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- 1 pound potato gnocchi - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling) - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat The main ingredients bring the dish to life. I love using potato gnocchi for its soft texture. It cooks quickly, making it great for busy days. The unsalted butter adds a rich flavor. Garlic is key here; it gives a warm, savory taste. Fresh ingredients make it bright and colorful. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness. They also add a juicy sauce. Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess. I like to use bocconcini because they melt nicely. The basil gives a fresh, herbal note that balances everything out. Seasonings round out the dish. Salt and pepper are basics, but they enhance all the flavors. Drizzling balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang. If you like spice, red pepper flakes can give it a kick. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add the potato gnocchi and cook until they float. This takes about 2-3 minutes. The gnocchi are done when they rise to the top of the pot. This shows they are cooked through. Drain them and set aside while you prepare the sauce. - Melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. - Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Watch the garlic closely. You want it to smell great and turn golden, not burnt. This step adds rich flavor to your dish. - Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until soft. - Toss in the cooked gnocchi and continue cooking. The tomatoes will burst and create a sauce. Stir gently so the gnocchi mix well with the tomatoes and garlic butter. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to crisp the gnocchi slightly. - Remove from heat and fold in mozzarella and basil. - Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix everything well. The heat from the dish will melt the mozzarella a bit. This makes the meal creamy and delicious. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. To avoid overcooking gnocchi, watch closely as they cook. They float to the surface when done. This usually takes just 2-3 minutes. If you leave them too long, they become mushy. After cooking, drain them well and let them cool slightly. For crispy gnocchi, use a hot skillet and a bit of oil or butter. Sauté the gnocchi after adding them to the garlic butter mixture. Cook them for a few minutes until they are golden brown. This adds a nice crunch. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth. Mix these in when you add the garlic. Balancing garlic and tomato flavors is key. Use enough garlic to add depth but not so much that it overpowers the mild sweetness of the tomatoes. Start with four cloves and adjust to your taste. For creative plating, use a shallow bowl. Place the gnocchi in the center and arrange the mozzarella and basil on top. This makes your dish pop with color. Drizzle balsamic glaze carefully over the top. It adds a glossy finish and a sweet tang. Use a spoon to create a nice design. You can also sprinkle extra basil for a fresh touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of this dish is heavily reliant on the freshness of the tomatoes and basil. Opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes and aromatic fresh basil for the best results. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi should be cooked until they float to the surface. Overcooking can make them mushy, so keep a close eye on them during boiling. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. Start with a small amount and add more if you like it spicier! Perfect the Garlic Butter: Sauté the garlic just until fragrant and lightly golden. Overcooking can lead to a bitter taste, so stir frequently and keep the heat moderate. {{image_4}} You can easily make Caprese Garlic Butter Gnocchi even tastier with more veggies. Try adding fresh spinach or zucchini. Both will boost the nutrition and color of your dish. Simply chop the spinach and slice the zucchini. Add them to the skillet with the garlic butter. Cook for a few minutes until they soften. You can also switch up the cheese. If you want a creamier flavor, use burrata instead of mozzarella. For a sharper taste, try feta cheese. Each cheese brings its own flair to the dish, so feel free to experiment. Want to add some protein? Cooked chicken or shrimp work great in this dish. Just sauté them in the garlic butter before adding the tomatoes. This step infuses the protein with flavor. If you like Italian sausage, that’s a great choice too. Cook it in the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. This will add a rich, savory taste to the gnocchi. Pairing sausage with the tomatoes gives a hearty feel to the meal. If you need gluten-free options, start with gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer this, so check your local store. They taste just as good and work well in this recipe. For a dairy-free version, look for alternative butter options. Vegan butter spreads or olive oil can be great substitutes. They will keep the creamy texture while making it dairy-free. To store your gnocchi, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge. It will last about 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet. Add a little butter or oil. Heat it on low. This helps keep the gnocchi soft and tasty. Stir gently to avoid sticking. Yes, you can freeze Caprese Garlic Butter Gnocchi! It's a great way to save extra servings. To freeze, let the dish cool first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. To defrost, place it in the fridge overnight. For a quick method, use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the texture nice. In the fridge, the dish lasts about 3 days. After that, check for signs that it has gone bad. Look for mold, an off smell, or a change in color. If you see any of these, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. You can serve this dish with several sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic Bread: Crisp, buttery slices pair well with the rich flavors. - Simple Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens adds a nice crunch. - Grilled Vegetables: Charred zucchini and bell peppers bring a smoky taste. - Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears complement the dish's creaminess. These sides enhance your meal and balance the flavors of the gnocchi. Yes, you can prep some parts ahead. Here are some tips: - Gnocchi: Cooked gnocchi can sit in the fridge for a day. - Garlic Butter: You can make the garlic butter in advance and keep it in the fridge. - Tomatoes: Chop the tomatoes and basil ahead of time. Just combine everything when you are ready to eat. This saves time and keeps the flavors fresh. Yes, you can make this dish vegan with a few swaps: - Gnocchi: Check for vegan gnocchi brands, as some use egg. - Butter: Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter. - Cheese: Replace mozzarella with a vegan cheese substitute. These changes keep the dish tasty while making it plant-based. Enjoy your vegan Caprese Garlic Butter Gnocchi! This dish is a delightful blend of gnocchi, garlic butter, and fresh ingredients. We covered how to cook gnocchi perfectly and enhance flavors with simple herbs. You can easily customize it by adding protein or veggies. Storing leftovers and making variations were also discussed. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite version. Enjoy making your Caprese Garlic Butter Gnocchi!

Caprese Garlic Butter Gnocchi

Discover the delightful flavors of Caprese garlic butter gnocchi! This easy gnocchi dish combines tender potato gnocchi with sautéed cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this garlic butter gnocchi recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. Try this Italian gnocchi recipe today and impress your family! Save for later! #GnocchiRecipes #ItalianCuisine #EasyDinner #PastaLovers
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Ingredients
  

1 pound potato gnocchi

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling)

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Instructions
 

Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions until they float to the surface, usually about 2-3 minutes. Once done, drain the gnocchi and set them aside, allowing them to cool slightly.

    Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the unsalted butter. As it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir occasionally until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to overcook it to avoid bitterness.

      Sauté the Tomatoes: Toss the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet with the garlic butter. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring gently until the tomatoes begin to soften and burst, releasing their juices and forming a delicious sauce.

        Combine with Gnocchi: Carefully add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Gently toss to coat them thoroughly in the garlic butter and tomato mixture. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to crisp up slightly on the outside for added texture.

          Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in the fresh mozzarella balls and chopped basil leaves. Season the dish generously with salt, pepper, and, if desired, a touch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Toss everything together until the cheese starts to melt and all the ingredients are well combined.

            Serve with Style: Present the gnocchi immediately on plates or in a large, shallow bowl. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top for an elegant finish.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Enhance your dish’s visual appeal by garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves and a few whole mozzarella balls arranged artfully on top, making it look as delicious as it tastes. Enjoy!