We wanted to turn our store-bought gnocchi into a satisfying dinner with ultra-cheesy appeal and from-scratch flavor—all in under a half-hour. While we waited for the water to boil to cook the gnocchi, we made a simple tomato sauce in a skillet. For deep flavor, we sautéed a chopped onion until it was nearly caramelized, then added garlic and a can of tomato sauce. Next, we stirred in the cooked gnocchi and finished the sauce with chopped fresh basil before transferring it all to a gratin dish and sprinkling the top with mozzarella and Parmesan. After a few minutes under the broiler, a perfectly golden, cheesy crust had formed—and our rich, deeply flavorful gnocchi dinner was on the table in about 20 minutes. We strongly prefer the flavor and texture of vacuum-packed gnocchi found in the pasta aisle; we don’t recommend substituting refrigerated or frozen gnocchi.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1-pound vacuum-packed gnocchi
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped fine
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 15-ounce can of tomato sauce
- 1 ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (½ cup)
- 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup)
PREPARATIONS:
- Adjust the oven rack 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add gnocchi and 1 tablespoon of salt and cook until gnocchi is tender and floating about 4 minutes. Drain gnocchi.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and a pinch of salt and cook until well browned about 15 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in gnocchi and simmer until gnocchi are heated through about 1 minute. Stir in basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a 3-quart broiler-safe baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Broil until the cheese is well browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve.
YIELD: This recipe serves 4 people.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Adjust the oven rack to ensure proper browning of the cheese under the broiler.
- Use a broiler-safe baking dish to finish cooking the dish under the broiler.
TIPS:
- Watch the gnocchi closely while boiling to avoid overcooking them. They should be tender and floating when done.
- Allow the onion to caramelize well to develop a deep and sweet flavor for the sauce.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor in the sauce. You can adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
- Choose vacuum-packed gnocchi for optimal flavor and texture.
- Serve the dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- Calories: 440
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 11g
This quick and easy gnocchi with tomato and cheese recipe is a delicious option for a satisfying dinner that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. By using store-bought gnocchi and a simple homemade tomato sauce, you can create a flavorful and cheesy dish that will impress your family or guests.
The caramelized onion and garlic add depth and richness to the sauce, while the fresh basil brings a burst of freshness. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a golden and melty crust on top of the gnocchi. The result is a deeply flavorful and cheesy dish that is sure to please.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The convenience of using store-bought gnocchi makes this dish achievable even on the busiest days. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish alongside a fresh salad.
In conclusion, this gnocchi with tomato and cheese recipe is a fantastic option when you’re craving a flavorful and cheesy dinner without the fuss. With its simple preparation and delicious results, it’s a recipe that will become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy the combination of tender gnocchi, savory tomato sauce, and gooey cheese in each delightful bite.
