This Gnocchi Tomato Mozzarella Bake is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal — warm, creamy, and full of Italian flavor. Pillowy potato gnocchi are tossed in a garlicky tomato sauce, topped with melty mozzarella, and baked until golden and bubbling. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve guests. The combination of gooey cheese, soft gnocchi, and bright tomato makes every bite rich and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Everything you need is easy to find.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Vegetarian-friendly: A great meatless dinner option.
- Comforting and cheesy: Pure cozy perfection.
- Great for meal prep: Easy to reheat and enjoy later.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside. - Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside. - Make the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. - Combine and Assemble
Toss the cooked gnocchi in the sauce until evenly coated. Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. - Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling. - Serve
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm. It’s delicious with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips & FAQs
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Use vegan mozzarella and Parmesan, and it’s fully plant-based.
Can I add vegetables?
Spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers make great additions.
Can I make it ahead?
Definitely. Assemble up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
How to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Summary
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 430 | 16g | 46g | 18g | 8g | 4g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.
