A quick and tasty dish featuring baked gnocchi tossed in a savory tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese.
Author:Emma Rossi
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups marinara 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 (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
1 cup cooked ground sausage or shredded chicken (optional)
1 cup chopped spinach or zucchini (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
If your gnocchi needs cooking, boil them in salted water for 2–3 minutes or until they float. Drain and set aside. Oven-ready gnocchi can be used directly.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add the gnocchi, tossing gently to coat them in the sauce.
Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the gnocchi. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Notes
Feel free to customize with your choice of proteins or vegetables.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.