This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This one pan spicy tomato gnocchi recipe has an irresistible creamy tomato sauce with a satisfying kick! Crispy bacon, Italian herbs, and fresh basil make it extra special.
Try my Spicy Vodka Pasta Bake or Chicken Arrabiata Pasta next.
This post is sponsored by our long-term partner DeLallo – thank you for supporting the brands that keep Salt & Lavender cooking! I only work with brands whose products I love. All opinions are my own.
Why you’ll love it
I have to tell ya, the sauce is goooood in this tomato gnocchi recipe. It’s fiery without being overwhelming, and white wine and real cream make it silky and a little fancy. It’s a 30-minute, one pan meal with light and airy potato gnocchi that are made in Italy!
The key to the gorgeous concentrated tomato flavor and vibrant color in this gnocchi recipe is from the Italian tomatoes in a good-quality tube of tomato paste. I love DeLallo’s! They’re a family-owned company and the experts on all things Italian since 1950.
What you’ll need
- Bacon – I use thick cut
- Onion and garlic – sweet onions like Vidalia are my go-to
- White wine – use a dry white wine like pinot grigio (not cooking wine)
- Tomato paste – DeLallo tomato paste is double concentrated for more amazing flavor, and it’s in a resealable tube so none goes to waste like in canned varieties
- Chicken broth – the savory base of the sauce
- Heavy cream – for that luxe texture and flavor
- Red pepper flakes – it infuses that wonderful heat!
- Italian seasoning – a blend of dried herbs that comes in one jar
- Gnocchi – we’re using DeLallo potato gnocchi. So pillowy soft!
- Basil – a pop of freshness to enhance the tomatoes
Helpful tips
- The gnocchi releases starch as it cooks, and that’s what will thicken the sauce. No need to pre-cook it.
- From start to finish, DeLallo has all your dinner essentials covered! If your grocery store doesn’t carry their delicious affordable gourmet Italian goodies (from pizza sauce to charcuterie to desserts and more), you can order online anytime. They ship nationwide.
How to make spicy tomato gnocchi
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Cut up the bacon into small pieces, and fry it until crispy. Transfer it to a plate, leaving the fat behind. Sauté the onion until softened and golden.
Stir in the garlic and wine, and cook until reduced. Add in the tomato paste, broth, cream, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, and scrape up any browned bits. Stir well.
Add in the gnocchi, and simmer until they’re cooked through. Stir in the bacon and fresh basil. Give it a taste, and season with salt & pepper as needed.
Pro tip
A dusting of freshly grated parmesan makes this dish next-level delicious!
Substitutions and variations
- Given the acidity of the tomatoes, I don’t recommend substituting the cream for something lower fat. It will likely curdle.
- Sub pancetta for the bacon for a fancy touch!
- I wouldn’t use homemade gnocchi in this one. It’s a bit too delicate and won’t hold up well using the one pan cooking technique.
What to serve with spicy gnocchi
- Try my Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread. The melty, gooey cheese is the perfect complement to the tomato flavor in the gnocchi!
- A salad freshens up the meal. Pair it with my Super Simple Parmesan Arugula Salad or this bright Easy Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad.
- Fresh crusty bread dipped in good olive oil and balsamic vinegar is a must.
Leftovers and storage
- Store any leftovers for 3-4 days in a covered container in the fridge.
- When reheating in a saucepan on the stove, add another splash of chicken broth or cream if the leftovers need it.
- I don’t recommend freezing this one.
More easy gnocchi recipes
If you made this gnocchi with a spicy tomato sauce, please leave a star rating and review below! Or you can tag me on Instagram with this or any S&L recipe you made.
Spicy Tomato Gnocchi with Bacon
Ingredients
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup DeLallo Double Concentrated Tomato Paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound DeLallo Potato Gnocchi uncooked
- 1 small handful fresh basil sliced thin/torn
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving, optional but recommended
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into small pieces (kitchen shears make this easy), add it to a skillet, and cook over medium-high heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate and leave the bacon fat in the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium and sauté the onion until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and white wine, and let it bubble until reduced by half.
- Add in the tomato paste, chicken broth, cream, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet and stir until the sauce is smooth.
- Once the sauce starts to bubble, add in the gnocchi. Continue cooking, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the sauce has thickened and the gnocchi are cooked through.
- Stir in the cooked bacon and basil.
- Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately with parmesan grated over top if desired.
© Salt & Lavender Inc. Content and photographs are copyrighted. Sharing this blog post is much appreciated, but copying and pasting full recipes without authorization to social media is strictly prohibited.
Leave a comment