Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake

Name: Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: Gnocchi (1 lb, store-bought or homemade); Olive Oil (1 tbsp); Onion (1 small, finely chopped); Garlic (3 cloves, minced); Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz); Tomato Paste (1 tbsp); Italian Seasoning (1 tsp); Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp, optional for spice); Salt & Pepper (to taste); Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded); Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated); Fresh Basil (¼ cup, chopped)

Posted on March 5, 2025

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If you’re craving a cozy, cheesy, and satisfying meal, this Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake is the perfect choice! Soft, pillowy gnocchi are baked in a rich tomato sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and finished with fresh basil. Best of all, it’s a one-pan, no-fuss recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Simplicity – Less cleanup, more flavor!
Cheesy & Comforting – Baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly top.
Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples for a quick meal.
Customizable – Add veggies or protein to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gnocchi (1 lb, store-bought or homemade)
Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz)
Tomato Paste (1 tbsp)
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)
Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp, optional for spice)
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded)
Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated)
Fresh Basil (¼ cup, chopped)

Tools You’ll Need

Large Oven-Safe Skillet or Baking Dish
Wooden Spoon
Cheese Grater

Let’s Make Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake

Step 1: Make the Tomato Sauce

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Sauté the onion for 2–3 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Gnocchi

Stir the uncooked gnocchi into the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated.

Step 3: Add Cheese & Bake

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Sprinkle fresh basil on top and serve warm!

What to Serve with This Dish

A side of garlic bread for dipping.
A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing.
Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

Tips for the Best Gnocchi Bake

No-Boil Gnocchi! – The gnocchi cook perfectly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavor.
Use Fresh Mozzarella – For extra creaminess, use fresh mozzarella slices instead of shredded.
Make it Meaty – Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier dish.
Want More Veggies? – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! No need to thaw—just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Just make sure to use vegetarian Parmesan if needed.

Conclusion

This Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake is the ultimate fuss-free comfort food that’s cheesy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired