Baked Gnocchi with Tomato & Mozzarella is a comforting and delicious dish that features soft potato gnocchi baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Baked Gnocchi with Tomato & Mozzarella takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Cook Gnocchi

1. Boil Gnocchi: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

1. Mix Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the tomato sauce, gently stirring to coat the gnocchi evenly.

Step 5: Bake

1. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the gnocchi and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Baked Gnocchi with Tomato & Mozzarella (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	380
Protein	15g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	5g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Use Different Cheeses: Substitute mozzarella with fontina or provolone for a different cheese flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Baked Gnocchi with Tomato & Mozzarella is a delightful and easy dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. With its cheesy topping and hearty tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!