This one pan creamy tomato gnocchi recipe is easy comfort food at its best! It's convenient since it's ready in just 25 minutes, and you'll agree it's a restaurant quality dish.
Want a similar recipe without cream? Head on over to my Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce.
Why you'll enjoy it
This gnocchi with a creamy tomato sauce is one of those recipes that takes a few everyday ingredients and transforms them into something special and elevated. It just tastes gourmet, yet it takes under half an hour to make in a single skillet. I find myself making it for guests constantly, because who doesn't like easy clean-up?
It's one of those recipes that makes a filling meatless main, and you definitely won't feel like you're missing out. This gnocchi that's smothered in a tomato and white wine cream sauce is indulgent, and you can also serve it as a satisfying side dish.
What goes into it
- Olive oil - for sautéing
- Onion - we like using sweet Vidalia onions, but yellow or white will be fine
- White wine - use a dry variety that you'd actually enjoy drinking. Try sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, or even chardonnay (but definitely do not use cooking wine)
- Dijon mustard - it's a flavor enhancer for more savory goodness and one of my favorite tricks for sauces
- Garlic - I use this garlic press to effortlessly mince the cloves without having to peel them
- Italian seasoning - a blend of fragrant dried herbs all in one jar
- Tomatoes - we're using a can of diced tomatoes for the best texture and consistency. Find a brand you enjoy since it's a key component. I like DeLallo and Muir Glen best.
- Heavy cream - to make the sauce extra luxurious
- Gnocchi - I use shelf stable gnocchi found in the dry pasta aisle of most grocery stores. It holds up well for this one pan method.
- Basil - for a pop of freshness, and it perfectly complements the pink sauce
One pan gnocchi tips
- Can I use homemade gnocchi? Homemade gnocchi is very delicate and may fall apart, so I don't recommend using it in this recipe.
- Do I need to pre-cook the gnocchi? No. It cooks right in the sauce. In fact, the starch released as it cooks is a necessary part of thickening the sauce!
- Why isn't my sauce thickening? The timing is a guideline, so if your pan or stove runs hot (e.g. gas stove), you may want to lower the heat a bit. If the sauce hasn't thickened up enough, simply cook it for a bit longer.
How to make creamy tomato gnocchi
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
In a skillet, sauté the onion until softened. Stir in the white wine, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian seasoning until you've got a smooth mixture.
Add in the diced tomatoes, cream, and gnocchi. When it starts to bubble, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Give it a stir, and add in the fresh basil and salt & pepper. Let it cook until the sauce has thickened and the gnocchi is cooked through. Enjoy!
Substitutions and variations
- If you're really not a fan, you can leave out or halve the Dijon mustard.
- You can sub the white wine for vegetable or chicken broth.
- Try stirring in some fresh spinach towards the end if you want to include some greens.
- I don't recommend subbing the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk since acidity from tomatoes may curdle sauce, and it will end up less rich and possibly thinner.
What to serve with it
- It makes a great vegetarian main course. Try grating a generous amount of parmesan cheese on top and pair it with a slice of Garlic Bread and a side salad dressed up with this homemade Creamy Balsamic Dressing.
- If you're serving it as a side dish, it goes really well with my Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin or Easy Roast Chicken (Lemon & Herb).
Leftovers and storage
- Leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Be mindful that as time goes on, the gnocchi will release more starch and thicken the sauce.
- When reheating, you can add in a splash more wine or cream to revive it. Reheat over a low heat in a saucepan until warmed through.
- I don't recommend freezing this one. Cream sauces generally don't have success in the freezer.
I hope you love this easy gnocchi recipe as much as I do! Made it? Let me know in the comments below, or tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram.
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion chopped finely
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dashes Italian seasoning
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 1 small handful fresh basil torn or chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional) to taste
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a skillet on medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes (ok if it's lightly browned).
- Add the white wine, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir until you've got a smooth mixture and let it cook for about a minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes, cream, and gnocchi. Wait until it starts to lightly bubble again, then reduce the heat to medium and cover for 5 minutes.
- Give it a good stir, and add the basil and season with salt & pepper. Let it cook for another couple minutes to ensure the gnocchi is fully cooked and the starch thickens the sauce up a bit more.
- Stir in parmesan (optional) or sprinkle it on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The gnocchi will cook right in the sauce - no need to cook it beforehand.
- This makes 4 reasonably sized portions. If you're feeding extra hungry people, I recommend serving this with a salad, garlic bread, and/or something else. It would also make a great side dish.
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on August 30, 2017. It's been updated with new photos and better instructions but is the same great recipe!
Molly says
Very simple and delicious! We served it over chicken breasts. Definitely 5*.
Natasha says
Thank you so much!
Ann says
Made this tonight. Everything from them cupboard and soo tasty. I made 2 one with chizoro for 2 boys we all.loved it
Natasha says
Awesome!!
Sophie says
Would adding mozzarella instead of parmesan work as a nice addition as well?
Natasha says
I don't know if I'd add it instead since it's less flavorful, but I think mozza in general would probably work ok in here. 🙂 Let me know!
Cecily says
This was so creamy and full of flavor. I skipped the wine since I didnt have any and it was fine. Pared with toasted sour dough. I'll be adding mushrooms next time!
Natasha says
Fantastic!!
CC says
Everybody loved this! I used homemade gnocchi, boiled separately because I was afraid it would fall apart. I thought thinner sauce would be alright but it was a bit TOO thin. 2nd time, I let the sauce cook a little longer and added a bit of cornstarch and it thickened perfectly. So, it can work without the store-bought gnocchi and isn't too much more complicated.
Natasha says
I'm glad you were able to tweak it! Thanks for your detailed review... I am sure it will help other readers who want to use homemade gnocchi. 🙂