Easy Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: Delicious Recipe!

Hey there, fellow kitchen warriors! Let’s talk about one of my family’s absolute favorite dinners: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, packed with cheesy goodness and a simple tomato sauce that even my pickiest eaters gobble up. I remember the first time I made Gnocchi alla Sorrentina for my family. It was a particularly hectic Tuesday – you know, the kind where school pick-up feels like a marathon and everyone’s hangry the minute they walk through the door. I needed something quick, easy, and guaranteed to please.

I’d stumbled upon a Sorrentina gnocchi recipe online and thought, “Why not?” What followed was pure magic. The aroma of the tomato sauce simmering, the bubbling cheese… it was instant comfort. More importantly, everyone ate it! And not just ate it, but loved it. From that day on, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina became a staple in our house. It’s a dish that fits perfectly into our beautiful chaos – quick enough for a weeknight, special enough for a weekend treat. If you’re searching for a sanity-saving, family-approved meal, join me! Let’s make some Gnocchi alla Sorrentina!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Trust me, this Gnocchi alla Sorrentina ingredient list is short because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! This Italian gnocchi dish is all about simple, fresh flavors.

  • 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi: You can find this at almost any grocery store! I usually grab mine at Target while doing my regular grocery run.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: The good stuff! It makes a difference in the flavor of your Gnocchi alla Sorrentina.
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Look for the kind with no added sugar.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: I buy the pre-minced kind to save time…don’t judge!
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that classic Italian flavor to your Gnocchi alla Sorrentina.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best, but pre-ground works just fine.
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced: You can use pre-sliced for convenience.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: The kind in the green can is perfectly fine. This Gnocchi tomato sauce recipe is flexible.
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish: Optional, but they add a beautiful pop of color and flavor to your Baked gnocchi Sorrento.

Ingredients for making Gnocchi alla Sorrentina.

Mom-Tested Ingredient Swaps:

  • No fresh mozzarella? No worries! I use shredded mozzarella all the time in my Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, especially when I’m running low on groceries.
  • Don’t have fresh basil? A pinch of dried basil works in a pinch.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives:

  • This Gnocchi alla Sorrentina doesn’t have to break the bank. Use store-brand gnocchi and canned tomatoes to save money.

Ingredient Prep Shortcuts:

  • Buy pre-minced garlic to save time and effort.
  • Use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese.

Storage Wisdom for Leftovers:

  • Store leftover Gnocchi alla Sorrentina in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

My family loves when I add extra Parmesan cheese to my Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. It gives it an extra cheesy kick! This Tomato mozzarella gnocchi recipe is easily customizable!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Here’s where the magic happens! I’m going to walk you through making Gnocchi alla Sorrentina step-by-step, just like we’re cooking together in my kitchen. This Italian gnocchi dish is easier than you think!

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get that oven nice and hot, ready to bubble that cheese! This is the perfect temp for baking the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina evenly.
  2. Cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Usually, this means boiling them until they float to the top. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get mushy.
  3. While the gnocchi is cooking, prepare the tomato sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! This simple Gnocchi tomato sauce recipe comes together quickly.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor of your Gnocchi alla Sorrentina will be!
  5. Drain the cooked gnocchi and add it to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Gently toss to coat. Make sure every little piece of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is covered in that delicious sauce.
  6. Transfer the gnocchi and sauce to a baking dish. I use a 9×13 inch dish, but any oven-safe dish will work.
  7. Top with the mozzarella slices and Parmesan cheese. Make sure to cover the entire surface. The more cheese, the better the Baked gnocchi Sorrento!
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn. Your Gnocchi alla Sorrentina should smell amazing by now!
  9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. This adds a pop of freshness to your Gnocchi alla Sorrentina.

Here’s where I used to mess up my Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: I’d forget to stir the sauce occasionally and it would burn on the bottom. Don’t make my mistake! This Sorrentina gnocchi recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners.

In my chaotic kitchen, this Gnocchi alla Sorrentina usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. While your Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is doing its thing in the oven, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!

Don’t panic if your Gnocchi alla Sorrentina looks a little watery before you bake it. The cheese will melt and create a creamy sauce.

How We Love to Eat This!

