This easy dinner idea tastes so fresh and rich, yet it’s so simple and easy to make. It ticks all of the boxes: quick, easy, simple, filling, healthy, and cheesy! And it’s kid-approved too!
Quick and Easy Gnocchi Sauce
Treat gnocchi like pasta, it’s so versatile, and many sauces go so well here. I chose al pomodoro sauce as it’s such a classic that I love with pasta. Al pomodoro sauce is light and fresh, and it’s not meant to be heavy. However, I topped it with cheese because who doesn’t love cheese, RIGHT? If you like spicy food, you can totally make this with arrabbiata sauce. It’s similar to this sauce here, but has a good kick too. SO GOOD!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish! Requires pantry ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. You can make this ahead of time, and it reheats so well! The perfect dinner recipe for busy weeknights.
Gnocchi Sauce Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy dinner:
Potato gnocchi – dried, fresh, frozen, or homemade. A can of tomatoes – diced or whole tomatoes. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you have an abundance of tomatoes. Onion, garlic, and olive oil. Dried oregano and basil, salt, and pepper. Optional cheese – parmesan or Pecorino, and mozzarella.
How to Make Tomato Gnocchi Sauce with Cheese
In a medium oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, and saute until it’s translucent. Add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute or until it’s fragrant. Add diced tomatoes with the juices, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook on medium heat, and crush the tomatoes with a wooden spoon as you cook them. Simmer for 10-15 for the juices to reduce. Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi. Bring a pot or saucepan with water to a boil, salt the water, and drop the gnocchi. Cook for a few minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface. When they float, it means that the gnocchi is done (always check the package for the exact directions as it can depend on what type of gnocchi you’re using). Using a slotted spoon or a spider, remove the gnocchi from the cooking water to drain. Add the cooked gnocchi to the cooked sauce and mix so that they’re well coated. Top the gnocchi with shredded mozzarella cheese or mini mozzarella balls, and sprinkle with grated parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese. Broil for 5-8 minutes or until the mozzarella bubbles and crisps up a little. The gnocchi at the top will also become crispy. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Top Tips
Taste the tomatoes that you’re using, if they’re quite acidic then add 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Feel free to add a splash of heavy cream (about fourth a cup) to make the sauce creamy just like I did in my creamy pesto gnocchi recipe and chicken gnocchi soup. Tomato sauce or pureed fresh tomatoes can also be used, but will need to be reduced a little bit more. Keep it easy on the salt, as the parmesan cheese is quite salty and you don’t want to end up with a very salty dish. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, then make sure that the gnocchi is certified GF. Strict vegetarians should look for parmesan cheese made without animal rennet. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions (I also included some instructions in the recipe card). Keep this dish meat-free as is, or serve it with grilled chicken tenders or sheet pan chicken thighs. If you’re looking for a gnocchi recipe with meat, you should definitely try my Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe. It’s amazing!
Storing Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, uncover, and microwave for 2 minutes stirring halfway through. I don’t recommend freezing this dish.
Recipe Variations
Add a splash of cream to make the sauce creamy. Spinach can be added to the sauce at the end, I recommend using baby spinach leaves and just stir them in until they wilt. Chicken pieces can be sauteed in a separate pan and mixed in the sauce.
If you love gnocchi as much as I do and you have an Instant Pot, then make sure to check out my Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Copycat. It’s AMAZING! © Little Sunny Kitchen
