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Creamy Gnocchi With Vodka Sauce & Buffalo Bocconcini

This Creamy Gnocchi with Vodka Sauce & Buffalo Bocconcini is a luscious, comforting pasta dish that feels like a restaurant indulgence but is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare at home. Soft, pillowy gnocchi is coated in a rich tomato, cream, and vodka sauce that’s silky smooth and full of depth. The vodka enhances the tomato’s natural sweetness, while the cream balances it with a velvety finish.

To take it over the top, fresh buffalo bocconcini is added just before serving, melting slightly into the sauce for a dreamy, cheesy pull in every bite. A sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan rounds out this decadent yet balanced dish.

Perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is both comforting and elegant. Plus, it’s highly customisable — add vegetables, swap the protein, or make it vegetarian with a few simple tweaks.

Creamy Gnocchi With Vodka Sauce & Buffalo Bocconcini

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Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 shallot very finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic very finely chopped
  • pinch sea salt
  • 0.75 cup tomato paste
  • 0.25 cup vodka
  • 1 cup chicken stock or vegetable stock
  • 1 cup thickened cream
  • 500 g gnocchi or fresh gnocchi, packet
  • 1 handful basil leaves
  • cracked black pepper
  • buffalo bocconcini balls to serve (see notes for other cheese options)

Instructions
 

  • Place a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt for 1–2 minutes. Add the shallot, garlic and salt and cook, stirring, for 2–3 minutes (watch it doesn’t colour too much). Stir through the tomato paste, then add the vodka and incorporate into the sauce for 2 minutes. It should just be bubbling (so the alcohol cooks out). Add the stock and cream, turn the heat down to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
    3 tbsp butter, 1 shallot, 3 cloves garlic, pinch sea salt, 0.75 cup tomato paste, 0.25 cup vodka, 1 cup chicken stock, 1 cup thickened cream
  • Cook the gnocchi according to packet instructions. It’s best to slightly undercook it, as it will continue cooking in the sauce. Drain and set aside.
    500 g gnocchi
  • Add the gnocchi to the vodka sauce and gently stir it through. Add the basil and season with pepper. Turn off the heat.
    500 g gnocchi, 1 handful basil leaves, cracked black pepper
  • Serve into bowls and top with buffalo bocconcini or one of the cheeses suggested below. The creamier the better!
    buffalo bocconcini balls

Keywords

Dinner, One Pot
Gluten Free, Nut Free, Pescetarian, Vegetarian
Dietary: Pescatarian, Vegetarian
Allergen: Gluten Free, Nut-free
Category: One-pot
Difficulty: Easy
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