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Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake: A Cheesy Italian Delight

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Craving a comforting and satisfying Italian-inspired meal? This Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake is the perfect solution! Tender gnocchi coated in a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and baked to golden perfection. Imagine a dish brimming with soft gnocchi, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, all bubbling and delicious. It’s a feast for the senses, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner cooks, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce or crushed tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Optional add-ins: cooked ground sausage, shredded chicken, chopped spinach, zucchini

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven and Prep the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a similar sized oven-safe dish) with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Preheating the oven ensures that the bake cooks evenly and the cheese melts properly. Greasing the dish prevents the gnocchi from sticking and makes it easier to serve.
  • Prepare the Gnocchi (if needed): If your gnocchi needs cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside. If you are using oven-ready gnocchi, you can skip this step and use them directly from the package. Floating to the surface is a good indicator that the gnocchi are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy and lose their texture in the bake.
  • Make the Tomato Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Add the marinara sauce (or crushed tomatoes), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together and deepen. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to develop and intensify. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Assemble the Bake: Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the dish and ensure that they are coated in sauce on all sides. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the remaining sauce and toss gently to coat them evenly. Pour the gnocchi and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, ensuring that all the gnocchi are covered with cheese. Distributing the cheese evenly will guarantee that every bite is cheesy and delicious. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the cheese!
  • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the bake during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent the cheese from burning. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, with some slightly browned spots for added flavor and texture. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the top should be lightly golden brown and slightly crisp in some areas. The gnocchi should be heated through and the sauce should be bubbling.
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and make it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fresh and flavorful touch. The vibrant green of the basil adds a beautiful pop of color to the dish and its aromatic flavor complements the other ingredients perfectly. Serve the bake warm and enjoy! Fresh basil adds a beautiful aroma and a burst of flavor to the finished bake. Serve the gnocchi bake immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook gnocchi.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Get creative with add-ins.
  • Use good quality cheese for best results.

Find it online: https://paularecipes.com/easy-gnocchi-and-tomato-bake-a-cheesy-italian-delight/