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Delicious Cheesy Baked Gnocchi flat lay

Classic Cheesy Baked Gnocchi

This classic recipe features tender potato gnocchi baked in a rich tomato sauce, topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • oven
  • baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • large bowl
  • large saucepan

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound store-bought potato gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for gnocchi
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sauce
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

Prep the Gnocchi

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Cook the gnocchi in boiling salted water until they float, then drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Make the Sauce

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan, then sauté the chopped onion until softened (about 5 minutes) and add minced garlic for another minute.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes, then stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and vegetable broth or water.
  • Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors, checking and adjusting seasonings as needed.

Combine and Bake

  • Add the cooked gnocchi to the saucepan with the sauce, stirring gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  • Transfer the gnocchi and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish, then top evenly with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Finishing Touches

  • Remove the baked gnocchi from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before enjoying.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can also customize this recipe by adding cooked Italian sausage or spinach during the sauce preparation for a heartier meal.