Baked Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce

Gnocchi, a beloved staple of Italian cuisine, is more than just a dish; it represents a comforting embrace of flavors and textures that warms the soul. Originating from the northern regions of Italy, gnocchi is typically made from potatoes and flour, resulting in tender dumplings that serve as a perfect canvas for a variety of sauces. Today, we invite you to explore a delightful twist on this classic dish with our Baked Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe.

Discover the comforting delight of Baked Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce, a dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This easy-to-follow recipe features tender potato gnocchi enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. Explore variations by adding seasonal veggies or proteins to customize it to your liking. Gather around the table and enjoy a meal that warms both heart and soul.

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Ingredients

1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or freshly made)

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sugar

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

½ cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the tomato cream sauce, ensuring all the gnocchi are coated.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the gnocchi and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the gnocchi.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings