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Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 33 reviews

This Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake is a comforting and delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender gnocchi baked in a flavorful tomato sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it can be customized with sausage, chicken, or vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra heartiness.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 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

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup cooked ground sausage or shredded chicken
  • 1 cup chopped spinach or zucchini
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Gnocchi: If using uncooked gnocchi, boil them in salted water for 2–3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain well and set aside. Oven-ready gnocchi can be used directly without boiling.
  3. Make the Tomato Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and finely chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add the marinara sauce, dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add the prepared gnocchi, gently tossing them to coat with the sauce. Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the gnocchi. If desired, sprinkle cooked sausage or chicken and chopped vegetables like spinach or zucchini evenly over the top. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over everything.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can use store-bought gnocchi to save time or make your own for a fresher taste.
  • Feel free to customize by adding cooked ground sausage, shredded chicken, or vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • For a milder cheese flavor, reduce the amount of Parmesan or omit the red pepper flakes.

Keywords: gnocchi bake, tomato gnocchi, easy gnocchi recipe, baked gnocchi, Italian dinner, cheesy gnocchi, baked pasta dish

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/easy-gnocchi-and-tomato-bake-recipe/