Introduction
This Tomato Basil Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort food — pillowy soft gnocchi coated in a rich tomato and garlic sauce, layered with gooey melted mozzarella and fresh basil. It’s easy to make, comes together in one pan, and tastes like something you’d get at a cozy Italian trattoria. Perfect for when you want something hearty but still fresh and satisfying.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for topping)
For the Bake:
- 1 lb (500g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a kick
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil and remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Gnocchi
- If using shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, no need to boil it first — it’ll cook in the sauce while baking.
- If using frozen gnocchi, parboil it for 2–3 minutes or until it begins to float, then drain well.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Add the gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the tomato basil sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Add grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves on top for extra flavor.
- (Optional) Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Step 4: Bake
- Transfer the skillet to the oven (or pour everything into a baking dish if your pan isn’t oven-safe).
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Optionally broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for an extra golden, crispy cheese topping.
🌿 Serve & Enjoy
Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a little extra Parmesan if desired. Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
Tips & Variations
- Add protein: Stir in cooked Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier version.
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta to the sauce for a richer dish.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use plant-based cheeses and check that your gnocchi is egg-free.