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Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 108 reviews

This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Spicy Tomato Sauce is a delicious and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender potato gnocchi simmered in a flavorful homemade spicy tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden crust. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering, this recipe combines rich garlic, crushed red pepper heat, fresh basil, and creamy cheeses to create a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Tomato Sauce

  • 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or more to taste
  • Salt, to taste

Main Ingredients

  • 2 (16- to 18-ounce) packages shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tomatoes: Use kitchen shears to cut the whole peeled tomatoes in each can into small pieces, or crush them gently with your hands for a rustic texture.
  2. Make the spicy garlic butter mixture: Heat a large 12-inch, high-sided, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, swirling the pan until the butter melts completely. Add the thinly sliced garlic and crushed red pepper, cooking for about 30 seconds while stirring constantly until the mixture is sizzling and fragrant but the garlic has not browned.
  3. Cook the tomato sauce: Pour the crushed tomatoes and their juices into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and season with salt and additional crushed red pepper if you prefer more heat. Meanwhile, preheat your oven broiler to get it ready for the final step.
  4. Combine gnocchi and sauce: Stir the potato gnocchi into the simmering tomato sauce. Continue cooking for 3 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to heat through and absorb some of the sauce’s flavor.
  5. Add cheese and broil: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the gnocchi and sauce in the skillet. Place the skillet under the preheated broiler for 2 to 5 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese melts and browns slightly to create a delicious golden crust. Broiler intensity can vary, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  6. Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the gnocchi cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld. Just before serving, sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan and torn fresh basil leaves over the top for added flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • You can use either shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi depending on availability; cooking time remains the same.
  • Adjust the crushed red pepper amount to control the spice level to your preference.
  • Ensure the skillet is oven-safe for broiling; cast iron or heavy stainless steel works best.
  • Keep close watch under the broiler as cheese can brown and burn quickly.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.

Keywords: gnocchi, spicy tomato sauce, cheesy gnocchi, baked gnocchi, Italian, comfort food, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, easy dinner

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/cheesy-baked-gnocchi-with-spicy-tomato-sauce-recipe/