Cheesy Tomato Baked Gnocchi
What’s better than a quick and easy pasta dish? I would say not much. This easy Baked Gnocchi Recipe is made with 2 types of cheese and a perfectly spiced tomato sauce. It’s about as good as you can get. Also known as Gnocchi alla Sorentina, it makes a delicious family or get together dinner idea.
With the cooler weather on it’s way (yay!) it brings the desire for comfy cozy recipes, such as casseroles, soups and everything baked. Whether you make your own Gnocchi or use store bought this is the perfect easy way to make a baked pasta dish. If you prefer a white sauce then why not give this White Sauce Baked Gnocchi a try also.
What are the ingredients for the recipe
- Olive Oil
- Tomato Passata (puree) – if you can’t find puree then you can use pelati or San Marzano canned tomatoes, just be sure to mash them well.
- Water
- Oregano
- Basil
- Salt
- Garlic
- Hot pepper flakes – if you like a sauce a little spicy.
- Mozzarella – be sure to use a firm mozzarella, fresh has too much moisture which will make the dish watery.
- Parmesan Cheese – it’s always best to grate your own rather than purchase packaged already grated.
- Gnocchi – you can use a good quality store bought or make your own.
Recipe steps
In a medium pan add the olive oil, garlic, purée, water, oregano, basil, and salt. Stir to combine cook until thickened.
While sauce is cooking, boil water and cook the gnocchi just until the float to the surface, approximately 30 seconds, drain immediately but do not rinse.
When sauce has thickened add the gnocchi and toss gently.
place in the prepared oven safe baking pan, top with the shredded Mozzarella cheese and then the grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in a pre-heated oven for approximately 10 minutes or until cheese has browned, (watch it doesn’t burn). Serve immediately.
Where did Gnocchi originate?
Apparently the first recipe was introduced in the second half of the 16th century. Two Renaissance chefs first described how to make a first course (gnocchi) using flour, breadcrumbs, boiling water and eggs.
Then at the end of the 1700’s they were made more or less how they are known today, with potatoes, water and flour. However, this recipe does not become widespread until the early 1900s.
And today Gnocchi have become one of the most popular and consumed recipes in the world. It has also progressed over the years, into some very interesting variations, including the addition of pumpkin, beetroot, spinach, ricotta and many more.
Choosing the best Parmesan Cheese for grating
The difference between them is that Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is authentic or DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta which means Protected Designation of Origin), and Parmesan cheese is just an imitation of Parmigiano Reggiano.
Reggiano is always made in Italy, while Parmesan can be made anywhere, there are no restrictions on using the name Parmesan. And don’t forget a less expensive but also a DOP choice is Parmigiano Grana Padano. This is why I always think it’s best to buy a chunk of good quality Parmesan and grate or shred it yourself. Remember ingredients can make or break your dish!
variations
I usually make this meatless, but you can easily add some ground beef, or chopped pancetta or even Italian sausage to the sausage. Or why not some chopped or sliced mushrooms or peppers.
What makes a good gnocchi?
Perfect gnocchi should be soft and delicate never chewy or tough.
More Baked Pasta recipes you may enjoy!
- Homemade Creamy Baked Pancetta Macaroni
- Creamy Broccoli Bacon Pasta Casserole
- Homemade Creamy White Sauce Lasagna
- Classic Lasagna
- Homemade Baked Macaroni and Double Cheese
I sprinkled the top with shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Baked it for 10 minutes and there you have the perfect-cheesy-any-night-of-the-week-dinner-dish, Baked Gnocchi Double Cheese Tomato Sauce, Buon Appetito!
Cheesy Tomato Baked Gnocchi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Gnocchi (homemade or store-bought store-bought)
FOR THE SAUCE
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup tomato purée (passata)
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 clove small garlic chopped
TOPPING
- ¾ – 1 cup shredded firm Mozzarella, Swiss, fontina or gruyere cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400F (200C), lightly oil an 8 x 6 inch baking dish.
- In a medium/large pan, add the olive oil, garlic, purée, water, oregano, basil, and salt. Stir to combine, on medium heat cook until thickened (not too thick), approximately 15-20 minutes.
