Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Spicy Tomato Sauce is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender potato gnocchi simmered in a flavorful, slightly spicy tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil. It’s perfectly broiled to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese crust, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Sauce
- 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or more to taste
- Salt, to taste
Main Dish
- 2 (16- to 18-ounce) packages shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup torn basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Use kitchen shears to cut the tomatoes in each can into small pieces or crush them by hand. This will help create a chunky, rustic tomato sauce base.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large, 12-inch, high-sided, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, swirling the pan until the butter melts. Add the thinly sliced garlic and crushed red pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is sizzling and fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the prepared tomatoes and their juices into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly. Taste and season with salt and additional crushed red pepper if desired. Meanwhile, preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Cook Gnocchi in Sauce: Stir the potato gnocchi into the simmering tomato sauce. Cook for 3 minutes so the gnocchi absorbs some flavor and heats through thoroughly.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the gnocchi and sauce. Place the skillet under the broiler and melt the cheese for 2 to 5 minutes until it is bubbly and lightly browned. Watch closely to avoid burning, as broiler strengths vary.
- Finish and Serve: Let the dish cool in the skillet for 10 minutes. Then top with finely grated Parmesan and torn fresh basil leaves before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer the dish from stovetop to broiler.
- Adjust crushed red pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Low-moisture mozzarella provides a great melt without excess water; avoid fresh mozzarella which may make the dish watery.
- Keep a close eye on the broiler step to prevent cheese from burning.
Keywords: gnocchi recipe, cheesy baked gnocchi, spicy tomato sauce, Italian pasta dish, broiled cheese gnocchi
