The Viral Smashed Gnocchi and Burrata Skillet
Smashed Gnocchi Skillet is a crispy, creamy, tomato-rich dinner made with golden gnocchi, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, burrata, Parmesan, fresh basil, and a glossy balsamic finish.
This Smashed Gnocchi Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or any time you want a restaurant-style meal without complicated steps. The gnocchi are lightly smashed so their edges become crisp, while the centers stay soft and pillowy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi
- 1 pound shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Tomato Skillet
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Finish
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, optional
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smashed Gnocchi Skillet brings together crisp edges, tender centers, creamy burrata, and bright tomato flavor in every bite.
Another reason to love Smashed Gnocchi Skillet is its simple ingredient list and impressive presentation.
How to Make Smashed Gnocchi Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi Briefly
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the gnocchi and cook only until they float to the surface, usually 2 to 3 minutes.
Drain immediately and let them sit for several minutes so excess moisture can evaporate.
Step 2: Smash the Gnocchi
Place the cooked gnocchi on a cutting board or tray.
Use the bottom of a glass or a flat spatula to press each piece gently until slightly flattened.
Do not press too hard or the gnocchi may fall apart.
This simple step gives Smashed Gnocchi Skillet its signature crisp texture.
Step 3: Season the Gnocchi
Drizzle the flattened gnocchi with olive oil.
Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Toss carefully so the pieces stay intact.
Step 4: Crisp the First Side
Heat a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer.
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes without moving them too much, allowing the bottoms to develop a deep golden crust.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Crisping
Turn the gnocchi and cook the second side for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Transfer them to a plate once both sides are crisp.
Working in batches may be necessary if your skillet is small.
Crowding the pan can cause steaming, which prevents Smashed Gnocchi Skillet from becoming properly golden.
Step 6: Cook the Tomatoes
Lower the heat to medium.
Add olive oil and cherry tomatoes to the same skillet.
Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to blister and soften.
Press a few tomatoes with the back of a spoon so their juices release into the pan.
Step 7: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Then stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce looks glossy and slightly thickened.
Step 8: Return the Gnocchi
Add the crispy gnocchi back to the skillet.
Toss gently until the pieces are coated with tomato sauce while some crisp surfaces remain exposed.
This balance of saucy and crisp textures makes Smashed Gnocchi Skillet especially satisfying.
Step 9: Add Parmesan
Sprinkle Parmesan over the gnocchi and tomatoes.
Allow it to melt slightly into the hot sauce.
You can also place the skillet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes if you want extra browning, but watch carefully.
Step 10: Add the Burrata
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Tear the burrata into large pieces and place them across the top.
The residual heat will soften the cheese without making it disappear completely into the sauce.
Step 11: Finish with Fresh Toppings
Scatter basil leaves, lemon zest, pine nuts, and extra Parmesan over the skillet.
Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze.
Smashed Gnocchi Skillet is best served immediately while the gnocchi still have crisp edges and the burrata is soft and creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Smashed Gnocchi Skillet is hearty enough to serve as a complete dinner, but simple sides can make the meal feel more balanced.
Pair it with a crisp green salad, arugula salad, roasted broccoli, green beans, or grilled zucchini.
Garlic bread or toasted ciabatta also works well for scooping up tomato sauce and burrata.
For extra protein, serve Smashed Gnocchi Skillet with grilled chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage, or white beans.
For another burrata-inspired dish, try our Charred Peach & Burrata Flatbread with Black Lava Salt & Hot Honey for a sweet, creamy, and savory combination.
Recipe Tips
Dry the boiled gnocchi well before smashing so they crisp more easily.
Use a heavy skillet that holds heat evenly.
Do not overcrowd the pan while browning.
Let each side cook undisturbed long enough to form a crust.
Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the sweetest flavor.
Add burrata only after removing the skillet from the heat.
For the best Smashed Gnocchi Skillet texture, serve it right away rather than letting it sit too long in the sauce.
Easy Variations
Smashed Gnocchi Skillet is easy to customize with different vegetables, cheeses, and proteins.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted peppers, or zucchini for more vegetables.
Swap burrata for fresh mozzarella, ricotta, goat cheese, or feta.
For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili crisp.
A pesto variation is also delicious. Stir a spoonful of basil pesto into the tomato sauce or drizzle pesto over the finished skillet.
You can also add crispy pancetta, cooked sausage, or shredded chicken if you want a heartier version.
If you love creamy burrata recipes, you may also like our Baked Burrata with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Smashed Gnocchi Skillet is best served fresh, but several components can be prepared ahead.
Boil and drain the gnocchi up to one day in advance. Toss lightly with olive oil and refrigerate in an airtight container.
The tomato sauce can also be prepared ahead and stored separately.
When ready to serve, smash and crisp the gnocchi, reheat the sauce, combine everything, and add the burrata and fresh toppings at the end.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Smashed Gnocchi Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat the gnocchi in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water or tomato sauce.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving:
Calories: 540
Protein: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 62 g
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 790 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the gnocchi, burrata, Parmesan, tomato sauce, and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes. Cook according to package directions, drain very well, and let the pieces dry slightly before smashing.
Do I have to boil the gnocchi first?
Brief boiling makes the centers soft and fluffy before crisping. Some shelf-stable gnocchi can be pan-cooked directly, but the texture may be denser.
Can I make this without burrata?
Yes. Fresh mozzarella, ricotta, goat cheese, or feta can all work.
Why are my gnocchi not crispy?
They may be too wet or crowded in the pan. Dry them well and cook in batches if needed.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Smashed Gnocchi Skillet is vegetarian as written, provided your Parmesan is made without animal rennet if that matters for your diet.
Can I add protein?
Yes. Grilled chicken, shrimp, sausage, white beans, or chickpeas all work well.
Can I use pesto instead of tomato sauce?
Yes. Use pesto as the main sauce or combine a smaller amount with tomatoes for a fresh basil flavor.
Final Thoughts
Smashed Gnocchi Skillet is an easy way to turn simple potato gnocchi into a crispy, creamy, restaurant-style dinner with tomatoes, burrata, basil, and Parmesan.
Because Smashed Gnocchi Skillet comes together in one pan and can be customized with vegetables, pesto, or extra protein, it works well for weeknight dinners, date nights, and casual entertaining.
Keep this Smashed Gnocchi Skillet recipe handy whenever you want a comforting meal with golden edges, soft centers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese.
With crisp gnocchi, jammy tomatoes, fresh basil, burrata, Parmesan, and balsamic glaze, Smashed Gnocchi Skillet delivers a beautiful mix of texture and flavor in every serving.
For another easy side dish, try our Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries with Garlic Aioli for a crispy and flavorful pairing.