This Baked Gnocchi with Vodka Sauce and Burrata is the ultimate comfort food, combining pillowy soft gnocchi with a creamy, tangy vodka sauce. The dish is topped with luscious burrata cheese and fresh basil for an indulgent yet balanced meal. Baked to perfection, this gnocchi dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special weekend treat. With rich parmesan, tomato paste, and a splash of vodka, the sauce provides a depth of flavor that complements the light, fluffy gnocchi.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (or substitution: chicken broth or vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 shallot, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusted to your liking.
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons vodka (such as Tito’s)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese (plus additional for garnishing).
- 2 pounds uncooked gnocchi
- 8 ounces burrata cheese, pulled apart
- Fresh basil, for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Gnocchi:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions until they rise to the surface, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the gnocchi. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
- Make the Vodka Sauce:
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste, stirring frequently, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the paste deepens in color.
- Pour in the vodka and simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
- Add the Cream and Cheese:
- Stir in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water (or broth), mixing until the sauce is smooth.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Combine the Gnocchi and Sauce:
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat the gnocchi evenly.
- Top with Burrata and Bake:
- Tear the burrata cheese and scatter it over the top of the gnocchi.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness!
Conclusion:
This Baked Gnocchi with Vodka Sauce and Burrata is a decadent yet easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any pasta lover. The creamy vodka sauce, combined with pillowy gnocchi and rich burrata, creates a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. Topped with fresh basil, it’s a beautiful and delicious dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in.
Baked Gnocchi with Vodka Sauce and Burrata
Ingredients
- 1 cup reserved pasta water or substitution: chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 shallot diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper adjusted to your liking.
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons vodka such as Tito’s
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese plus additional for garnishing.
- 2 pounds uncooked gnocchi
- 8 ounces burrata cheese pulled apart
- Fresh basil for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Gnocchi:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions until they rise to the surface, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the gnocchi. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
Make the Vodka Sauce:
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste, stirring frequently, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the paste deepens in color.
- Pour in the vodka and simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
Add the Cream and Cheese:
- Stir in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water (or broth), mixing until the sauce is smooth.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
Combine the Gnocchi and Sauce:
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat the gnocchi evenly.
Top with Burrata and Bake:
- Tear the burrata cheese and scatter it over the top of the gnocchi.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness!