Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Tomato Basil Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft potato gnocchi baked in a rich tomato and fresh basil sauce topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting Italian meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes blends potato gnocchi, store-bought, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and remove from heat. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the tomato sauce evenly.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb potato gnocchi over the sauce in a single layer, then cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Oven-Baked Gnocchi with Tomato Basil Sauce?

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 Tomato Basil Sauce 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 Tomato Basil Sauce 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.

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