– Advertisement –
Gnocchi is a type of Italian dumpling made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes egg, creating soft, pillowy morsels that melt in your mouth. When paired with a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese, it turns into a comforting meal that feels both hearty and indulgent, yet incredibly easy to prepare. The Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake combines the delightful chewiness of gnocchi with a simple, flavorful tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all baked until golden and bubbling.
– Advertisement –
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi
Gnocchi is one of those dishes that can be both easy to prepare and a bit tricky if not cooked correctly. However, the best part about this recipe is that you’re using store-bought gnocchi, which makes things incredibly simple.
– Advertisement –
-
Boil the gnocchi:
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the water and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 2-4 minutes).
– Advertisement –
-
The gnocchi will float to the surface once it’s ready, indicating that it’s cooked. Be sure not to overcook it, as you’ll be baking it later, and you want it to maintain its texture.
-
-
Drain the gnocchi:
-
Once the gnocchi is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a colander. Drain the gnocchi well and set it aside. You can toss the gnocchi with a little bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
-
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
While the gnocchi is boiling, you can prepare the rich and flavorful tomato sauce that will coat the gnocchi and bake to perfection.
-
Sauté the aromatics:
-
In a large saucepan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
-
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
-
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
-
-
Add the tomatoes:
-
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. The crushed tomatoes give the sauce its body, while the tomato paste deepens the flavor and richness.
-
Mix well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
-
-
Season the sauce:
-
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a small amount of sugar (about 1 teaspoon) to balance the flavor.
-
Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
-
-
Add fresh spinach or basil (optional):
-
If you’re using fresh spinach or basil, stir it into the sauce now. This adds freshness and color, making the dish more vibrant.
-
Step 3: Combine Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
Now that both the gnocchi and tomato sauce are ready, it’s time to combine them and prepare for the baking step.
-
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure that it’s hot and ready for baking.
-
Combine the gnocchi and sauce:
-
Add the cooked gnocchi to the saucepan with the tomato sauce. Gently stir to coat the gnocchi with the sauce. Be careful not to break up the gnocchi too much, as it can get mushy.
-
Let the gnocchi simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb some of the flavor.
-
-
Transfer to the baking dish:
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Bake
The final step is to top the gnocchi with plenty of cheese and bake it until golden, bubbly, and perfectly melted.
-
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan:
-
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the gnocchi and sauce. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed, covering all of the gnocchi.
-
Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. This adds a salty, savory kick that complements the gooey mozzarella.
-
-
Bake the gnocchi:
-
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is starting to bubble at the edges.
-
-
Broil for extra crispiness (optional):
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the gnocchi is out of the oven and the cheese is perfectly melted, it’s time to serve and garnish!
-
Serve the gnocchi:
-
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to portion and prevent the sauce from spilling out.
-
Serve the gnocchi directly from the baking dish, or portion it onto individual plates.
-
-
Garnish with fresh basil:
-
Optional toppings:
-
If you like a little extra spice, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
-
You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil for a glossy finish and added richness.
-
Step 6: Enjoy Your Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake
Now, sit down and enjoy your warm, cheesy, and comforting gnocchi bake! This dish is perfect for a hearty dinner, and the combination of creamy tomato sauce, tender gnocchi, and melty cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Tips for Perfecting Your Gnocchi and Tomato Bake
-
Use fresh gnocchi:
-
While frozen gnocchi works just fine, fresh gnocchi gives the dish a lighter, more delicate texture. If you have access to fresh gnocchi, go for it.
-
-
Make your own gnocchi:
-
Customize with extra vegetables:
-
For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce before combining it with the gnocchi. These vegetables will add depth and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
-
-
Use different cheeses:
-
If you’re a fan of cheese, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Fontina, ricotta, or provolone are great alternatives to mozzarella and Parmesan.
-
-
Make it ahead:
-
Freeze for later:
-
You can also freeze this dish before baking. Assemble the gnocchi, sauce, and cheese in the baking dish, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
-
Conclusion
Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor. The combination of tender gnocchi, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella makes this dish both satisfying and simple to prepare. With a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a meal that will warm you up and please the whole family.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or your favorite tomato sauce)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch (or similar size) baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. - Cook the gnocchi:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 2–3 minutes). They’re done when they float to the surface. Drain and set aside. - Assemble the bake:
In the prepared baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce (about ½ cup). Add the cooked gnocchi and pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi in the sauce. - Add the cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed to get that perfect cheesy crust when baked. - Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and slightly golden on top. - Garnish and serve:
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Notes
– Advertisement –