Introduction:
Soft, pillowy gnocchi baked in a rich tomato and basil sauce, bubbling with melted mozzarella and Parmesan — this Tomato Basil Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort dish. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple pantry staples, and delivers restaurant-level satisfaction at home. Plus, it’s easily customizable for meat lovers or vegetarians.
📝 Ingredients:
For the bake:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
- 1 lb (500g) store-bought gnocchi (or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup baby spinach
- Cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken
- A handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
🔧 Method:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 4 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, chili flakes, and basil.
- Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
2. Cook the Gnocchi:
- While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes — they float when done).
- Drain well.
3. Combine and Assemble:
- Stir cooked gnocchi (and spinach or meat, if using) into the tomato sauce until coated.
- If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly.
4. Bake:
- Place in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Optional: broil for 2 minutes for a crispier cheese top.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with extra fresh basil or cracked black pepper.
- Serve hot with a green salad or garlic bread.
👨🍳 Tips & Variations:
- For a creamy version, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Want it vegan? Use plant-based gnocchi and dairy-free cheese.
- Add roasted vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers) for more texture and flavor.