We love pasta in all its forms, and gnocchi — though technically not a pasta — is one of our favourite alternatives. My favourite way to serve it is tossed in a silky sun-dried tomato cream sauce with garlic and Parmesan. The balance of sweet, tangy tomatoes and rich, cheesy cream pairs perfectly with light, pillowy gnocchi.
This sun-dried tomato cream sauce is simple, elegant, and ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal steps, you can pull together a comforting dinner that feels special.
How To Make The Cream Sauce
Slice the sun-dried tomatoes thinly. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the sliced tomatoes and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes to release their flavour. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the cream, then season with salt and pepper. When the cream nears a simmer, reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 4–7 minutes so the flavours meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Expert Tip! If your sun-dried tomatoes are dry and leathery, rehydrate them first by soaking in warm water for about 30 minutes, or until soft. Drain thoroughly before slicing.
How To Cook Gnocchi
Cooking gnocchi is straightforward and similar to boiling pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil — use plenty of water so the gnocchi can move freely and cook evenly.
Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and stir gently to separate them. Cook until tender; times vary by brand and freshness, but most packaged gnocchi take about 3–5 minutes. Fresh or homemade gnocchi may cook faster. When they float and feel tender, they’re done.
Drain the gnocchi and toss with the sauce. Do not rinse — the surface starch helps the sauce cling to each piece for better coverage and flavour.
I’ve used store-bought gnocchi for this recipe and it turned out light and fluffy, but making gnocchi from scratch is on my to-do list. Either way, this sauce makes a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect any night of the week.
More Pasta Dishes
If you want additional pasta dinner ideas, here are a few classic dishes to try alongside this gnocchi recipe.
- Roasted tomato pasta
- Traditional Sunday gravy
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- Pesto shrimp pasta
Gnocchi with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds gnocchi
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 1/2 cup 10% cream (half and half)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
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If the sun-dried tomatoes are dry and hard, rehydrate them by soaking in warm water for 30 minutes, or until soft and pliable. Drain well.
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Slice the sun-dried tomatoes thinly.
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Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes to release their flavour.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just under a minute until aromatic. Add the cream, salt, and pepper.
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Bring the sauce just to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan until smooth. Let simmer gently for 4–7 minutes to thicken slightly.
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While the sauce simmers, boil the gnocchi according to package directions. Drain but do NOT rinse so the sauce clings to the gnocchi.
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Toss the gnocchi with the sauce until evenly coated.
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Serve immediately.
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Nutrition
Per serving:
Nutrition Disclaimer