- While sauce is cooking, cook the gnocchi in the boiling salted water, just until they float to the surface, approximately 30 seconds, drain immediately, do not rinse.
- When sauce has thickened add the gnocchi and toss gently, place in the prepared baking pan, top with the shredded Mozzarella and then the grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for approximately 5 minutes then raise heat and broil for another 3-5 minutes or until cheese has browned, (watch it doesn't burn). Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
How long to cook the gnocchi?
Once they have been added to the salted boiling water give them a couple of stirs and watch carefully, it doesn’t take long for them to cook 1-2 minutes (sometimes less), once the float to the surface they are done. Remove them immediately. Over cooked and they will turn to mush.How to store leftover baked gnocchi
Any leftover pasta should be covered tightly and stored in the fridge. It will last up to 1-2 days. It can be reheated in a low oven or microwave until warmed through.Nutrition
Updated from November 30, 2015.
Hello
I make meals for my aging mom. This looks like a meal she would enjoy – can it be frozen and thawed overnight in the fridge? Would the cooking time increase to around 15 minutes to compensate as it would be cold going into the oven? I am guessing it should be covered for part of the time? Sorry for all of the questions and thanks for your help!
Hi Nicole, yes it can be frozen and I would thaw it overnight in the fridge. I think 15 minutes is too much I would go for 7-10 minutes and yes cover for the first half of the time. Oh don’t worry about the questions, ask away. I hope your mom enjoys it. Take care!
I have made the cheesy tomato baked gnocchi recipe twice now and it is very good. However, I just noticed that the written steps say to bake for 10 minutes, which I have been doing, yet the recipe card says to bake for 5 minutes. Have I been over baking this recipe?
Hi Cate Yee, the written steps in the blog are the basic steps the recipe card are the more descriptive steps, although it does say to bake for 5 minutes and broil for 3-5 which is 10 minutes baking time. Hope that helps. Take care!
Can tomato sauce be substituted for tomato purée?
Hi Monica tomato sauce usually has added ingredients as far as I know, so probably could but be sure to look and see what ingredients are added.
My daughter made this last night for us and it was AMAZING!!!
She said it was really simple to make and all came together quickly.
Would make this again for sure !
Hi Janet, thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend.
So simple and so good! Rosemary’s recipes bring back to Italy.
Hi Cheryl, thanks so much, happy to bring back memories of Italy. Have a wonderful week.
Hi when your recipe has 1/4 tsp of basil and oregano is this dried leaves type or ground?
Hi Debbie, it will be ground, when I use fresh then I will say fresh leaves. Hope that helps.
Hi do you cover this while cooking?
Hi Mel, no no covering needed. I hope you enjoy it.
This is my husbands favourite meal. So quick and easy on busy nights. I add mushrooms, red and geeen pepper. Sometimes grilled vegetables from the deli.
It is also good for leftovers for the next night.
Hi Julie so glad your husband likes it. Sometimes the fast and easy are the best. And I love those additions. Have a wonderful Sunday.
Thank you for the recipe,will make it tomorrow!
Hi Anastasia, your welcome, I hope you liked it. Rosemary
Whoa. Whoa. WHOA this looks incredible- I mean, you really can’t go wrong with soft pillowy gnocchi coated in tomato sauce and loads of cheese. Need to try this!
Hi Karly, thanks I hope you enjoy it, it really quick and easy.
There is just something about gnocchi and gooey cheese that just gets to my heart or should I say tummy! Looks so good. Gnocchi to me is like pasta — you can make so many dishes out of it!! Great recipe.
Hi Marisa, thanks so much and yes I have to agree. Have a great week. 🙂
this is one of my kids favorite meals in the fall/winter. SO good and So easy is always a winner in my book
Thanks Heather my kids love it too. Have a great weekend.
I WOULD LIKE TO FIND A RECIPE TO MAKE GNOCCHI. thank you
Hi Kim, I have a recipe for homemade gnocchi here is the like http://anitalianinmykitchen.com/gnocchi/ . Let me know how it goes. Have a great Sunday.
Looks so good – using the store bought gnocchi makes it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!