Looking for a quick, flavorful meal that feels like a mini Italian vacation? This 10-minute gnocchi recipe with cherry tomatoes and sundried tomatoes is your answer. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines fresh, juicy tomatoes with hearty mini gnocchi, all brought together with a touch of tangy balsamic vinegar. Ready in no time, it’s a simple, tasty meal that’ll impress your family or guests!
If you are a fan of Gnocchi recipes check out my collection of delicious vegan gnocchi recipes here.
What is Gnocchi?
The Italian Staple
Gnocchi are little soft, doughy dumplings often made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. Though they come in different varieties, potato gnocchi is the most popular. Their pillowy texture and neutral flavor make them the perfect canvas for sauces, from pesto to tomato-based ones. In this recipe, we’ll be pairing mini gnocchi with a flavorful tomato duo!
Ingredients Overview
Here’s a quick look at what makes this dish so delicious and simple:
- Oil from sun-dried tomatoes gives a rich flavor.
- Fresh cherry tomatoes bring sweetness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add depth.
- Gnocchi for a satisfying base.
- Balsamic vinegar for a touch of tang.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Oil from Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Using the oil from your jar of sun-dried tomatoes infuses the dish with even more flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, a good-quality olive oil works as a substitute.
Cherry Tomatoes
The freshness of cherry tomatoes is key here. They blister beautifully when cooked, adding texture and sweetness to the dish. You can substitute grape tomatoes or even use canned diced tomatoes in a pinch, but fresh is best.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes pack an intense flavor, especially when they’re stored in oil. If you can’t find them, roasted red peppers make a good substitute.
Mini Gnocchi
Mini gnocchi cook faster and offer a tender bite in every forkful. You can easily swap this out for regular gnocchi if mini gnocchi are unavailable.
Balsamic Vinegar
A splash of balsamic vinegar brings a sharp, tangy note to the dish. Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice could work in place of balsamic if needed.
Helpful Tools for This 10 Minute Gnocchi Recipe
To make this recipe easy and quick, you’ll want a few key kitchen tools:
- Non-stick skillet: To avoid burning the tomatoes and to crisp up the gnocchi.
- Medium saucepan: For boiling the gnocchi.
- Slotted spoon: To easily remove the gnocchi from boiling water.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping your garlic and tomatoes.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring everything together in the pan.
How to Make This 10 Minute Gnocchi With Cherry Tomatoes And Sundried Tomatoes Recipe
Preparing the Gnocchi
Start by bringing a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add your gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, but remove the gnocchi about one minute before the recommended time to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Drain and set aside.
Making the Sauce
While the gnocchi cooks, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add in your cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to blister and burst open, releasing their juices.
Then, toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté everything for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Next, add the cooked gnocchi to the pan, stirring to coat everything together. Let the gnocchi crisp up slightly for about 1-2 minutes.
Finally, add a splash of balsamic vinegar, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and you’re done!
Top with fresh basil or grated Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Tricks For This 10 Minute Gnocchi Recipe
Getting the Perfect Crisp on Gnocchi
To get that light crisp on the gnocchi, be sure to drain them well after boiling and don’t crowd the pan when sautéing. Give them space to brown!
Balancing Flavors with Balsamic Vinegar
Start small with the balsamic vinegar and adjust according to your taste. A little goes a long way, so you can always add more later.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. The tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, while the sun-dried tomatoes provide antioxidants. The gnocchi serves as a good source of carbohydrates to keep you energized.
Serving Suggestions
This gnocchi dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and a glass of chilled white wine. If you want a heartier meal, you can serve it alongside grilled chicken or a piece of garlic bread.
FAQs
Yes! Regular gnocchi works just as well. Just be mindful of cooking times and adjust as needed.
If you’re out of balsamic vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or even a squeeze of lemon juice for that tangy flavor.
Yes, but the flavor will be lighter. Sun-dried tomatoes add a depth of flavor that fresh ones can’t match.
If you don’t have sun-dried tomato oil, go for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
10 Minute Gnocchi With Cherry Tomatoes And Sundried Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1-2 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (1 small container)
- ⅓ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 pack mini gnocchi (about 500g)
- 1 tbsp quality balsamic vinegar
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Gnocchi
- Start by bringing a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil for the gnocchi.
- Start cooking the gnocchi in the boiling water according to the package instructions. Remove the gnocchi and drain it about 1 min before it's done cooking.
Making the sauce
- While the gnocchi is cooking add the cherry tomatoes to a non-stick pan on medium heat. Cook them for about 3-4 mins or until blistered.
- Now, add in the sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic.
- Next, add the cooked gnocchi into the pan with the tomatoes and cook for 1-2 mins to lightly crisp the outsides.
- Add in the balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with fresh basil and parm if desired and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: 10 Minute Gnocchi Recipe
This 10-minute gnocchi recipe with cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes is the perfect blend of simplicity and taste. It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re looking for a fast weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
This gnocchi dish was fantastic!! So quick and easy although I did not use the small gnocchi and could only find the large ones at my grocery store. But loved the flavor
Thank you! Oh yes it’s totally fine with any gnocchi! I’m SOOO happy you loved it! 🙂
Such a nice flavourful and easy recipe 10/10
Thank you SO much I’m so happy you loved it!
Wow for how quickly this came together I was shocked at how delicious it tasted now I’m going to try some more of your gnocchi recipes
Thank you SO much!! I hope you love the other gnocchi recipes too! 🙂
I love this recipe. The gnocchi was delicious. The sauce was delicious and it came together so quick and easy. I can’t believe you can make something taste so good so quickly thanks so much.
Thank you so much I’m so happy you loved it! It’s crazy how some of the fast and easy recipes can taste so good! I give credit to the sundried tomatoes 😉