Sautéed Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Golden pan-seared gnocchi tossed with blistered cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan for a fast and satisfying Italian-inspired dish. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs potato gnocchi, olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup, roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 1 lb potato gnocchi; cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes, then drain well.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are golden and crispy on the edges.
- Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then remove from heat.
- Step 7: Toss in 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, gently folding to combine and melt the cheese slightly.
- Step 8: Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep potato gnocchi from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Sautéed Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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