Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake Recipe
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This Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake is a comforting and delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender gnocchi baked in a flavorful tomato sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it can be customized with sausage, chicken, or vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra heartiness.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
If using uncooked gnocchi, boil them in salted water for 2–3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain well and set aside. Oven-ready gnocchi can be used directly without boiling.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and finely chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add the marinara sauce, dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add the prepared gnocchi, gently tossing them to coat with the sauce. Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the gnocchi. If desired, sprinkle cooked sausage or chicken and chopped vegetables like spinach or zucchini evenly over the top. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over everything.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm for a comforting meal.
