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Introduction: Ready for a Vibrant, Summer-Inspired Meal?

Craving a fresh, flavorful dish that captures the essence of summer? This Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Grilled Corn and Burrata is your perfect choice! Featuring charred corn, blistered cherry tomatoes, pillowy gnocchi, and creamy burrata, this one-pan meal bursts with seasonal flavors and textures. The peppery arugula and fresh basil add a vibrant finish, making it ideal for summer dinners, casual gatherings, or a special weeknight treat. Inspired by your love for vibrant, veggie-forward dishes like Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad and Cauliflower Sweet Potato Burgers, this recipe can be adapted for lower carbs and is naturally vegetarian. Ready to cook a skillet of summer goodness? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

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Overview: Why Summer Skillet Gnocchi is a Must-Try

This Summer Skillet Gnocchi combines the smoky sweetness of grilled corn with juicy, blistered tomatoes and soft, creamy burrata, all tossed with tender gnocchi in a garlicky, buttery skillet. The arugula adds a fresh, peppery bite, while the garnishes elevate the dish to restaurant quality. What makes it special? It’s quick, vegetarian, and adaptable for gluten-free or lower-carb diets, offering a colorful, satisfying meal that celebrates summer produce.

Time Requirement: About 35 minutes total (15 minutes prep, 20 minutes cooking).
Difficulty Level: Easy! Perfect for beginners or quick summer meals.
Why It’s Special: It’s a vegetarian, one-pan dish with vibrant summer flavors, adaptable for gluten-free or low-carb diets with the right gnocchi.

This skillet is a fresh, crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to brighten your table. Let’s get cooking!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Grilled Corn and Burrata. Each ingredient adds to the vibrant, summery, and creamy magic.

Corn (4 ears, shucked): Provides sweet, charred flavor.
Unsalted Butter (4 Tbsp, divided): Adds richness for grilling and sautéing.
Cherry Tomatoes (3 cups): Deliver juicy, blistered sweetness.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): Enhances tomato sautéing and flavor.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Seasons the dish to perfection.
Store-Bought Gnocchi (1 pound): Creates a soft, pillowy base (use cauliflower gnocchi for low-carb).
Red Onion (1, sliced): Adds sweet, savory depth.
Garlic Cloves (3, minced): Infuses aromatic intensity.
Arugula (4 oz): Provides fresh, peppery greens.
Crushed Red-Pepper Flakes (for serving): Adds a spicy kick.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving): Brings nutty, savory flavor.
Burrata Cheese (for serving): Adds creamy, luxurious texture.
Fresh Basil Leaves (for serving): Provides aromatic, herbaceous garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

Corn: Use 2 cups frozen or canned corn (drained, sautéed until charred) if fresh isn’t available.
Butter: Swap with olive oil or ghee for a dairy-free option.
Cherry Tomatoes: Replace with diced Roma tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Gnocchi: Use cauliflower gnocchi (e.g., Trader Joe’s) for low-carb/keto or gluten-free gnocchi for dietary needs.
Arugula: Substitute with baby spinach, kale, or mixed greens.
Burrata: Swap with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, or omit for dairy-free (use vegan cheese if needed).
Parmesan: Replace with pecorino or nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
Add-Ins: Include ½ cup sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or grilled chicken for extra protein or veggies.
Keto Adjustment: Use cauliflower gnocchi and reduce tomatoes to 1 cup to lower carbs (~10g net carbs per serving).
Spicy Version: Increase red-pepper flakes or add a sliced jalapeño with the garlic.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Summer Skillet Gnocchi is simple and flavorful, with a perfect balance of grilling and sautéing in one skillet. Follow these steps for a stunning dish every time.

Step 1: Grill the Corn

Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat.
Brush each of 4 ears of corn with ½ Tbsp melted butter (2 Tbsp total).
Grill for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender.
Cut kernels off the cobs and set aside.

Tip: Ensure even charring by rotating corn; use a sharp knife to remove kernels cleanly.

Step 2: Sauté the Tomatoes

Place a cast-iron skillet on the grill (or stovetop over medium-high heat if indoors).
In a medium bowl, toss 3 cups cherry tomatoes with 1 Tbsp olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
Sauté tomatoes in the skillet for about 4 minutes until charred and blistered. Remove and set aside.

Tip: Shake the skillet occasionally to blister tomatoes evenly; avoid overcooking to maintain structure.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add 1 pound store-bought gnocchi and cook for 4–5 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcook gnocchi; they should be soft but not mushy.

