Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (Baked Gnocchi with Tomato and Basil)

This Gnocchi alla Sorrentina recipe will knock your socks off! Made with simple ingredients, this dish packs a surprising, huge flavor punch! Gnocchi is smothered with a delicious tomato sauce, fresh basil and of course, lots of melty cheese! You’ll love how easy it is and it’s sure to please the whole family!

I’m not sure there is anything better than a simple pasta dish with incredible flavors! That is EXACTLY what this Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is! A few simple, fresh ingredients – including a simple homemade tomato sauce – creates this amazing, cheesy, family-friendly meal!

If you need more simple pasta dinner ideas, check out my 10 Minute Creamy Gnocchi with Pesto and Lemon, this Easy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Bake, and this simple Creamy Tahini Pasta with Lemon and Garlic!

And make sure you don’t miss these Stuffed Shells with Beef recipe, this Cast Iron Skillet Lasagna, this Easy Baked Tortellini with Sausage, and this downright decadent Bechamel Pasta Bake–classic, EASY comfort food!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Simple, fresh, and full of flavor!
• Super easy–just a handful of ingredients are needed!
• Cheesy deliciousness the whole family will love!

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious Gnocchi alla Sorrentina:

INGREDIENT NOTES

Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi is used in this dish to make it quick and easy. Packaged gnocchi can usually be found near the pasta at grocery stores or sometimes you can find it in the refrigerated section.

San Marzano Tomatoes: Don’t skimp on this good quality ingredient! The sweetness and fresh taste of San Marzano tomatoes are unmistakeable and they are the backbone of the simple tomato sauce in this dish! You can find whole, San Marzano tomatoes in the canned tomato section at most chain grocery stores.

Mozzarella Cheese: While fresh mozzarella is traditional in this dish, I like the way regular, low-moisture mozzarella melts in this dish! Either fresh or regular shredded mozzarella is works just fine!

HOW TO MAKE GNOCCHI ALLA SORRENTINA: STEP BY STEP

Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the recipe card below!

Step 1: Start by sautéing lots of garlic in a large skillet with some olive oil. Add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat!

Step 2: Add in the San Marzano tomatoes and break them up with a spoon or use kitchen shears to cut them! Cook sauce for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add in gnocchi, lots of fresh basil, half the mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined and until cheese melts.

Step 4: Transfer pan to the oven and bake about 15 minutes or until bubbly!

RECIPE TIPS & TRICKS

• If you don’t own an oven proof skillet (I LOVE my cast iron skillet--it’s such a workhorse in the kitchen!), simply transfer the gnocchi with sauce into a 9×9 (or similar) a baking dish.
• Because Parmesan cheese is fairly salty, avoid over-salting the dish. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, then re-season before baking only if necessary.

STORAGE & REHEATING

• Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Leftovers can easily be reheated in the microwave. You can also reheat the gnocchi in the oven at 350˚F for about 10 minutes. I always like to add some extra cheese on top when reheating!

• Freezing: You can make this dish ahead and freeze it before baking! Transfer the gnocchi from your skillet to a freezer-friendly baking dish (I like these disposable aluminum ones). Cover tightly with foil and freeze for 3-4 months.
  
  When you are ready to enjoy, thaw overnight, top with the mozzarella cheese layer and bake until bubbly (cooking time will be longer than the traditional 15 minute baking time in the recipe card since the dish will be cold when it goes into the oven).

ADDITIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

Since this dish relies on just a few fresh, quality ingredients, I don’t suggest making too many ingredient substitutions. One addition would be adding protein such as Italian sausage, ground beef or turkey…YUMM!

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