Best Easy Gnocchi alla Sorrentina Recipe

Potato gnocchi baked with tomato, mozzarella, and basil in this beloved Campanian dish. A vegetarian mediterranean family meal that's fresh, bubbly, and freezer-friendly.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 420 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • potato gnocchi 2 lbs
  • fresh mozzarella 8 oz
  • fresh basil 1 cup
  • Parmesan cheese 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • tomato sauce 2 cups
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 55 g 52%
Protein 15 g 14%
Fat 14 g 30%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a large baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potato gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface (about 2 minutes). Drain immediately to avoid overcooking.

  3. 3

    Heat the remaining olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper, simmering for 8 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavor.

  4. 4

    Layer cooked gnocchi in the baking dish, then spoon over the hot tomato sauce. Top with torn fresh mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly.

  5. 5

    Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Immediately garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredient is potato gnocchi, which gives this dish its signature pillowy texture and hearty foundation. Combined with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, gnocchi captures the essence of Campanian comfort food.
Q. Which ingredient most defines the flavor profile?
Fresh mozzarella and tomato sauce together are essential to the dish's flavor. The tomato provides bright acidity and sweetness, while melting mozzarella offers creamy richness and classic Italian aroma.
Q. How do I prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy when baking?
Drain the gnocchi as soon as they float to the surface during boiling, which happens in about two minutes. This avoids overcooking and keeps the texture firm as they finish baking under tomato and cheese.
Q. What are the nutrition highlights per serving?
Each 350g serving provides 420 kcal, about 15g protein (14%), 55g carbohydrates (52%), and 14g fat (30%), making it balanced for a vegetarian mediterranean meal. The protein-to-carb ratio favors energy and adequate satiety.
Q. What heat and timing should I watch for perfect cheese bubbling and browning?
Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, watching for the mozzarella to completely melt and the surface to turn golden and bubbly. Immediate serving preserves both taste and texture.
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