If you’re craving a dish that feels luxurious yet comforting, the Lobster Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender gnocchi bathing in a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce, studded with succulent lobster meat that adds the perfect touch of seaside elegance. This recipe brings bold flavors and indulgent textures together in a way that’s surprisingly straightforward to make. Once you try it, this Lobster Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe will surely become a favorite for special dinners or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple but essential, contributing to the irresistible taste, texture, and vibrant color that make this dish shine. From fresh lobster meat to silky cream and perfectly cooked gnocchi, every element has a role to play in creating the flavors that dance on your palate.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a fragrant, fruity base for sautéing the shallots.
- Shallot, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes (drained): Use San Marzano for a naturally sweet and rich tomato flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the sauce with fresh herbal notes and beautiful color.
- Dry white wine: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc add acidity and complexity to balance the creaminess.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- Cooked lobster meat: The star ingredient offering sweet, tender seafood luxury.
- Potato gnocchi: Pillowy and light, the perfect vehicle for the rich sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a glossy finish to the final dish.
- Chives (optional): For a delicate oniony garnish and vibrant green contrast.
- Lemon (optional): A squeeze adds brightness and lifts the seafood flavors.
How to Make Lobster Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shallots
Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat until it glistens. Then add the diced shallots and cook them gently for about 2 minutes. This softens their texture and releases their mild sweetness, forming the perfect aromatic base for your sauce.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
Next, add the drained diced tomatoes, fresh parsley, salt, and freshly cracked pepper to the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Then gradually pour in the white wine, stirring gently as the alcohol cooks off over 5 minutes, enriching your sauce with nuanced acidity.
Step 3: Cook the Potato Gnocchi
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the potato gnocchi and watch closely–as soon as they float to the surface, scoop them out with a slotted spoon. This quick cooking prevents a gummy texture, keeping the gnocchi perfectly pillowy.
Step 4: Add Lobster and Cream
Stir the cooked lobster meat gently into the tomato sauce, combining flavors and warming the seafood without overcooking. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop its creamy consistency.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Remove the pan from heat and fold in the cooked gnocchi, ensuring every pillow is coated with that gorgeous cream sauce. Toss in cold unsalted butter, stirring until melted and glossy. To finish, sprinkle fresh chives and squeeze a little lemon over the top if you like a bright, citrusy touch. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Lobster Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chives or parsley add a vibrant pop of green and a little fresh flavor that complements the richness. A sprinkle of lemon zest or a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a lovely brightness that lifts the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This dish is luxurious enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed asparagus creates a lovely balance. A crisp glass of white wine to match the one in the recipe enhances the entire dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, plate the gnocchi in shallow bowls, drizzle additional cream sauce around, and top with lobster pieces thoughtfully arranged on top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can give your presentation that wow factor without much effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce will continue to thicken, so you might want to loosen it with a splash of cream or milk when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing cooked gnocchi with cream sauce is not recommended as the texture can suffer. However, you can freeze the cooked lobster meat and tomato sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 1 month and combine fresh gnocchi upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a bit of cream or broth will help restore the sauce’s smooth and creamy texture, keeping the gnocchi tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster meat for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure it is fully thawed and drained well before adding to the sauce to avoid excess moisture. Quality frozen lobster works perfectly if fresh isn’t available.
Is it okay to use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely. Store-bought gnocchi saves time and works beautifully for this dish. Just cook it al dente as recommended so it stays light and airy rather than gummy.
What if I don’t have white wine?
You can substitute with a splash of chicken or vegetable broth along with a squeeze of lemon juice to mimic the acidity and depth wine brings to the sauce.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and a plant-based butter alternative, though the taste and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when gnocchi is cooked perfectly?
The easiest way is to watch for them to float to the surface of boiling water. Once they rise, remove them immediately to avoid overcooking and a gummy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress your taste buds with a dish that feels fancy yet easy to make, dive into this Lobster Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. It combines comforting textures with fresh seafood flavors in a way that feels both indulgent and approachable. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation for special evenings or anytime you want to enjoy something truly memorable.
PrintLobster Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
This Lobster Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce is a luxurious and comforting dish featuring tender potato gnocchi bathed in a rich tomato cream sauce infused with fresh lobster meat. The sauce combines diced San Marzano tomatoes, shallots, white wine, and heavy cream for a luscious finish, garnished with fresh chives and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Perfect for a special dinner or an elegant meal at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained (San Marzano are best!)
- 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Main Ingredients
- 3/4 to 1 lb cooked lobster meat
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh chives
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Sauté Shallots: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced shallot and cook for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Add the drained diced tomatoes, fresh parsley, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add White Wine: Slowly stir in the dry white wine and continue cooking the sauce for 5 more minutes to let the alcohol evaporate and intensify the flavors.
- Cook Gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi to the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, which indicates they are done. Use a slotted spoon to remove them promptly to prevent overcooking and gummy texture.
- Incorporate Lobster and Cream: Add the cooked lobster meat to the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and stir once more. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the cooked gnocchi so they are well coated with the creamy tomato lobster sauce.
- Add Butter and Garnish: Stir in the cold unsalted butter until melted to enrich the sauce. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped chives and a squeeze of lemon to add brightness. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Selecting Lobster – Use fresh, high-quality lobster meat, ideally a combination of tails and claw meat for texture variety. If using pre-cooked lobster meat, ensure it is fresh and properly stored for the best flavor.
- Gnocchi Preparation – Whether store-bought or homemade, cook the gnocchi al dente. Remove promptly as soon as they float to maintain their delicate texture and avoid gumminess. For homemade gnocchi, ensure potatoes are well mashed without overworking the dough for light and tender results.
