Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake
This Gnocchi and Tomato Bake is a quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknights. Featuring tender gnocchi coated in a flavorful tomato sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize.
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
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup cooked ground sausage or shredded chicken optional
- 1 cup chopped spinach or zucchini optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Prepare the Gnocchi
- 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.
Make the Tomato Sauce
- 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.
Assemble the Bake
- 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
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.