Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi Skillet Your Family Will Love

Isn’t it the best feeling when a dinner comes together in one pan and makes everyone at the table happy? This Creamy Tomato Basil Gnocchi Skillet is exactly that kind of magic. It’s a dish that feels indulgent and fancy but honestly comes together in about 20 minutes, making it a total lifesaver for those busy nights. I’ve packed it with the classic, comforting flavors of a rich tomato sauce and fresh basil, all hugging those soft, pillowy gnocchi. So good.

Top Reasons To Make It

You’ll want to add this to your regular rotation for a few great reasons. First, it’s a true one-pan wonder, meaning you get a fantastic meal with minimal cleanup. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily add in some spinach, swap the protein, or adjust the herbs based on what you have on hand. And third, it’s a crowd-pleaser. My kids gobble this up, and it’s just as great for a casual date night in. It’s a win-win-win situation.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing our aromatics.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds that essential savory depth.
• 1 (16-oz) package shelf-stable gnocchi: The hearty, satisfying base of our dish.
• 1 (15-oz) can crushed tomatoes: Creates a rich, velvety sauce base.
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth: Thins the sauce perfectly and adds flavor.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: For that dreamy, luxurious creaminess.
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped plus more for garnish: Brings a bright, fresh finish.
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Adds a touch of earthy, Italian flair.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: To make all the flavors pop.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish): For a salty, cheesy finish.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant.
2. Add the entire package of gnocchi to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until they start to get a little golden in spots.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir everything together, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. The gnocchi will start to soften and the sauce will thicken slightly.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and dried oregano. Let it warm through for 2-3 minutes. Don’t let it boil.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil, and season generously with salt and black pepper.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is a fantastic canvas! For a protein boost, stir in a cup of shredded cooked chicken or cannellini beans at the same time as the tomatoes. If you’re out of fresh basil, a tablespoon of pesto works wonders. To make it dairy-free, just use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan garnish. And if you want some greens, a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach stirred in at the very end will wilt perfectly into the warm sauce.

Cooking Tips For Perfect Gnocchi

• Don’t skip the step of browning the gnocchi first. It gives them a wonderful texture and prevents them from becoming gummy.
• Use a good-quality crushed tomato. It really is the foundation of your sauce.
• Fresh basil is key here. Add it at the very end off the heat so its bright flavor doesn’t cook away.
• If your sauce seems too thick after adding the cream, just splash in a little more vegetable broth until it’s just right.
• And seriously, taste for seasoning right before serving! A little extra salt and pepper can make all the difference.

Quick Meal Prep Ideas

This dish is a dream for meal prep. You can chop your garlic and basil ahead of time and keep them stored in the fridge. The entire recipe can also be doubled easily to ensure you have delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s one of those easy healthy dinner options that actually tastes better as the flavors mingle.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will soften a bit more, but it will still be delicious. Reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce can separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable? Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi will cook even faster, so skip the initial browning step and add them directly to the simmering tomato sauce. They’ll be done in just 2-3 minutes.
• What are some other easy weeknight dinners like this? If you love this one-pan approach, you might also enjoy a simple risotto or a hearty lentil soup. They’re all about comfort without the complication.
• How can I make this one of my cheap dinners for a family? This recipe is already pretty budget-friendly! To stretch it even further, serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
• Is this a healthy dinner idea? I think so! By making it at home, you control the ingredients. It’s packed with flavor from the tomatoes and basil, and you can adjust the cream to your liking.