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Creamy Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Gnocchi Recipe Easy 4-Ingredient Dinner

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A simple and comforting slow cooker recipe featuring creamy tomato basil sauce and tender gnocchi, made with just four ingredients for an easy, hands-off dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) store-bought potato gnocchi
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half or dairy-free cream alternative)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Spray or lightly grease the interior of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Pour the entire can of crushed tomatoes into the slow cooker. Add the torn fresh basil leaves and gently stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for about 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Stir in the gnocchi and heavy cream, making sure the gnocchi are evenly distributed and mostly submerged in the sauce.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until gnocchi are tender but still hold their shape. Stir gently once or twice to prevent sticking.
  6. Test a gnocchi piece for doneness. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or cream and stir gently. Adjust salt and pepper if desired.
  7. Let the dish rest on warm for 10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce and settle flavors.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker with gnocchi to prevent clumping. Use fresh basil for best flavor; if using dried, add it with the tomatoes. Cook on low heat to avoid breaking down the gnocchi or curdling the cream. Stir gently and infrequently. Let the dish rest before serving for better sauce texture. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream. Parmesan or Pecorino cheese can be added before serving for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker gnocchi, creamy tomato basil gnocchi, easy dinner, 4-ingredient recipe, comfort food, slow cooker dinner, vegetarian, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/creamy-slow-cooker-tomato-basil-gnocchi-recipe-easy-4-ingredient-dinner/