Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 190  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting, oven-baked pasta dish made with soft potato gnocchi, a rich tomato cream sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients
    For the Gnocchi Base
  • 500 g potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
    • For the Tomato Cream Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
  • 0.5 cup cooking cream or fresh cream
  • 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp dried basil
  • 0.25 tsp chili flakes (optional)
    • For the Cheese Layer (Use Cheese Only)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 0.5 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 2 tbsp parmesan-style cheese (vegetarian, optional)
    • For Garnish (Optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves (chopped)
Instructions
    Prepare the Gnocchi
  1. 1
    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt and gently drop in the gnocchi. Cook according to package instructions, usually until the gnocchi float to the surface. Drain well and set aside.
    2. Make the Tomato Cream Sauce
  2. 2
    Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
    3. Build the Sauce Flavor
  3. 3
    Pour in the tomato passata and stir well. Add salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and chili flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors deepen.
    4. Add the Cream
  4. 4
    Lower the heat and slowly stir in the cream. Mix gently until the sauce becomes smooth, rich, and slightly pink in color. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
    5. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce
  5. 5
    Add the cooked gnocchi directly into the sauce. Gently toss until every piece is coated evenly. Turn off the heat.
    6. Assemble for Baking
  6. 6
    Preheat your oven to 190°C. Transfer the gnocchi mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Spread it evenly.
    7. Add the Cheese Topping
  7. 7
    Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by cheddar and optional parmesan-style cheese. Make sure the surface is well covered for a golden, bubbly finish.
    8. Bake the Gnocchi
  8. 8
    Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and lightly golden on top.
    9. Rest and Serve
  9. 9
    Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Note

I chose vegetarian cheese.

You can add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat in the oven at 170°C for best texture instead of the microwave.

Keywords: cheesy baked gnocchi, easy dinner, comfort food, vegetarian pasta, oven baked
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/cheesy-baked-gnocchi-with-tomato-cream-sauce/