If you’re on the hunt for a comforting and utterly delicious dish, this Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Picture pillowy soft potato gnocchi cooked right in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce that’s bursting with vibrant flavor from fresh basil and a blend of cheeses. It’s a beautiful balance of creamy, tangy, and herby all in one pot, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests without tons of fuss. And trust me, once you try this Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe, it’ll have a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, creating a saucy, cheesy dish that’s as satisfying as it is straightforward to make. From the garlic’s aromatic punch to the fresh basil’s bright note, these ingredients combine to elevate humble gnocchi into something special.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base for sautéing the garlic and butter, enhancing overall flavor.
- Butter: Brings a luscious creaminess to the sauce and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with an irresistible savory depth.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): The heart of the sauce, providing freshness and vibrant color.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving the sauce richness and thickness.
- Chicken broth or white wine: Adds subtle complexity and moisture, keeping the sauce bright.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the tomato base beautifully.
- Potato gnocchi: The soft, pillowy pasta that carries all the sauce and flavor perfectly.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts into gooey pockets, adding creamy texture.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty contrast that perks up each bite.
- Fresh basil: Offers a fragrant, herbal lift that brightens the entire dish.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and tying all the flavors together seamlessly.
How to Make Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. When the butter’s melted and the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Cook it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, making sure not to burn it. This step layers a beautiful garlic aroma into your sauce right from the start.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, chicken broth (or white wine), and the Italian seasoning. Give everything a good mix to combine all those bright, savory elements. This combination sets the foundation for a sauce that’s both hearty and full of vibrant, garden-fresh tomato flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi in Sauce
Add the uncooked potato gnocchi straight into the sauce. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring fairly often so the gnocchi don’t stick or burn. As the gnocchi cook, they’ll release starch, which helps thicken the sauce and bind all those flavors together into a wonderfully comforting dish.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Basil
Once the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, it’s time for the best part. Stir in the shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh basil while the pan is still warm. The cheeses will melt into the sauce effortlessly, creating creamy pockets of flavor that complement the gnocchi perfectly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately to enjoy every cozy, luscious bite.
How to Serve Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle a few extra flakes of parmesan or slivers of fresh basil on top just before serving. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gourmet touch if you want a little kick.
Side Dishes
This Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a lemony vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to add contrasting textures. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is ideal for scooping up every last bit of that sumptuous sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls garnished with fresh basil leaves. Or consider layering the gnocchi and sauce in a casserole dish, topping it with extra cheese and broiling until golden and bubbly for a comforting baked version that’s perfect for family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the gnocchi cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
While gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked gnocchi with tomato sauce by placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months. Be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Avoid microwaving to prevent the gnocchi from becoming gummy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly with this recipe and greatly speeds up the cooking process while delivering excellent texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or use white wine only. The sauce remains flavorful and satisfying without meat-based ingredients.
What can I use if I don’t have tomato paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use extra canned tomatoes and simmer the sauce longer to reduce and thicken, though the paste adds a nice depth and richness that’s hard to replicate exactly.
How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?
The gnocchi will be tender and float to the top of the pan when cooked through, usually in about 5 to 7 minutes. Taste testing a piece is the best way to ensure perfect doneness.
Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers make great additions. Just add them in step two to allow time for everything to cook evenly and absorb the sauce’s flavors.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those dishes that brings warmth and joy with every bite. It’s simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for anyone who wants comfort food without a mountain of effort. Once you make it, I’m confident you’ll come back to it again and again, just like I do!
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Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This comforting Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce recipe features tender potato gnocchi cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce made with garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Finished with melted mozzarella, freshly grated parmesan, and fragrant basil, this easy stovetop dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Small handful fresh basil, torn or sliced
Instructions
- Heat the fat and cook garlic: Add the olive oil and butter to a deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to infuse the fat with flavor without burning the garlic.
- Make the tomato sauce: Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, chicken broth or white wine, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the gnocchi in sauce: Stir in the uncooked potato gnocchi. Cook, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through. The sauce will thicken slightly as the gnocchi release starch.
- Add cheeses and basil: Taste the gnocchi to confirm doneness, then stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and fresh basil until the cheeses melt into a creamy finish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately: Once the cheeses have melted and everything is heated through, remove from heat and serve right away for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian.
- Use white wine for a deeper flavor in the sauce if desired.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; dried basil can be used if fresh is unavailable but add earlier in the cooking process.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly; watch closely to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Adding cheeses at the end ensures they melt perfectly without separating.
