Spicy Tomato Basil Gnocchi with White Wine Sauce
Indulge in this rich and flavorful Spicy Tomato Basil Gnocchi, a delightful dish that marries tender potato dumplings with a zesty tomato and white wine sauce. The aromatic blend of garlic, fresh basil, and a hint of chili flakes creates a sauce that perfectly complements the gnocchi, making this meal both comforting and gourmet. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe invites you to explore the vibrant tastes of European cuisine. For an extra creamy finish, consider adding a splash of cream or toss in sautéed chicken for a hearty twist.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
gnocchi (potato dumplings)
1 lb (Cooked according to package instructions.)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (Used for sautéing.)
fresh garlic cloves
6 (Minced.)
chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon (Used to add heat to the sauce.)
dry white wine
1 cup (Used in the sauce.)
chicken broth
1 cup (Used in the sauce.)
diced tomatoes (canned)
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (Added to the sauce.)
sweet creamy butter
1/4 cup (Cut into 1 inch cubes and chilled.)
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Added for creaminess.)
chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup (Added to the sauce, plus extra for garnish.)
salt
to taste (Used for seasoning.)
freshly crushed black pepper
to taste (Used for seasoning.)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the sauce: In a cold sauté pan, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Place the pan over medium heat and sauté, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns golden brown and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
2
Once the garlic is perfectly sautéed, deglaze the pan by adding the dry white wine and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it reduce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3
After the wine and broth have reduced by half, add the two cans of diced tomatoes and chopped fresh basil to the pan. Stir well and continue to simmer the sauce for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Once cooked, carefully pour the sauce into a blender. Add the chilled butter cubes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce, then season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
5
Cook the gnocchi: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, gently add the gnocchi and cook them until they float to the surface, approximately 2-3 minutes. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
6
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the gnocchi from the boiling water and transfer them directly into the pan with the sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring each dumpling is evenly coated in the rich sauce.
7
To serve, plate the sauced gnocchi onto individual serving dishes. Top with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Tomato Basil Gnocchi?
It is a rich dish featuring potato dumplings in a zesty sauce made with tomatoes, white wine, garlic, fresh basil, and chili flakes.
What type of wine is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe calls for a dry white wine to deglaze the pan and add depth to the tomato sauce.
How should the garlic be prepared?
You should use 6 fresh garlic cloves that have been finely minced.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written it uses chicken broth, but you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 30 minutes after adding the tomatoes and basil to allow the flavors to meld.
Why is the sauce blended?
Blending the sauce with butter and Parmesan cheese creates a smooth, creamy, and gourmet texture.
When do I add the butter to the sauce?
Add the chilled butter cubes to the blender along with the cooked sauce and Parmesan cheese.
How do I know when the gnocchi is ready?
The gnocchi are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes.
What is the internal temperature for cooked gnocchi?
The gnocchi should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit or 70 degrees Celsius.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, you can toss in sautéed chicken for a heartier meal.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe requires two 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
This recipe uses 6 cloves of minced fresh garlic.
How spicy is the sauce?
The sauce has a mild to moderate heat from the use of 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes.
What are the best garnishes for this dish?
Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor and aroma, though dried can be used in a pinch.
Why is chicken broth used in the sauce?
Chicken broth is used along with white wine to create the flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Deglaze by adding the dry white wine and chicken broth to the sautéed garlic and chili flakes.
Can I add extra cream?
Yes, for an extra creamy finish, you can add a splash of cream to the sauce.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1 pound of gnocchi cooked according to package instructions.
How much Parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese in the sauce, plus more for garnish.
Should the butter be cold or room temperature?
The butter should be cut into 1-inch cubes and chilled before being blended into the sauce.
What makes the sauce smooth and creamy?
The combination of blending the tomatoes with chilled butter and Parmesan cheese creates the creamy consistency.
Can I use red wine instead of white wine?
While white wine is specified for its acidity and flavor profile, red wine would significantly change the color and taste.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Start with a cold pan and stir frequently over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
Is this recipe suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, its gourmet flavor and elegant presentation make it ideal for hosting friends.
Should I salt the gnocchi water?
Yes, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding the gnocchi.
What equipment is needed for this recipe?
You will need a sauté pan, a blender, and a large pot for boiling water.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor, but other cooking oils can be used if necessary.
What is the total simmering time for the sauce?
The sauce simmers for a total of 40 minutes: 10 minutes for the wine reduction and 30 minutes with the tomatoes.
How do I transfer gnocchi to the sauce?
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the gnocchi from the water and place them directly into the sauce pan.