GNOCCHI ALLA SORRENTINA – CLASSIC ITALIAN GNOCCHI BAKED WITH TOMATO SAUCE AND MOZZARELLA
This traditional Southern Italian recipe features tender gnocchi (or tagliatelle/short pasta) baked in a flavorful tomato sauce with fresh basil and melted mozzarella. Simple, comforting, and perfect for a cozy meal.
🕒 Prep Time: 10 min
🍳 Cook Time: 15 min
🍽️ Servings: 2-3
Ingredients
- 450 g gnocchi (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes (or fresh ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 200 g mozzarella, sliced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté crushed garlic for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes (fresh tomatoes can be blanched, peeled, and chopped in summer). Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in chopped basil and remove from heat.
- Cook gnocchi in plenty of salted boiling water until they float to the surface. Drain with a slotted spoon and toss gently in the tomato sauce.
- Transfer gnocchi and sauce to a large oven-safe dish or divide into individual bowls.
- Layer slices of mozzarella on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (430°F) for about 10 minutes, just until mozzarella melts and starts to brown lightly.
💡 Tips
- Substitute gnocchi with tagliatelle or short pasta if preferred.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best creamy melt.
- Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.
- If using fresh tomatoes, blanch and peel for a smoother sauce.
🍽️ Perfect For
- Italian-inspired dinners
- Family meals or casual entertaining
- Comfort food lovers
📝 Final Thoughts
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to prepare and deeply satisfying. Its blend of tender gnocchi, fresh tomato sauce, aromatic basil, and melted mozzarella creates an authentic taste of Italy.