Print

Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

This Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring tender gnocchi tossed in a flavorful marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe combines simplicity and rich flavors with options to add protein and vegetables for a well-rounded dish.

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
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup cooked ground sausage or shredded chicken
  • 1 cup chopped spinach or zucchini

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and 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 to 3 minutes until they float to the surface indicating they are cooked. Drain and set aside. If using oven-ready gnocchi, proceed without cooking.
  3. Make the Tomato Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the marinara or crushed tomato sauce along with dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if desired, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add the cooked or ready gnocchi and toss gently to coat them evenly with sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the gnocchi evenly. If using, add cooked ground sausage, shredded chicken, or vegetables like chopped spinach or zucchini at this stage. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to settle. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving warm to enjoy a delightful and hearty meal.

Notes

  • Gnocchi can be homemade or store-bought; if store-bought and pre-cooked, no boiling is necessary.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
  • Use fresh herbs if available for enhanced flavor.

Keywords: gnocchi bake, tomato gnocchi casserole, easy Italian dinner, baked gnocchi, gnocchi recipe, comfort food, mozzarella bake, Parmesan gnocchi

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