🍅 Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Grilled Corn and Burrata 🌽
Summertime cooking has a unique flavor all its own, doesn’t it? The sunshine, backyard barbecues, garden tomatoes so sweet you could eat them like candy—these are the culinary moments I look forward to all year. And today, my dear foodie friends, we’ve got a dish that captures those magical summer vibes perfectly: my Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Grilled Corn and Burrata!
Imagine golden corn fresh off the grill, juicy cherry tomatoes blistered until they burst with flavor, pillowy-soft gnocchi, a handful of peppery arugula, and decadent, creamy burrata cheese to tie it all together. It’s a combination that screams summer sunshine in each delightful forkful.
This skillet recipe is quick, bright, and easy—ideal for laid-back entertaining or an effortless yet impressive family meal. Summer food is all about celebrating simplicity, freshness, and sharing good moments around the table. Trust me, whip this up once, and this recipe will find itself in your regular rotation!
Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Grilled Corn and Burrata
✨ A Summer Memory: The Origin of the Recipe ✨
I first created this skillet on a breezy July evening, surrounded by family and friends on my backyard patio. The grill was sizzling, our garden tomatoes glowed brightly against the dark green leaves, and fresh corn from the local farmer’s market was begging to be grilled.
Inspired by these peak-season ingredients, I combined fluffy gnocchi, veggies straight from our little garden, vibrant basil, and topped it generously with creamy burrata cheese. Watching everyone eagerly spooning second helpings onto their plates, I knew instantly I’d stumbled upon a summer classic worth sharing over and over.
Ready to bring this bright summer memory into your kitchen? Great! Let’s dive right into making our Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Grilled Corn and Burrata!
🍅 Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 6):
Before you hit up the market, let’s make sure you have everything on hand:
– 4 ears fresh sweet corn, shucked
– 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
– 3 cups colorful cherry tomatoes
– 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
– 1 lb store-bought gnocchi (feel free to use homemade if you have it!)
– 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 4 oz fresh arugula
To Serve and Garnish:
– Burrata cheese (one generous ball or more, to your preference!)
– Crushed red-pepper flakes (optional)
– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (the good stuff, trust me!)
– Fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
Let’s get cooking!
👩🍳 Step-By-Step: How to Make Summer Skillet Gnocchi
Step 1: Grill Your Corn
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Brush each ear of corn lightly with melted butter, then place it over direct heat. Grill each ear until slightly charred and golden-brown in spots, turning occasionally for even cooking (about 5–7 mins). Once grilled, let the corn cool slightly and use a sharp knife to slice the kernels right off the cob. Set aside.
Chef Tip: Grilled corn adds amazing flavor. Don’t skip this step—it boosts the summer factor exponentially!
Step 2: Blister the Tomatoes
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in your large skillet. Toss in those juicy cherry tomatoes, sprinkle with a good pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook until they start to blister and burst slightly. It should take about 6–8 minutes. Once done, transfer tomatoes out of the pan.
Chef Tip: Keep tomatoes whole—they’ll pop and release flavor naturally! So satisfying!
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add your gnocchi, and cook according to the package instructions—usually until they float (approximately 4–5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Chef Tip: Long-time gnocchi fan tip: As soon as gnocchi float, they’re ready. No overcooking allowed here!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
In your skillet, melt another tablespoon or two of butter. Toss in your sliced onions, sautéing until they’ve softened a bit. Add minced garlic and stir until aromatic (about 30 seconds—careful! Garlic burns quickly).
Next, toss in cooked gnocchi, grilled corn kernels, and blistered tomatoes. Let that mingle together, heating gently just until combined nicely. Finally, toss in that fresh arugula to wilt gently—another minute or two should do it!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
We’re at the best part, friends! Spoon onto serving plates or keep family-style in the skillet. Time to add your toppings: sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (if you like some heat), freshly grated Parmesan cheese, generous dollops of creamy burrata cheese, and sprinkle fresh torn basil leaves on top.
Serve immediately—best enjoyed outdoors with your favorite beverage and good company!
🥗 Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 460 | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 76g | Protein: 14g | Sugar: 10g
These nutritious ingredients provide healthy carbs, fresh veggies, and delicious protein to keep your summer meals balanced but indulgent at the same time!
🍷 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
A great glass of crisp rosé wine, chilled Pinot Grigio, or a summery lemonade would pair amazingly with this meal. Add a fresh side salad with more arugula, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette for extra veggies if you prefer. And a toasted garlic baguette wouldn’t hurt either!
💡 Chef Pro Tips for Gnarly Gnocchi Success:
– Use real butter—it enhances the quality flavor tremendously.
– Let burrata sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes—it’ll create dreamy melt-in-your-mouth bites.
– Mix up herbs like dill, parsley, or mint alongside the basil for added freshness—summer herbs make everything taste incredibly vibrant.
🌟 Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe food tastes even better when shared, enhanced by laughter and good company at the table. With flavors this bright and ingredients reflecting the peak of summer, my Summer Skillet Gnocchi is sure to become your new summer food staple. So, go on—fire up that grill, gather your loved ones around, and get ready for a memorable backyard dinner this summer!
If you make this recipe, snap a photo and tag me—I can’t wait to see you enjoy it! Remember: always cook with love, friends. Happy cooking!
