This Gnocchi all 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!
To a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over low heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 2-3 minutes. Make sure you keep the heat low and stir every so often so the garlic doesn't burn!
Add San Marzano tomatoes to the pan. Break up the tomatoes with the back of a fork, wooden spoon or by using kitchen shears (my favorite way!). Over medium heat, bring tomato sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt, if needed.
Preheat oven to 375˚F. Stir in basil, Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese and gnocchi. Stir until everything is combined, then cook 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
Top the dish with remaining mozzarella cheese and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly. Allow 5-10 minutes to cool then serve immediately! ((Note: if you don't have an oven-proof pan/skillet, simply transfer the the gnocchi and tomato basil sauce to a 9x9 baking dish)).
Notes
Note 1: San Marzano tomatoes are typically grown in southern Italy and are known for their vibrant, bright red color. They are sweeter and have lower acidity than regular canned, whole tomatoes and are absolutely worth the few extra dollars! They can be found near the regular canned tomatoes at the grocery store. The two most common brands are: Cento (yellow label) and Simpson (white label). I have noticed that stores are starting to have their own store-brand now as well!Note 2: The authentic way to make this dish is with fresh mozzarella. You can certainly use that, but I just love the way regular, low-moisture mozzarella melts in this dish! Nutrition information is only an estimate. Info is based on the Very Well Fit Nutrition Calculator.