This gnocchi with tomato sauce recipe are a one-pan wonder, elevating store-bought gnocchi to new heights! With plenty of gooey parmesan and mozzarella, this dish is bursting with flavor.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love it
If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’m a big fan of gnocchi recipes. They’re quick, loved by many, cooked in one pan, and incredibly tasty! While most of my gnocchi recipes feature cream-based sauces, this time I wanted to keep it simple with a delicious tomato sauce, no cream needed.
This gnocchi with red sauce can serve as a hearty main dish or a satisfying meatless side—it all depends on your mood. Made with pantry staples like Italian seasoning, the flavor is simply fantastic. One of my wonderful readers even described the velvety tomato sauce as “absolutely gorgeous.”
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Servings: 6
Gnocchi with tomato sauce recipe video
Gnocchi with tomato sauce ingredients and instructions:
Ingredients:
For the Gnocchi:
- 2 large potatoes
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Once boiling, carefully add the gnocchi and cook them according to the instructions on the package. They’re ready when they float to the surface.
- Once cooked, drain them in a colander and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- In a big skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, along with their juices, into the skillet.
- Stir in the dried oregano and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce gently simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens a bit.
Step 4: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce.
- Gently toss everything together until the gnocchi are well coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce to serving plates or bowls.
- Sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of flavor and freshness.
- If desired, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Meal
- Serve the Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce immediately while it’s hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of tender gnocchi in a rich and savory tomato sauce.
- It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in with loved ones!
Gnocchi with tomato sauce nutrition information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Serving Size | 1 Serving |
| Calories | 280 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| – Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 550mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| – Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 8g |
Gnocchi with tomato sauce health benefits:
- Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins C and B6, along with potassium and manganese, making them a wholesome choice for your diet.
- Antioxidants: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Heart Health: Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, which can help improve heart health by reducing inflammation and LDL cholesterol levels.
- Bone Health: Parmesan cheese is high in calcium, essential for bone health and muscle function.
- Good Source of Carbohydrates: Potatoes and flour provide energy-rich carbohydrates, which are essential for fueling your body and brain.
- Moderate in Fat: The dish contains a moderate amount of fat, mainly from olive oil and cheese, providing essential fatty acids and helping absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
- Rich in Protein: Gnocchi and cheese contribute to the protein content, which is crucial for muscle repair and growth.
- Fiber Content: With 4 grams of dietary fiber per serving, this dish supports digestive health and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
- Low in Added Sugar: The recipe contains only 3 grams of total sugars, making it a healthier option compared to sugar-laden meals.
Storage Instructions:
After preparing Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce, follow these guidelines for storage:
- Refrigeration:
You can keep any leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat and Reuse Instructions:
Reheat instructions:
When ready to enjoy leftovers:
- Microwave: Reheat individual servings in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: For a more even reheating, warm larger portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Reuse Suggestions:
Transform leftovers creatively:
- Gnocchi Bake: Layer leftover Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce in a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting casserole.
- Gnocchi Salad: Toss chilled leftover gnocchi with fresh vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers, for a refreshing salad.
- Gnocchi Soup: Add leftover gnocchi to a pot of simmering broth along with vegetables and herbs for a hearty and satisfying soup.
Substitutions and variations
- If you’re aiming for a richer sauce, go ahead and add a splash of cream.
- Got some fresh herbs lying around? Toss them in with the basil for an extra flavor boost.
- Craving a bit of heat? Spice up the tomato sauce with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
What to serve with tomato gnocchi
- If you’re enjoying this as the main course, consider pairing it with a fresh salad! I recommend a generous Caesar salad made with my quick 10-Minute Caesar Dressing and topped with Easy Homemade Croutons (Garlic & Parmesan).
- It’s also fantastic as a side dish. Serve it alongside my Chicken Milanese, Crockpot Pork Tenderloin, or this Easy Baked Salmon for a complete meal.
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- This is the skillet I use for these gnocchi.
- I like these angled measuring cups for measuring out ingredients.
- Easily mince garlic cloves with a garlic press. No need to peel them first.
FAQ’s
Q. What sauce goes well with gnocchi?
The 9 Best Sauces for Gnocchi
- Sage and butter sauce.
- Tomato and basil sauce.
- Gnocchi alla Sorrentino
- Parmigiano Reggiano and Sage Cream.
- Basil Pesto.
- Pistachio Pesto.
- Summer courgetti and mint pesto.
- Beef and Barolo wine rag
Q. What is traditionally served with gnocchi?
Traditionally, gnocchi, those delightful potato dumplings, often cozy up with a variety of delicious companions on the plate. You’ll frequently find them nestled alongside rich, savory sauces like marinara or pesto, embracing their soft texture and providing a burst of flavor with each bite. Alternatively, they might find themselves mingling with creamy cheese sauces, adding a comforting and indulgent element to the meal. And let’s not forget about the herb-infused brown butter or olive oil, drizzled delicately over the gnocchi, elevating their taste to a whole new level of culinary bliss. So, whether it’s a zesty tomato sauce, a velvety cheese blend, or a fragrant herb-infused dressing, gnocchi always have a delectable partner to dance with on the plate.
Q. What pairs well with gnocchi?
Top 10 ways to serve gnocchi
- Gnocchi with roasted squash & goat’s cheese. …
- Gnocchi Bolognese with spinach. …
- Gnocchi with mushrooms & blue cheese. …
- Gnocchi with lemon & chive pesto. …
- Swede gnocchi with crispy sage. …
- Gnocchi with roasted red pepper sauce. …
- Gnocchi with two cheeses & bacon.
- Swede gnocchi with crispy sage
- Gnocchi with roasted red pepper sauce
- Gnocchi with two cheeses & bacon
Q. What are gnocchi made of?
Gnocchi, those pillowy bites of heaven, are crafted with a simple yet magical combination of ingredients. At their heart, they’re typically made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes egg, creating a dough that’s rolled and cut into delightful little dumplings. These fluffy pillows of goodness can also get creative twists, like using ricotta cheese or squash instead of potatoes, adding a unique flavor and texture to the mix. But no matter the variation, gnocchi always bring that comforting, melt-in-your-mouth goodness to the table, making them a beloved staple in kitchens around the world.
Q. How do Italians eat gnocchi?
When it comes to enjoying gnocchi, Italians have perfected the art of savoring every delicious bite. Picture this: a cozy Italian trattoria, with laughter filling the air and the aroma of homemade sauces wafting from the kitchen. Italians often serve gnocchi as a primo, or first course, in a meal. They’re typically paired with a variety of mouthwatering sauces, like rich marinara, creamy Alfredo, or herb-infused brown butter, each adding its own delightful flavor profile to the dish.
But the true beauty of how Italians eat gnocchi lies in the ritual of it all. With each forkful, they relish the soft, pillowy texture of the dumplings, letting the sauce cling to every nook and cranny. It’s not just about filling the belly; it’s about indulging in a moment of pure culinary joy, celebrating the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine.
So, whether enjoyed at a bustling trattoria or lovingly prepared at home, Italians approach gnocchi with reverence and gusto, turning each meal into a memorable feast for the senses.
Q. Are gnocchi healthier than pasta?
Nutritional Information
Surprisingly, regular pasta contains more carbohydrates than gnocchi, with roughly double the amount per serving. Gnocchi is also known to have significantly higher sodium levels, with over 200 grams per serving. In comparison, regular pasta has a much lower sodium content.