If you are looking for a cozy winter recipe, this gnocchi alla vodka topped with creamy burrata is so delicious. The rich homemade vodka sauce cooked with pillowy gnocchi is so easy to whip together.

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Hellllllo to one of the easiest winter comfort recipes.

This gnocchi with vodka sauce is so easy to put together. Give yourself about 30 - 40 minutes to make the sauce, and during the last 15 minutes start to cook your gnocchi. You'll have a phenomenal homemade pasta dinner in no time!

Homemade vodka sauce is far easier to make than you may think! I'm going to share my go-to homemade vodka sauce recipe and it is delicious! You'll be hooked on making homemade vodka sauce.

It’s perfect for a simple, yet elevated at-home dinner. There truly isn't much to this recipe, but the simplicity is the beauty of it. So many flavors packed in just the sauce, gnocchi, and burrata.

What is gnocchi?

Gnocchi, the singular is gnocco, are pasta dumplings that originated in Italy. It is said that the ancient recipe consisted of semolina dough, mixed with eggs. However, once potatoes were introduced to Italy, the traditional gnocchi recipe turned to a combination of flour, eggs, salt, and potato.

Is gnocchi a kind of pasta or a kind of dumpling?

I would argue that gnocchi are a dumpling pasta. There are so many different types of recipes for gnocchi, you could argue that potato gnocchi (the traditional recipe) is more a dumpling whereas ricotta gnocchi are more a pasta. In the end, I say gnocchis are the best of both worlds.

Is gnocchi good with vodka sauce?

Um YES. Vodka sauce is a creamy tomato sauce so it's richer than marinara. I personally think that gnocchi pairs better with a richer and thicker sauce. The ridges in the gnocchi make for perfect little canals to house the sauce so you really get flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make gnocchi alla vodka.

Vodka Sauce. You can use jarred vodka sauce if you want, but if you want to spend the extra time making homemade, which I highly recommend, here's what you'll need.

Butter. I highly recommend using butter over olive oil for a vodka sauce recipe.

Onion. You can rough chop an onion, you'll blend everything later!

Garlic. Similar to the onion, you can rough chop the garlic!

Vodka. Of course, you need vodka for vodka sauce. Yes, the alcohol cooks out and you can use whatever brand you have on hand.

San Marzano Tomatoes. I only use San Marzano tomatoes and recommend you do the same! The quality is far better.

Heavy Cream. Vodka sauce is a creamy sauce, so you'll have to add in heavy cream or half & half.

Parmesan Cheese. I always like to add freshly grated parmesan. I have this cheese grater from Amazon and it is a total game-changer!

Red Pepper Flakes. This is optional, but I love just a hint of spice to counteract the rich creaminess of the sauce.

Gnocchi. I buy storebought but you can make your own potato gnocchi with this homemade recipe from An Italian in my Kitchen.

Burrata. This isn't necessary but it is SO delicious to top off your gnocchi with vodka sauce.

Fresh Basil. In my opinion, I always top any pasta dish with fresh basil, so it's a necessity!

How to make gnocchi with vodka sauce.

Here's how to make gnocchi alla vodka at home.

Making homemade vodka sauce.

In your pot, melt your 3 tablespoon of butter and saute your onions + garlic over medium-low for about 5 minutes. If you want to really amplify the flavor, saute for 20 minutes until the garlic starts to brown. That'll increase the cooking time by 20 minutes, keep in mind!
Pour in your vodka and stir to deglaze the pot.
Add in your can of whole peeled tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Using your spoon, smash the tomatoes.
Add in your heavy cream, parmesan and red pepper flakes
Bring to a simmer and using your immersion blender, blend. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Pour over your favorite pasta, make homemade lasagna and enjoy!

Making gnocchi alla vodka

Once your sauce is finished, put it on low to simmer. Next, fill a large stock pot with water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt for every pound of gnocchi you cook. Bring to a rolling boil.
Add your gnocchi and gently stir. Once your gnocchi starts floating to the top, they are done.
Using a slotted spoon, scoop them into your serving bowl. Add 1.5 cups of your vodka sauce and stir so the gnocchi are evenly coated.
Break your ball of burrata on top, sprinkle fresh basil and enjoy!

What sauce goes well with gnocchi?

I love vodka sauce, marinara sauce or a pesto with my gnocchi!

What to serve with gnocchi alla vodka.

Here are a few ideas to make a full meal.

Amazon kitchen finds

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