens the sharpness, creating a mellow, rich taste.
• Sea salt: Enhances all the roasted flavors; I like coarse for texture, but fine salt works too.
• Black pepper: Adds a little kick to balance the sweetness.
• Smoked paprika: A personal favorite—it brings a smoky warmth that’s so cozy.
• Cayenne pepper: Use sparingly for just a subtle heat that lifts the dish.
• Fresh ginger: Grated for a bright, zingy undertone that cuts through the creaminess.
• Coconut sugar: A touch of sweetness that helps caramelize the tomatoes while roasting.
• Fresh thyme: Woody and fragrant, thyme pairs perfectly with roasted veggies.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use good quality—it helps everything roast beautifully and infuses flavor.
• Potato gnocchi (vegan): Look for egg- and dairy-free gnocchi, they cook quickly and soak up the sauce well.
• Lemon juice: Adds a bright, acidic contrast to balance the richness.
• Fresh basil leaves: Stirred in at the end for a fresh, herbal note.
• Coconut cream (full fat): The secret to that dreamy, creamy texture without dairy.
• Chili flakes (optional): Sprinkle on top if you love a little extra heat.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi Recipe a lot, and it’s so versatile! Feel free to tweak it based on what you have or your dietary preferences. I love when a recipe lets me get creative.

• Swap the gnocchi: I’ve used gluten-free gnocchi when guests visit, and it still soaks up the sauce beautifully without losing that pillowy texture.
• Add veggies: Sometimes I toss in roasted mushrooms or spinach for extra greens and heartiness.
• Spice it up: If you love bold flavors, add more cayenne or sprinkle smoked chili powder for a fiery twist.
• Herb swaps: If you don’t have fresh thyme, oregano or rosemary can work nicely, just adjust to your taste.

How to Make Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Roast Your Flavors

First things first: preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). While it’s warming up, prep your vegetables—remove tomato stems, thinly slice the shallots, peel the garlic, grate the ginger, and strip the thyme leaves from their stems. This part feels a bit like prepping a savory symphony of flavors! Toss everything (tomatoes, shallots, garlic, ginger, thyme) into a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe dish. Add the olive oil, spices, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, and coconut sugar. Mix it all well so every piece gets that olive oil love. Then pop it into the oven and roast for 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have burst and everything smells incredibly fragrant and caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

About 10 minutes before the tomatoes finish roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi only takes a couple minutes—once it floats to the top, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and drain well. This cooking timing ensures your gnocchi stay soft and tender, ready to soak up all that creamy tomato sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Finish the Dish

Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven (watch those fingers!). Add your cooked gnocchi, coconut cream, fresh lemon juice, and torn basil leaves right into the skillet. Stir everything gently—this is where the magic happens as the creaminess envelops every gnocchi and the basil adds fresh herbaceous brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately, maybe with a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat if you like. It’s amazing how such simple ingredients come together to create a dinner that feels so special.

How to Serve Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about simplicity when it comes to garnishes here. A light sprinkle of red chili flakes adds a nice pop of color and just enough heat. Sometimes I toss on extra torn basil leaves for freshness and a few grinds of black pepper. If I want a bit of zing, a little lemon zest over the top brightens everything up beautifully.

Side Dishes

This creamy delight pairs wonderfully with simple green sides—think a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with garlic. For a heartier meal, roasted asparagus or sautéed kale with a squeeze of lemon also work perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this dish in shallow bowls to showcase those caramelized roasted tomatoes on top. A drizzle of extra olive oil and a sprig of fresh thyme makes it look like it came straight from a restaurant. You can also try layering it with thin slices of grilled zucchini or eggplant for a colorful veggie stack paired with the gnocchi. It makes the presentation feel a bit more festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more after resting, but I recommend reheating gently to keep the sauce nice and creamy without drying out the gnocchi.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi Recipe because the texture of gnocchi changes when frozen and reheated. However, the tomato sauce itself freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Just thaw it gently and add fresh gnocchi when ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or plant milk to loosen the sauce. Stir gently so the gnocchi don’t break apart. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to dry out the sauce and change the texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi Recipe quickly became one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it feels so comforting yet fresh and bright. I love that it’s easy enough to whip up after work but special enough to serve guests. When I first tried it, I was hooked by how the vegan coconut cream created such a rich sauce that tastes indulgent without any dairy. If you’re looking for something that hits all the right cozy notes and that your whole family will rave about, you really need to give this recipe a try. I promise, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!

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