Baked Vodka Sauce Gnocchi with burrata is the ultimate comfort food. This indulgent dish features pillowy gnocchi smothered in a creamy vodka sauce made with tomato paste, butter, and heavy cream. Top it with burrata and bake until bubbly and golden for a rich, satisfying meal. You'll love how easy it is to customize by adding proteins or spices. If you're curious about the history or additional tips, there's more to explore!
History
Baked Vodka Sauce Gnocchi may seem like a modern comfort food, but its roots trace back to the vibrant culinary landscape of 1980s New York City.
In this era, chefs began experimenting with tomato-based sauces, incorporating vodka to enhance flavors. This innovative approach helped create a creamy vodka sauce that stood apart from traditional marinara.
The vodka's role was essential; it released the flavors from the tomatoes and cream, resulting in a rich taste profile.
Over time, Baked Vodka Sauce Gnocchi emerged as a beloved dish, often topped with burrata cheese, adding an extra layer of creaminess.
Today, it's a staple in both restaurants and home kitchens, reflecting the trend of indulgent pasta dishes that many crave.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 package (16 oz) uncooked gnocchi
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- Additional parmesan cheese for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the Baked Vodka Sauce Gnocchi, begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced shallot and garlic until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and vodka, allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes.
Next, pour in the heavy cream and grated parmesan, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the uncooked gnocchi to the sauce, mixing well to guarantee each piece is coated.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with the burrata and additional parmesan, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
For best results, consider making the sauce ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator.
You can also use frozen gnocchi, but adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
If you prefer a bit of spice, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
This dish can easily be reheated in the oven or microwave for delicious leftovers throughout the week!
Cooking Steps
To get started, you'll want to sauté garlic until it's fragrant before adding tomato paste and vodka to enhance the sauce.
Next, stir in the heavy cream mixture, ensuring everything blends smoothly.
Finally, gently incorporate the cooked gnocchi and prepare for a crispy top by broiling at the end.
Step 1. Sauté Garlic Until Fragrant
Sauté the garlic in melted butter over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, letting its aroma fill the kitchen. Use a large clove or two medium cloves for ideal flavor.
Stir continuously to guarantee even cooking and release those essential oils. Keep a close eye on the garlic; you want it fragrant, not browned. If it turns brown, it'll introduce bitterness to your sauce.
By adding the garlic first, you allow it to infuse the butter, enhancing the dish's overall taste. This step is vital for building a flavorful base.
Once the garlic reaches that perfect fragrant stage, you'll be ready to move on to the next steps in creating your delicious baked vodka sauce gnocchi.
Step 2. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Vodka
With the garlic beautifully fragrant, it's time to elevate your sauce further by incorporating tomato paste and vodka.
Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its rich color and flavor. This step is key in your vodka sauce recipe, adding that essential depth.
Next, pour in the vodka, allowing it to simmer for another 1-2 minutes. This helps evaporate the alcohol while infusing the sauce with a distinct taste.
Don't forget to add enough reserved pasta water to achieve the right consistency.
This creamy concoction will soon be enhanced with heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious base for your gnocchi.
Enjoy the process!
Step 3. Stir in Heavy Cream Mixture
Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a velvety texture that brings your vodka sauce to life.
As the cream blends with the tomato paste and vodka, let the mixture heat through for about 4-5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, ensuring it clings perfectly to your baked gnocchi with vodka.
For added richness, stir in finely grated parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts completely into the sauce.
If the sauce seems too thick, you can adjust it by adding a bit of reserved pasta water, making sure it coats every piece of gnocchi beautifully.
This creamy pasta sauce sets the stage for a deliciously satisfying dish.
Step 4. Add Cooked Gnocchi Gently
Once your creamy vodka sauce is ready, gently fold in the cooked gnocchi to guarantee they're evenly coated and can absorb all those delicious flavors.
Take care to stir the gnocchi into the sauce with a light touch, maintaining their delicate texture. You want to avoid vigorous mixing that could make them mushy.
Incorporate the gnocchi just before baking to keep them tender, as overcooking can happen if they sit too long in the sauce.
Remember to reserve some vodka sauce for topping the gnocchi before you add the burrata cheese, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Make sure the gnocchi are well-distributed in the sauce, ensuring even baking and consistent flavor throughout your dish.
Step 5. Broil for Crispy Top
To achieve that perfect crispy top, preheat your oven to broil after assembling the gnocchi with vodka sauce and burrata.
Place your casserole dish on the top rack of the oven for ideal browning. Broil the dish for about 2-5 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning. You want the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown.
Make sure the burrata is evenly distributed over the gnocchi; this guarantees consistent melting and gives you that deliciously creamy texture you crave.
The broiling process creates a delightful contrast between the soft gnocchi and the crispy, golden cheese topping, enhancing the dish's overall appeal.
Enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures!
Final Thoughts
As the chill of colder weather sets in, Baked Vodka Sauce Gnocchi with Burrata becomes the ultimate comfort food. This dish isn't only delicious but also an easy dinner option that warms you up from the inside out.
The creamy vodka sauce, enriched with tomato paste and adorned with fresh basil leaves, elevates each bite of pillowy gnocchi. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste, whether by swapping in chicken stock or adding proteins like shredded chicken.
Plus, any leftovers can be stored for a quick meal later in the week. Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted veggies, and you've got a versatile dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Gnocchi With Another Type of Pasta?
Yes, you can definitely substitute gnocchi with another type of pasta!
If you prefer a different texture, try using penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. These shapes hold sauce well and offer a hearty bite.
Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
You'll still enjoy a delicious dish, so feel free to experiment and find what you like best.
It's all about personal preference!
Is This Dish Suitable for Gluten-Free Diets?
Think of gluten as a tight rope that some people can't walk on.
If you're following a gluten-free diet, you've got options! Many pasta brands offer gluten-free alternatives made from rice, quinoa, or other grains. Just check the label to verify it fits your needs.
With the right substitutions, you can enjoy a delicious dish without compromising your dietary restrictions.
How Can I Store Leftovers Effectively?
To store leftovers effectively, first let the dish cool to room temperature.
Then, transfer it to an airtight container, ensuring it's sealed tightly to prevent moisture and air from spoiling it.
If you plan to eat it within a few days, keep it in the fridge.
For longer storage, consider freezing it in portion-sized containers.
Just remember to label them with the date so you know when to use them!
What Wine Pairs Best With This Dish?
When you're choosing a wine to pair with your dish, consider a medium-bodied red like Chianti or a smooth Pinot Noir.
These wines complement the richness of your sauce without overpowering it.
If you prefer white wine, a creamy Chardonnay works well too.
Just remember, it's all about balancing flavors, so pick a wine that enhances your meal and brings out its best characteristics.
Enjoy your culinary experience!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time!
Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven without needing to thaw.
If you're storing it longer, consider freezing it; just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly when you're ready to enjoy!
