Gnocchi with tomato sauce is a comforting and quick Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Soft, pillowy gnocchi is coated in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, creating a hearty meal that’s satisfying and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and hearty: A classic combination of tender gnocchi and savory tomato sauce.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, protein, or spices to suit your taste.
- Family-friendly: A dish that everyone will love, from kids to adults.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Tomato paste (optional, for richness)
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)
Optional Add-ins:
- Fresh spinach or kale
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Ground meat or sausage
Directions
Cook the Gnocchi:
- Boil 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:
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the tomatoes:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce and tomato paste (if using).
- Season the sauce:
- Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine the gnocchi and sauce:
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi evenly.
Serve:
- Plate and garnish:
- Divide the gnocchi among serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy baked gnocchi: Transfer the gnocchi and sauce to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake at 375°F until bubbly.
- Creamy tomato sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone for a richer sauce.
- Spicy twist: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for heat.
- Vegetable-packed: Add sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce.
- Meaty option: Stir in cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked gnocchi and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi adds a fresh and delicate texture to the dish.
2. What’s the best type of gnocchi for this recipe?
Potato gnocchi is the most common choice, but ricotta gnocchi works well too.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your tomato sauce is gluten-free.
4. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce longer or stir in a bit of tomato paste to thicken it.
5. Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Yes, stir in Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even cream cheese for added richness.
6. How do I keep gnocchi from sticking together?
Toss cooked gnocchi with a bit of olive oil if not combining immediately with the sauce.
7. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, use vegan gnocchi and skip the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast.
8. What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
9. Can I cook the gnocchi directly in the sauce?
Yes, add a bit of water or broth to the sauce and simmer the gnocchi in it until cooked.
10. How do I add more flavor to the sauce?
Use fresh herbs, a splash of red wine, or a pinch of sugar to enhance the tomato flavor.
Conclusion
Gnocchi with tomato sauce is a classic, comforting dish that’s both simple and delicious. With tender gnocchi and a rich, flavorful sauce, this meal is perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving something cozy. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and enjoy a taste of Italy at home!
Print
Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce is a comforting and simple dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender potato gnocchi are tossed in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a delightful Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- For the Gnocchi:
- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- For Serving:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- 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.
- Make the Tomato Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Add sugar if needed to balance the flavors.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine the Gnocchi and Sauce:
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi evenly in the sauce.
- Serve:
- Divide the gnocchi into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve hot.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the tomato sauce.
- Add a splash of cream to the sauce for a creamy variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.