Creamy Roasted Tomato & Coconut Gnocchi

Introduction

Did you know that over 70% of home cooks crave quick, comforting meals that still feel gourmet? If you’ve ever wanted a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Roasted Tomato & Coconut Gnocchi will be your new go-to.

Combining pillowy gnocchi with a luscious sauce made from roasted tomatoes, coconut milk, garlic, and fresh basil, this dish delivers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s vegan-friendly, weeknight quick, and pantry-friendly, yet fancy enough to impress guests.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (or 2 cups grape tomatoes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (canned)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan (optional, for creaminess)
• Toasted pine nuts, for garnish

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Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
• Roast for 15–20 minutes until blistered and caramelized.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

• In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
• Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cooking for 2 minutes.
• Add roasted tomatoes, coconut milk, and stir. Simmer 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

• While sauce simmers, boil gnocchi in salted water according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes, until they float).
• Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.

Step 4: Combine & Finish

• Add gnocchi to the sauce, tossing to coat.
• Stir in basil, nutritional yeast/Parmesan, and a splash of pasta water if needed.
• Garnish with pine nuts and extra basil before serving.

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Tips for Success

• Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamy texture (lite coconut milk will be thinner).
• Roast tomatoes until caramelized — that’s where the flavor develops.
• Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
• For a non-vegan option, top with fresh mozzarella or burrata.

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Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 9g
• Carbs: 60g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g

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Healthier Alternatives

• Low-Carb: Swap gnocchi for cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles.
• Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, shrimp, or grilled chicken.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess: Stick with nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or a green side salad.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Add roasted veggies (zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers) for extra depth.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Undercooking tomatoes: roast long enough to blister.
• Too much liquid: don’t overdo the coconut milk; the sauce should coat gnocchi, not drown it.
• Overcooking gnocchi: they cook quickly—remove as soon as they float.

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Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of coconut milk or broth.
• Freezer: Not ideal (gnocchi can get mushy).

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Conclusion

This Creamy Roasted Tomato & Coconut Gnocchi is the ultimate cozy comfort food: rich, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or when you want to elevate pasta night without spending hours in the kitchen.

👉 Give this recipe a try and let me know how you liked it in the comments—or share your version with us on Pinterest!

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FAQs

Q1: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes—fire-roasted canned tomatoes work well, though roasting fresh adds more depth.

Q2: Can I use another pasta instead of gnocchi?
Absolutely—penne, rigatoni, or shells pair nicely.

Q3: Does it taste like coconut?
The coconut flavor is subtle and blends into the tomato base, leaving a rich creaminess.

Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free gnocchi (widely available).

Q5: Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes—chickpeas, shrimp, or sausage are great additions.