Sunday Tomato Ricotta Gnocchi

Name: Sunday Tomato Ricotta Gnocchi
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg; Salt to taste; 4 medium tomatoes, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; Olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Everyday World Food Inspiration

I absolutely love making this Sunday Tomato Ricotta Gnocchi on lazy weekends. It’s one of those comforting dishes that make the entire house smell amazing and bring everyone to the kitchen. The fresh tomatoes simmering with garlic and basil create a rich sauce that perfectly complements the fluffy, homemade ricotta gnocchi. I can’t resist sneaking bites while I cook! This dish is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it a perfect centerpiece for any family gathering or casual get-together.

Created by

Pippa Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:52:37.303Z

Making this Sunday Tomato Ricotta Gnocchi has become a delightful ritual for me. There’s something satisfying about preparing everything from scratch, especially the gnocchi. I remember the first time I made it; the texture was heavenly, and every bite was filled with flavors of fresh ingredients. I learned that letting the tomatoes simmer longer helps deepen the flavors.

Experimenting with different herbs has also been a game changer! Adding a bit of oregano or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish wonderfully. This has truly become my go-to recipe when I want to impress family and friends without spending the whole day in the kitchen.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh, vibrant flavors that scream comfort food
Fluffy ricotta gnocchi, a delightful textural contrast
Perfect for both cozy family dinners and entertaining guests

      

Mastering the Gnocchi Texture

The texture of your ricotta gnocchi can be a game changer for this dish. The key is to use the right amount of flour—too little and they may be too sticky; too much can make them dense. When combining ingredients, aim for a soft, slightly tacky dough. If you find the dough too sticky while shaping, dust your hands with a bit of flour as you work with it. Rolling the dough into ropes and cutting them into small pieces can be an enjoyable task, but make sure to handle them gently to maintain their lightness.

When shaping the gnocchi, it’s not just about aesthetics; using a fork to create ridges on one side helps sauces cling better. This is especially important when we are dealing with a fresh tomato sauce. It provides more surface area for the sauce to adhere, resulting in a better flavor in every bite. If you're feeling creative, you can also shape them into other forms, or even try filling them with a small amount of sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Optimizing the Sauce

The fresh tomato sauce is a star player in this dish, so it’s essential to use ripe, in-season tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that feel slightly soft to the touch and have a vibrant color. If fresh tomatoes aren't available, you can substitute with high-quality canned tomatoes, which will also work beautifully in this sauce. To enhance the sauce’s flavor, consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, especially if they're not quite ripe enough.

As you sauté the garlic, keep an eye on it; you want it fragrant but not browned, as overcooked garlic can turn bitter. A good simmering time is around 10-15 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and mingle with the garlic and basil beautifully. You can also throw in a splash of white wine for depth, just let it reduce for a couple of minutes before adding the tomatoes.

Serving and Storing

This Sunday Tomato Ricotta Gnocchi is best served fresh, as the gnocchi’s delicate texture and the richness of the sauce are at their peak right after cooking. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil to restore its beautiful texture and prevent drying out.

If you’re looking to prepare the gnocchi ahead of time, you can shape them and freeze them before cooking. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. To cook from frozen, simply drop them into boiling salted water; they may take an extra minute to float to the top. This makes it a convenient option for a busy weeknight or a last-minute gathering.

Ingredients

Gather the freshest ingredients for a delightful meal.

For the Gnocchi

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
Salt to taste

For the Sauce

4 medium tomatoes, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to use the freshest herbs for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect gnocchi and sauce.

Prepare the Gnocchi

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, flour, egg, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Dust a work surface with flour, and roll the dough into ropes. Cut into small pieces and gently shape them into gnocchi.

Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi in batches and cook until they float to the top, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Sprinkle fresh basil on top and serve immediately.

Garnish with additional basil if desired and serve warm.

Pro Tips

Using a mix of different tomato varieties can enhance the flavor of the sauce. Also, feel free to add cheese on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to experiment with the herbs in the sauce. While basil is a classic pairing with tomatoes, other herbs like oregano or thyme can add a unique twist. If you’re looking for a bit more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can complement the freshness of the tomatoes beautifully. Likewise, if you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute the ricotta with a plant-based alternative, ensuring the texture remains light and fluffy.

For a heartier version, consider adding vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts to the sauce. Simply sauté them along with the garlic before adding the tomatoes. This not only enhances the flavor but also packs in some extra nutrients, making your dish even more satisfying.

Gnocchi Cooking Tips

When cooking gnocchi, timing is crucial. Dropping them into the boiling water should be done gently to prevent sticking. Stir them occasionally, and watch for them to float. This floating is a perfect indicator that they are done—a cooking time of approximately 2-3 minutes in boiling water is usually all that’s needed.

If your gnocchi start to stick together, using a larger pot with plenty of water can help reduce this issue. Adding a touch of oil to the water can also assist in minimizing stickiness. However, be careful—too much oil can cause the sauce to slide off the gnocchi during serving.

Enhancing the Dish

For added richness, finish your Sunday Tomato Ricotta Gnocchi with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives the dish an appealing shine. Furthermore, adding a few toasted pine nuts can provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the softness of the gnocchi.

If you want to elevate the dish for a special occasion, consider serving it alongside a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon and olive oil. The peppery flavor of the arugula pairs wonderfully with the creamy gnocchi and tangy tomato sauce, making it a well-rounded meal perfect for sharing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely! Just skip the gnocchi preparation steps and cook the store-bought gnocchi according to package instructions.

→ What other sauces can I use?

You can try a pesto sauce or a cream-based sauce for a different flavor profile.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, substitute ricotta with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.