Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake Recipe

In the realm of comforting, satisfying, and utterly delicious weeknight dinners, the Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake stands tall as a true champion. In our household, weeknights are often a whirlwind of activities, leaving little time for elaborate cooking. That’s why recipes like this one are absolute lifesavers. The first time I stumbled upon this recipe, I was immediately drawn to its simplicity and the promise of a warm, cheesy, and flavorful meal with minimal effort. Skeptical at first about how something so easy could be so good, I decided to give it a try. The aroma that filled the kitchen as it baked was intoxicating, a blend of sweet tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and melting cheese. And the taste? Pure comfort food bliss. The gnocchi, pillowy soft and slightly chewy, nestled in a rich and vibrant tomato sauce, all topped with a blanket of gooey, golden cheese – it was an instant hit. Even my notoriously picky eaters devoured it without a single complaint, a rare and joyous occasion! Since then, this Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake has become a regular feature on our dinner rotation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, but equally delightful for a relaxed weekend meal. If you’re looking for a recipe that is quick, easy, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to please the whole family, look no further. This is it.

Ingredients

To whip up this delightful Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake, you’ll need a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – you can easily adapt it to your preferences and what you have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• 1 pound (about 500g) Gnocchi: Fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi both work beautifully in this recipe. Shelf-stable gnocchi is incredibly convenient for pantry staples, while fresh gnocchi offers a slightly softer, more delicate texture. For this recipe, we’re opting for ease and speed, so shelf-stable gnocchi is the perfect choice. Look for potato gnocchi for the most classic flavor and texture.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavor and health benefits. It forms the base of our tomato sauce, adding richness and depth. If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute with another neutral cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil, but olive oil truly elevates the taste.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is the aromatic backbone of our tomato sauce, lending a pungent and savory note that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. Freshly minced garlic is always best for flavor, but in a pinch, you can use jarred minced garlic (about 1 teaspoon for every clove).
• 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are the star of the sauce, providing a rich, slightly chunky texture and a concentrated tomato flavor. Look for good quality canned tomatoes for the best results. Diced tomatoes can also be used if you prefer a chunkier sauce, or tomato puree for a smoother sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Oregano adds a classic Italian herb flavor to the tomato sauce. Dried oregano is convenient and readily available, but if you have fresh oregano, you can use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano instead.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Basil: Basil is another essential Italian herb, adding a sweet and slightly peppery note to the sauce. Like oregano, dried basil works perfectly in this recipe, but fresh basil (about 1 tablespoon chopped) can be used as a substitute.
• ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and adding a subtle kick. If you’re sensitive to spice or cooking for children, you can omit the red pepper flakes. For those who love a bit of heat, feel free to add more!
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Salt enhances the overall taste, while black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded: Mozzarella cheese is the classic choice for baked Italian dishes. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy, and cheesy topping. Shredded mozzarella is convenient, but you can also use fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into pieces.
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor to the dish. Grated Parmesan cheese is perfect for sprinkling over the top, creating a golden crust. Freshly grated Parmesan is always preferred for the best flavor.
• Fresh Basil Leaves, for garnish (optional): Fresh basil leaves, added after baking, provide a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a beautiful visual garnish. This is optional but highly recommended for enhancing the overall presentation and taste.

Instructions

Making this Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake is incredibly straightforward and requires minimal hands-on time. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and satisfying meal:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating the oven ensures that the bake cooks evenly and the cheese melts beautifully. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the dish inside.
2. Prepare the tomato sauce: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Using an oven-safe skillet is key as we will transfer the whole skillet to the oven later, minimizing dishes and streamlining the process. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can prepare the sauce in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish later.
3. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot olive oil and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Sautéing the garlic in olive oil releases its aromatic oils and infuses the sauce with flavor.
4. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients well.
5. Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, creating a richer and more complex taste.
6. Add the gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi directly into the simmering tomato sauce. There is no need to pre-cook the gnocchi, as it will cook perfectly in the sauce in the oven. Ensure the gnocchi is evenly distributed in the sauce.
7. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the gnocchi and tomato sauce. Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface for a beautiful cheesy topping.
8. Bake in the oven: Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove the Gnocchi and Tomato Bake from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, for a final touch of freshness and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximate)

• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving

Note: These are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more accurate nutritional information, you can use a nutrition calculator app or website and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This recipe is primarily composed of carbohydrates from the gnocchi and tomatoes, fats from the olive oil and cheese, and protein from the cheese. It also provides fiber from the tomatoes and herbs, and various vitamins and minerals depending on the specific ingredients.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

This Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake is truly a weeknight wonder, coming together in under 40 minutes from start to finish. The active prep time is minimal, mostly involving chopping garlic and measuring ingredients, making it a perfect recipe for busy evenings. The majority of the time is hands-off oven baking, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner cooks itself.

How to Serve

This versatile Gnocchi and Tomato Bake can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• As a Main Course: This bake is hearty and satisfying enough to be served as a main course on its own, especially for a casual weeknight dinner. Its comforting flavors and cheesy goodness make it a complete and fulfilling meal.
• With a Side Salad: Pair the rich and cheesy bake with a fresh and crisp side salad to balance the flavors and add some lightness to the meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or a Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil would be excellent choices.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve the Gnocchi and Tomato Bake with warm, crusty bread, such as baguette slices, focaccia, or ciabatta. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce and adds another layer of texture and flavor to the meal.
• Alongside Roasted Vegetables: For a more substantial and nutritious meal, serve the bake alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini. The roasted vegetables provide added vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and complement the Italian flavors of the dish.
• As a Vegetarian Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and a fantastic choice for meatless meals. It’s packed with flavor and satisfying textures, making it a crowd-pleasing vegetarian dish that even meat-eaters will love.
• With a Protein Addition (Optional): While delicious as is, you can easily add protein to this bake to make it even more substantial. Consider adding cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, shredded chicken, or white beans to the sauce before baking.

Additional Tips

To make your Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake even better, consider these helpful tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Since the gnocchi cooks in the oven, it’s important not to overcook it beforehand if you are using fresh gnocchi (though this recipe avoids pre-cooking altogether for ease). Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy. The baking time in this recipe is designed to cook the gnocchi perfectly in the sauce.
• Use Good Quality Tomatoes: The quality of your canned tomatoes significantly impacts the flavor of the sauce. Opt for good quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best taste. San Marzano tomatoes are often considered a premium choice for Italian sauces.
• Customize Your Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all work beautifully in this bake. Adding a layer of ricotta cheese underneath the mozzarella can also create a creamy and decadent texture.
• Add Vegetables to the Sauce: Boost the nutritional value and flavor of the bake by adding vegetables to the tomato sauce. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach along with the garlic for added depth and texture. Mushrooms and olives would also be delicious additions.
• Make it Ahead of Time: You can assemble the Gnocchi and Tomato Bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or for easy entertaining. Simply bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Easy Gnocchi and Tomato Bake:

Q1: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but canned tomatoes are generally recommended for this recipe for their consistent flavor and convenience. If using fresh tomatoes, you’ll need about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Peel, seed, and chop them, then simmer them longer with the herbs and garlic to reduce their liquid content and concentrate the flavor before adding the gnocchi. Canned tomatoes also provide a richer, sweeter flavor in baked dishes.

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands now offer gluten-free gnocchi made from potato or rice flour. Just be sure to check the ingredient list to ensure it is certified gluten-free if needed. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Q3: Can I freeze Gnocchi and Tomato Bake?

A: Yes, you can freeze baked Gnocchi and Tomato Bake, although the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. To freeze, let the bake cool completely, then cut it into portions and wrap them tightly in freezer-safe wrap and foil or place them in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding extra cheese if desired.

Q4: Can I add meat to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable to include meat. Cook Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken separately and then add it to the tomato sauce before adding the gnocchi and baking. You can also add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky and salty flavor.

Q5: What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

A: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can still easily make this recipe. Prepare the tomato sauce in a regular skillet on the stovetop. Then, transfer the sauce and gnocchi to a greased baking dish (such as a 9×13 inch casserole dish) before topping with cheese and baking in the oven as directed. Just ensure your baking dish is oven-safe and large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.

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