Creamy Tomato and Mascarpone Gnocchi

My Favorite Easy Weeknight Gnocchi Recipe

Let me tell you about my new favorite dinner. It is this roasted tomato mascarpone gnocchi. You just toss things in a pan. The oven does most of the work for you.

This is a true one pan gnocchi wonder. Well, I use two trays. But the magic happens in one dish! It feels fancy but is so simple. What is your go-to easy dinner on a busy night?

Why Roasting Makes Everything Better

We roast the tomatoes and gnocchi. This is the best trick for oven roasted gnocchi. The tomatoes get sweet and jammy. The little potato dumplings get crispy edges.

Their flavors get deep and cozy. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It fills the whole kitchen. *Fun fact: roasting tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness, so we use less sugar!* This matters because big flavor doesn’t need hard work.

The Secret to a Creamy Mascarpone Sauce

Now for the magic. You take that pan of hot, roasted tomatoes. You stir in the mascarpone and cheddar right there. No extra pot to wash! It melts into the tomato juices.

It becomes a creamy mascarpone sauce instantly. I still laugh at how easy it is. This rich sauce makes the whole dish feel special. It turns simple ingredients into a hug on a plate.

A Perfect Vegetarian Gnocchi Dinner

This is a fantastic vegetarian gnocchi dinner. It is hearty and satisfying. You won’t miss the meat at all. The cheese and tomatoes give you protein and goodness.

It is also a budget friendly pasta recipe. Gnocchi and tomatoes don’t cost much. This matters for feeding a family without stress. Do you have more quick vegetarian dinner ideas? I am always looking for new ones.

Let’s Talk About Cooking Gnocchi

Some people only boil gnocchi. But learning how to cook gnocchi in the oven changed my life. You get such a wonderful texture. Crispy outside, soft inside.

It holds the creamy sauce so well. Just drizzle them with oil and let them bake. Have you ever tried baking your gnocchi instead of boiling it? Give it a go this week!

Ingredients:

Instructions

Step 1: First, heat your oven. This gets everything ready for our cozy, one pan gnocchi. Now, mix the oil, honey, vinegar, and garlic in a big bowl. Toss in your tomatoes and seasoning. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? This is the start of our creamy mascarpone sauce.

Step 2: Pour those coated tomatoes into a dish. They should be cozy, not crowded. Roast them high in the oven for 20 minutes. This makes the best roasted tomato mascarpone gnocchi base. (A hard-learned tip: use a dish where the tomatoes can snuggle together. Their juices make the sauce!)

Step 3: Time for the gnocchi! Drizzle oil on them on a tray. This oven roasted gnocchi method is so easy. After 20 minutes, move the tomatoes down. Put the gnocchi tray up high. Bake both for 20 more minutes. Do you think the gnocchi gets crispy or soft? Share below! Watch them—all ovens are different.

Step 4: Your kitchen will smell wonderful. Take out the pan of jammy tomatoes. Stir in the mascarpone and cheddar right away. See how it makes a dreamy, creamy mascarpone sauce? I still laugh at how easy this vegetarian gnocchi dinner is. It feels like a fancy secret.

Step 5: Finally, add the crispy gnocchi and fresh basil to the pan. Gently mix everything together. Serve it immediately while it’s hot and perfect. This easy weeknight gnocchi recipe always makes everyone smile. It’s a budget friendly pasta recipe that feels special.

Creative Twists

Add a handful of baby spinach for a pop of green color. Swap the cheddar for goat cheese for a tangy mascarpone pasta sauce. Throw in some canned white beans to make it extra hearty. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This quick vegetarian dinner ideas star is complete on its own. For a lovely meal, add a simple green salad with a lemon dressing. Some garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy mascarpone sauce. You could also top each bowl with extra grated cheese and basil. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Gnocchi Cozy for Later

Let’s talk about storing this lovely dish. Cool it completely first. Then tuck it into an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay happy for about three days. You can also freeze it for a month. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

I remember my first time. I put a hot pan right in the fridge. The lid popped right off! Now I always let it cool. Batch cooking this is a wonderful idea. Make a double portion on a quiet Sunday. You will thank yourself on a busy Wednesday night.

This matters because good food should bring peace, not stress. Having a vegetarian gnocchi dinner ready makes weeknights easy. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk. Warm it gently on the stove. This keeps your creamy mascarpone sauce silky smooth.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

We all face little problems in the kitchen. Here are three easy fixes. First, if your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. The extra heat will thicken it up nicely. Second, if your gnocchi sticks, use more oil on the tray.

I once forgot the oil entirely. My gnocchi became one big sticky sheet! Third, if your tomatoes aren’t jammy, roast them a little longer. *Fun fact: roasting tomatoes makes them taste sweeter.* This is because the heat breaks down their natural sugars.

Fixing these small things matters. It builds your cooking confidence. You learn how ingredients behave. It also makes the flavor so much better. Crispy oven roasted gnocchi and jammy tomatoes create the perfect bite. Your one pan gnocchi will be just right.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

What is the best way to thicken mascarpone sauce for gnocchi?

Let your tomato mixture cook down well first. The juices should be thick and jammy. Then, add the mascarpone and cheese off the heat. Stir until they melt into the tomatoes. If it’s still too thin, put the pan back on low heat. Stir for a minute or two. The sauce will thicken as the cheeses warm through.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes in this dish?

Yes, you absolutely can. This recipe uses fresh cherry tomatoes. They roast into a sweet, jammy base. Regular diced tomatoes from a can will work in a pinch. But they have more water. You will need to simmer them longer to thicken the sauce. This recipe is designed for fresh, roasted tomatoes. They give the best flavor for this easy weeknight gnocchi recipe.

What can I substitute for mascarpone in a gnocchi sauce?

Full-fat cream cheese is the closest swap. Use the same amount. It will give a similar rich and creamy texture. For a lighter option, try full-fat ricotta cheese. Blend it first to make it smooth. Plain Greek yogurt can also work. Stir it in at the very end, off the heat. This prevents it from curdling. Each swap changes the flavor a little, but all are tasty.

How do you keep gnocchi from getting gummy in a cream sauce?

The secret is to roast the gnocchi separately. Do not boil it. Toss it with oil and bake until crispy. This how to cook gnocchi in oven method gives it a lovely texture. Then, mix it with the sauce just before serving. This keeps each piece distinct. It soaks up the mascarpone pasta sauce without becoming mushy or gummy.

Is it better to use fresh or packaged gnocchi for this recipe?

Packaged, shelf-stable gnocchi works perfectly here. It is easy to find and very budget friendly. This type holds its shape well for roasting. Fresh gnocchi is often softer. It can fall apart more easily in the oven. For this roasted tomato mascarpone gnocchi, the sturdy packaged kind is best. It gets nice and crispy on the outside.

What herbs go well with mascarpone tomato gnocchi?

Fresh basil is classic and wonderful. Tear it and stir it in at the end. Dried Italian seasoning is great in the roast. Thyme or oregano also pair nicely. A little chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish. For quick vegetarian dinner ideas, using dried herbs saves time. But fresh basil makes this dish sing. Try it if you can.

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this cozy dish. It is one of my favorite quick vegetarian dinner ideas. The kitchen smells wonderful while it roasts. It always feels like a hug in a bowl. Cooking should be fun and simple. I am so glad we could chat about it today.

I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me all about it.

Have you tried this recipe?

Happy cooking!
—Grace Hollander.