Name: Creamy Tomato & Mascarpone Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 small head of broccoli, stalk and florets roughly chopped; 1 red chilli, finely chopped, deseeded if preferred; 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced; 200g fresh cherry tomatoes, halved; small handful of basil leaves, picked; 25g mascarpone; 1 tbsp olive oil; 300g chilled gnocchi

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Introduction

This creamy tomato and mascarpone gnocchi dish is a simple and comforting meal that comes together quickly. Combining tender gnocchi with vibrant vegetables and rich mascarpone creates a delightful balance of flavors perfect for any weeknight dinner.

A white metal pan holds a colorful mix of food, centered with golden-yellow gnocchi scattered with bright green basil leaves on top. Around the gnocchi, there are dark green roasted broccoli pieces with some slightly charred edges, and bright red chili slices spread throughout. Small chunks of red tomatoes are mixed in the pan, adding to the vibrant mix. A silver spoon lies on the right side inside the pan, with bits of food on it. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth tucked under its handle photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small head of broccoli, stalk and florets roughly chopped
1 red chilli, finely chopped, deseeded if you like
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
200g fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
300g chilled gnocchi
25g mascarpone
Small handful of basil, leaves picked

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli and fry for about 5 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Step 2: Mix in the chopped red chilli, sliced garlic, and halved cherry tomatoes. Gently fry everything together for another 5 minutes, until the tomatoes start to burst.
Step 3: Add the chilled gnocchi to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and heated through.
Step 4: Stir in the mascarpone cheese and season the dish generously with black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the top before serving to add a fragrant finish.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the chilli or use less according to your heat preference.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Swap mascarpone for cream cheese or ricotta if you prefer a slightly different creamy texture.
Include some toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra mascarpone to restore creaminess if it becomes too thick.

How to Serve

The image shows a metal pan filled with a colorful dish of gnocchi and broccoli. The pan holds bright orange gnocchi pieces that look soft and slightly browned, mixed with green roasted broccoli florets, and bits of red tomatoes and chili slices. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. A silver spoon rests inside the pan on the right side, partially covered by the food. The pan sits on a light wooden surface with a blue cloth folded near the handle, all set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just cook according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce, or add it directly to the pan and cook a little longer until tender.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

You can make a vegan version by replacing the mascarpone with a plant-based cream or cashew cream, and ensuring the gnocchi you use contains no animal products.