If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly, this Baked Gnocchi with Tomato and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. With pillowy soft gnocchi smothered in a rich tomato sauce and blanketed in melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish brings the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s simple but feels so special, making it a go-to for both weeknight dinners and cozy gatherings. Every bite bursts with warmth and cheesy goodness, promising to become one of your favorite meals in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is one of the joys of making this Baked Gnocchi with Tomato and Cheese Recipe. Each item is straightforward yet plays a key role in delivering that irresistible taste, vibrant color, and luscious texture that make this dish so memorable.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft and tender, these little pillows provide the perfect base for soaking up all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic’s sharpness when sautéed.
- Garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth, waking up your senses in every bite.
- Canned crushed tomatoes: A luscious, slightly chunky sauce foundation, bursting with bright tomato flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that lifts the sauce with notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty bite that perfectly complements the creaminess of mozzarella.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that golden, gooey topping everyone loves.
How to Make Baked Gnocchi with Tomato and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to go when your gnocchi mixture is assembled. Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and to prevent the gooey cheese from sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until it becomes fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step infuses the oil with a wonderful aroma that forms the flavor base of your tomato sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together into a rich, vibrant tomato base that clings beautifully to the gnocchi.
Step 4: Coat the Gnocchi in Sauce
Stir the potato gnocchi into the simmering sauce, ensuring every piece is generously coated. This helps the gnocchi absorb the sauce, infusing each bite with savory tomato goodness. Then transfer everything into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for baking.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Toppings
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top first, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. The combination ensures a flavorful, bubbly, and irresistibly golden crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll want to watch for that perfect moment when the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbling, and turning a gorgeous golden brown, signaling that your baked gnocchi is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Baked Gnocchi with Tomato and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley can brighten the rich tomato and cheese flavors while adding a pop of color that makes the dish feel fresh and inviting. For a little extra zing, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving bring it all together.
Side Dishes
This hearty Baked Gnocchi with Tomato and Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple roasted vegetable medley. Garlic bread on the side is also a wonderful choice, perfect for sopping up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this dish in individual ramekins for an elegant touch, perfect for dinner parties or a special family meal. You can also offer a mix of cheeses on top before baking—think fresh ricotta dollops or a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano for a flavor twist that feels both classic and creative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen with time, making it just as tasty when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked gnocchi for up to 2 months. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the cheese topping from becoming rubbery and retain that inviting bubbling finish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi works wonderfully in this recipe and often cooks even more quickly, absorbing the sauce beautifully for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Is it necessary to use both Parmesan and mozzarella?
Using both cheeses creates a wonderful balance: Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor, while mozzarella melts smoothly for that gooey, golden crust everyone loves. You can experiment, but together they make the dish shine.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be stirred into the sauce to add extra nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to cook them before combining with the gnocchi to avoid excess moisture.
What can I substitute for Italian seasoning?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, mix dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of garlic powder. This homemade blend works just as well to enhance the sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It depends on the gnocchi you buy. Many store-bought gnocchi contain wheat flour, but gluten-free versions made with potato and rice flour are available. Just check the package to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Gnocchi with Tomato and Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes that has everyone asking for seconds. It brings comfort, flavor, and simplicity into one delicious package, perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to dive in and make it your own—you really can’t go wrong when you’ve got cheese, tomato, and those pillowy gnocchi working their magic together.
Print
Baked Gnocchi with Tomato and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This delicious Baked Gnocchi recipe combines pillowy potato gnocchi with a rich tomato sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning, topped with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, then baked to bubbly golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet; simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Gently stir in the potato gnocchi until they are well-coated in the tomato sauce, ensuring every piece is covered with the delicious flavors.
- Assemble Dish: Transfer the saucy gnocchi to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to prepare for baking.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the dish is heated through.
Notes
- Use fresh or store-bought gnocchi according to availability; no pre-boiling needed since they will cook during baking.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or ricotta to the sauce before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
