Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Corn and Burrata

The perfect summer recipe doesn’t have to take hours. This skillet gnocchi combines the fresh sweetness of grilled corn and cherry tomatoes with luxurious burrata and the bold bite of arugula, all in under an hour. Each forkful delivers creamy, crunchy, juicy textures with just the right touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a cozy al fresco meal with family, this dish is easy to whip up and beautiful enough to impress. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is grounded in rustic simplicity — a true celebration of summer’s bounty.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 pound store-bought gnocchi

• 2 ears fresh corn

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups arugula

• Crushed red-pepper flakes, to taste

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to taste

• 8 ounces burrata cheese

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Brush each ear of corn with ½ tablespoon of melted butter. Grill until charred and tender, about 5–7 minutes. Cut kernels off the cob and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place a cast-iron skillet on the grill (or stovetop) and sauté tomatoes until blistered and charred, about 4 minutes. Set aside.

3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi until they float, about 4–5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chopped red onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.

5. Add garlic, cooked gnocchi, grilled corn, and blistered tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

6. Toss in arugula and stir until wilted, about 3 minutes.

7. Remove from heat. Top with crushed red pepper flakes, Parmesan, torn burrata, and fresh basil. Serve warm.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Ultimate Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Corn and Burrata

When summer rolls around and the farmer’s markets are brimming with fresh corn, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, it’s the perfect time to make a dish that celebrates the season’s best. This Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Corn and Burrata is a one-pan wonder that balances elegance and ease—ready in under an hour but stunning enough to serve at a dinner party. With a simple yet flavorful medley of charred corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, pillowy gnocchi, and creamy burrata, it brings out the very best of summer ingredients in a rustic Italian-inspired dish.

A Recipe Inspired by Italian Comfort Food

Gnocchi, the soft pillowy dumplings traditionally made with potatoes, are a staple of Italian home cooking. They’re known for their comforting texture and versatility—absorbing flavors beautifully, whether tossed in a sage-butter sauce or baked into cheesy casseroles. In this recipe, gnocchi is boiled briefly until tender, then pan-fried slightly for texture and paired with classic Mediterranean companions like tomatoes, garlic, and basil.

Burrata adds the “wow” factor. A luxurious cousin of mozzarella, burrata is creamy, mild, and perfect for topping hot dishes—its center melting ever-so-slightly into the skillet for a luscious finish. When paired with grilled corn, which brings a smoky sweetness, and peppery arugula, the dish becomes an exciting interplay of textures and flavors.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

One of the standout features of this dish is the clever use of summer produce. By grilling the corn and blistering the tomatoes, you intensify their natural sweetness and flavor. These quick cooking techniques add depth without needing heavy sauces or complex preparations.

It’s also incredibly adaptable. The one-skillet method cuts down on dishes, making it ideal for weeknights or relaxed entertaining. Plus, it satisfies a range of dietary preferences—it’s vegetarian, rich in fiber, and can be easily adjusted for gluten-free needs with alternative gnocchi.

Moreover, this recipe offers a refreshing break from heavier pasta dishes typically loaded with cream or meat. It feels light yet indulgent—perfect for warm evenings, al fresco dining, or when you just want something different that still feels comforting.

The Nutritional Benefits of Fresh Ingredients

This dish is not only beautiful and flavorful—it also packs some nutritious value:

• Corn is high in fiber and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health. It also provides natural sweetness without the need for added sugar.
• Cherry tomatoes bring lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known to reduce inflammation and support heart health.
• Arugula adds more than a peppery bite—it’s rich in calcium, vitamin K, and other micronutrients that support bone health.
• Garlic and onions have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, which contribute to the overall wholesomeness of the dish.
• Burrata, though indulgent, is a source of calcium and protein, and when used in moderation, it enhances satiety and richness without needing heavy sauces.

Why Burrata Is a Game Changer

Burrata is one of those ingredients that instantly elevates any dish. When you cut into it, the creamy interior oozes over the gnocchi and vegetables, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce that feels indulgent yet balanced. Unlike grated cheese that must melt or blend, burrata melts naturally into warm ingredients, binding them without overwhelming them. It makes each bite creamy, without masking the taste of grilled corn or fresh basil.

Because of its freshness and mild flavor, burrata works especially well in summer dishes where the focus is on lightness and vibrancy. Its inclusion in this recipe takes the skillet gnocchi from good to unforgettable.

One-Pan Simplicity with Impressive Results

Another reason this recipe is a keeper? It’s all made in one skillet (with the exception of boiling the gnocchi)—making cleanup easy and cooking even easier. The skillet acts as both the cooking vessel and the serving platter, and cast iron retains heat well, keeping the dish warm longer on the table.

This method is perfect for summer, when no one wants to be stuck washing dishes or using too many burners. You can even make this outside on a grill—simply set the skillet on the grate and let the fire do the rest.

Perfect for Entertaining

If you’re looking for a dinner party dish that looks impressive but doesn’t chain you to the kitchen, this recipe is your go-to. The colors alone are stunning—bright yellow corn, red tomatoes, fresh green basil, and the contrast of white burrata against the golden gnocchi make for a show-stopping presentation.

Serve it straight from the skillet at the center of the table with a glass of chilled white wine or a crisp rosé. Add a loaf of crusty bread and a simple green salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels elegant but effortless.

Easy Swaps and Customizations

While the base recipe is incredible as-is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi, which are widely available at specialty stores or online.
• Add protein: Add grilled shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Herb switch: Swap basil for fresh parsley or chives if that’s what you have on hand.
• Make it spicy: Add a touch more crushed red pepper or even a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for more heat.
• Cheese alternatives: If burrata is hard to find, you can use fresh mozzarella balls or even a dollop of ricotta for a different creamy touch.

Storage and Leftovers

This dish is best eaten fresh because of the delicate nature of the burrata. However, if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the burrata will blend into the dish as it sits, creating a more uniformly creamy texture throughout.

To reheat, do so gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or water to loosen the mixture and preserve the flavor. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the gnocchi gummy.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Want to make a full meal out of it? Here are some pairing ideas:

• Drink: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a dry rosé. These wines complement the sweetness of the corn and the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Appetizer: Serve with a light starter like grilled peaches with prosciutto or a lemony arugula salad with shaved Parmesan.
• Dessert: End the meal on a bright note with a berry sorbet, panna cotta, or grilled stone fruits with honey and mascarpone.

Conclusion

This Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Corn and Burrata is the kind of meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again during the warm months. It’s colorful, satisfying, quick to prepare, and captures the essence of summer in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking to expand your repertoire with a fresh and exciting vegetarian recipe, this dish hits all the right notes. From the pillowy gnocchi and the charred corn to the rich burrata and bright basil, it’s a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and the joy of sharing good food with the people you love. Add it to your rotation, and don’t be surprised when guests start requesting it at every gathering.