Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Soft potato gnocchi baked with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and melted mozzarella for a comforting Italian-inspired bake. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs potato gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, halved, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss 1 lb potato gnocchi with 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Transfer the gnocchi and tomato mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread out evenly.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 4: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the gnocchi are tender, the tomatoes are bubbling, and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and immediately scatter 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves over the dish before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep potato gnocchi from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.