Now for the best part: eating! This Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is so versatile, it pairs well with so many things. The kids devour this Gnocchi alla Sorrentina when I serve it with a simple side salad. I sneak in some extra veggies, and they don’t even notice!

My husband loves this Italian gnocchi dish with a side of garlic bread. It’s the perfect comfort food combination.

Perfect Occasions:

This Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and easy. It’s also great for a casual weekend meal with friends and family.

Presentation Tips:

I like to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top before serving. It makes the Baked gnocchi Sorrento look extra fancy!

Leftover Ideas:

  • Add leftover Gnocchi alla Sorrentina to a frittata for a quick and easy breakfast.
  • Use it as a topping for baked potatoes.

Seasonal Variations:

  • In the summer, I add fresh tomatoes and zucchini to the sauce.
  • In the winter, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

My friend Sarah raved about this Gnocchi alla Sorrentina when I made it for her family. She said it was the best she’d ever had!

Check out this Easy Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (Baked Gnocchi Recipe) – Home. They are doing an interesting approach to Gnocchi alla Sorrentina.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, mamas, let’s tackle some of the questions I know you’re thinking! This Gnocchi alla Sorrentina recipe is pretty straightforward, but I get it – we all have those “what if” moments in the kitchen.

Can my picky eater handle this Gnocchi alla Sorrentina?

Yes, absolutely! The simple tomato sauce and cheesy goodness are usually a hit with even the pickiest eaters. If they’re really resistant, try serving it with a side of their favorite veggie. This Tomato mozzarella gnocchi is often a hit with little ones!

What if I burn my Gnocchi alla Sorrentina? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

We’ve all been there! If the cheese starts to burn, cover the dish with foil and continue baking. This will prevent it from burning further. But be careful when opening the oven.

Can I make this Gnocchi alla Sorrentina ahead for meal prep?

Yes, you can! Assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. You can prep all the way to the final step before baking.

What kind of gnocchi should I use?

I usually use potato gnocchi, but you can also use sweet potato or cauliflower gnocchi. It is important to select which works best for you in this Italian gnocchi dish.

Can I add meat to this dish?

Absolutely! Cooked Italian sausage or ground beef would be delicious additions.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not traditionally, but you can use gluten-free gnocchi to make it gluten-free.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage. Some families use Calabrian chili paste to amp up their Gnocchi alla Sorrentina.

This Gnocchi alla Sorrentina reminds me of another family favorite, Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage.

Final Thoughts:

This Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is more than just a recipe; it’s a symbol of our family’s love for simple, comforting food. It’s a dish that brings us together, even on the craziest of weeknights. I hope it brings the same joy to your family.

My Gnocchi alla Sorrentina Mom Hacks:

  • Pre-minced garlic is your best friend. Seriously, it saves so much time!
  • Don’t be afraid to use pre-shredded cheese. It melts just as well and saves you a step.
  • Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick and easy meal later.

Family-Tested Gnocchi alla Sorrentina Variations:

  1. Pesto Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: Add a spoonful of pesto to the tomato sauce for a burst of flavor.
  2. Mushroom Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the sauce.
  3. Spinach Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: Stir in fresh spinach before baking.

My daughter, Lily, prefers the pesto version, while my son, Tom, loves the mushroom version. The classic Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is the choice of my husband.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Gnocchi alla Sorrentina your own. Cooking should be fun and stress-free! I found inspiration here: Gnocchi alla sorrentina.

I hope you enjoy making this Gnocchi alla Sorrentina as much as my family does. Remember, you’ve got this! You’re a kitchen warrior, and you can conquer any dinner challenge. Give this Sorrentina gnocchi recipe a try.

For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup. Check out this Home Cooking Sessions: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. A hearty gnocchi …. They are doing an interesting approach to Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. It is important to always look for Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. Enjoy this Gnocchi alla Sorrentina today!

A rustic plate of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina.
Print

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Rustic Plate of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian comfort food featuring pillowy gnocchi baked in a rich tomato sauce with fresh mozzarella and basil. This dish is a delightful and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Sorrento.

  • Author: Vivien
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cubed
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook gnocchi according to package directions. Drain well.
  3. While gnocchi is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the cooked gnocchi to the tomato sauce and stir to combine.
  6. Pour the gnocchi mixture into a baking dish.
  7. Top with cubed mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomato sauce. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!