Step 4: Sauté the Skillet

In the same cast-iron skillet, melt 2 Tbsp remaining butter over medium heat.
Add 1 sliced red onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until translucent.
Add 3 minced garlic cloves, cooked gnocchi, grilled corn kernels, and blistered tomatoes. Sauté for 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
Add 4 oz arugula and cook for about 3 minutes until wilted.

Tip: Stir gently to avoid breaking gnocchi; ensure arugula is just wilted for best texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat.
Top with a pinch of crushed red-pepper flakes, grated Parmesan, torn burrata cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
Serve immediately, family-style, from the skillet.

Tip: Tear burrata into small pieces for even distribution; add garnishes just before serving for freshness.

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Assembly: Building the Perfect Summer Skillet Gnocchi

Making this Summer Skillet Gnocchi is all about creating a vibrant, flavorful dish with a balance of textures and summer flavors. Here’s how to make it perfect:

Grill Corn for Smokiness: Achieve distinct char marks for depth of flavor.
Blister Tomatoes Evenly: Sauté just until charred to retain juiciness.
Cook Gnocchi Tender: Boil until just floating to maintain soft texture.
Garnish Generously: Add burrata, Parmesan, and basil for a creamy, fresh finish.

Presentation Tips:

Serve directly from the cast-iron skillet for a rustic, shareable look.
Pair with a keto-friendly side like a cucumber salad or grilled asparagus for a complete meal.
Garnish with extra basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a polished finish.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This skillet is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepped ahead for convenience. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storing Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing, as gnocchi and burrata lose texture.
- Store garnishes (arugula, burrata, basil) separately to maintain freshness.
Reheating:
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring gently, until warmed through.
- Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, but this may soften gnocchi.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Grill corn and blister tomatoes up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook gnocchi and store in the fridge for up to 1 day; reheat gently before sautéing.
- Assemble just before serving to keep arugula crisp and burrata creamy.

Tip: Add fresh garnishes after reheating to restore vibrancy.

Recipe Variations

This Summer Skillet Gnocchi is versatile, drawing on your love for vibrant, veggie-forward dishes like Cauliflower Sweet Potato Burgers and Grilled Flatbread Pizza. Here are some fun ideas:

Keto Summer Skillet: Use cauliflower gnocchi, reduce tomatoes to 1 cup, and omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for low-carb (~10g net carbs per serving).
Spicy Summer Skillet: Increase red-pepper flakes or add a sliced chili pepper with the garlic for extra heat.
Protein-Packed Skillet: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled bacon for a heartier dish.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free gnocchi (e.g., cauliflower or gluten-free store-bought).
Creamy Skillet: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta with the arugula for extra richness.

Tip: Top with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of balsamic reduction (keto-friendly if sugar-free) for added flair.

Conclusion: A Vibrant, Summer-Inspired Treat to Love

Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Grilled Corn and Burrata is the perfect way to enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal that celebrates summer produce. With its smoky corn, juicy tomatoes, creamy burrata, and tender gnocchi, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is vibrant. Perfect for summer dinners, casual gatherings, or quick weeknight meals, this skillet is sure to become a favorite. Play with the variations, garnish with your favorites, and savor every creamy, summery bite. What’s your favorite way to enjoy this summer skillet gnocchi? Share your ideas in the comments and let us know how it turned out!

Summer Skillet Gnocchi Recipe with Grilled Corn and Burrata

Author: Alyssa

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Description

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Grilled Corn and Burrata. Each ingredient adds to the vibrant, summery, and creamy magic.

Corn (4 ears, shucked): Provides sweet, charred flavor.
Unsalted Butter (4 Tbsp, divided): Adds richness for grilling and sautéing.
Cherry Tomatoes (3 cups): Deliver juicy, blistered sweetness.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): Enhances tomato sautéing and flavor.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Seasons the dish to perfection.
Store-Bought Gnocchi (1 pound): Creates a soft, pillowy base (use cauliflower gnocchi for low-carb).
Red Onion (1, sliced): Adds sweet, savory depth.
Garlic Cloves (3, minced): Infuses aromatic intensity.
Arugula (4 oz): Provides fresh, peppery greens.
Crushed Red-Pepper Flakes (for serving): Adds a spicy kick.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving): Brings nutty, savory flavor.
Burrata Cheese (for serving): Adds creamy, luxurious texture.
Fresh Basil Leaves (for serving): Provides aromatic, herbaceous garnish.