Homemade Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe: Rustic Italian Magic

Soft potato gnocchi swimming in a vibrant tomato sauce can transport you straight to an Italian kitchen.

The delicate dumplings melt effortlessly on your tongue with each delicious bite.

Hearty and comforting, this classic dish brings warmth to any dinner table.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating a memorable meal.

Traditional techniques blend perfectly with simple, robust flavors that speak volumes about classic Italian cooking.

Herbs and a touch of garlic add depth to this straightforward yet elegant recipe.

Prepare to savor every single magnificent spoonful of this delectable comfort food.

Why Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Hits the Spot

• This gnocchi recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Perfect for home cooks at any skill level, the recipe offers straightforward steps that even novice chefs can master without stress.
• From start to finish, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families craving a satisfying dinner.
• The classic tomato sauce pairs beautifully with gnocchi, creating a dish that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table leaves happy.

What to Buy for Gnocchi and Tomato Sauce

Main Ingredients:

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato-based dumplings that form the base of the dish.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Rich, tangy base for the sauce that provides deep tomato flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic vegetables that build a flavor foundation for the sauce.
• Dried Basil, Oregano: Dried herbs that add traditional Italian herb notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the sauce’s natural flavors.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat for sautéing vegetables and adding richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese for topping that adds depth and texture.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat for those who enjoy spicy notes.
• Sugar: Optional ingredient to balance tomato sauce’s natural acidity.

How to Simmer Tomato Sauce for Soft Gnocchi

Step 1: Boil Potato Pillows

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle generously with salt. Once water reaches a rolling boil, gently slide gnocchi into the bubbling liquid. Watch for these little potato dumplings to float upward- that’s your signal they’re perfectly cooked. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Carefully drain and set aside.

Step 2: Create Vibrant Tomato Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

• Dried basil
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

If the sauce tastes too tangy, add a pinch of sugar to balance flavors. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, allowing ingredients to meld together for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Marry Gnocchi and Sauce

Introduce the boiled gnocchi into the simmering tomato sauce. Gently fold and coat each potato pillow with the vibrant sauce, ensuring every piece is lovingly embraced.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the saucy gnocchi into warm serving bowls. Shower with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and scatter torn fresh basil leaves on top. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Fluffy Gnocchi and Rich Tomato Sauce

• Prevent Gummy Gnocchi: Boil gnocchi only until they float, avoiding overcooking which creates a sticky, dense texture.
• Enhance Sauce Depth: Add a pinch of sugar to balance tomato sauce’s acidity, creating a more rounded and complex flavor profile.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce uncovered to reduce and thicken, allowing flavors to concentrate and develop a richer taste.
• Maximize Herb Freshness: Sprinkle fresh basil just before serving to preserve its vibrant color and aromatic qualities.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to personalize heat intensity, making the dish adaptable to different taste preferences.

Keep Gnocchi and Sauce Fresh for Later

• Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, separating the sauce and gnocchi to prevent sogginess.
• Warm gnocchi in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
• Place gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Freeze plain gnocchi and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Eat with Gnocchi and Tomato Sauce

• Reach for a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti Classico, which cuts through the tomato’s acidity while matching the dish’s rustic flavor profile.
• Sprinkle extra-aged Parmigiano-Reggiano on top for a sharp, nutty contrast that elevates the gnocchi’s soft texture and sauce’s richness.
• Chop fresh basil or oregano leaves right before serving to add bright, aromatic notes that complement the tomato sauce’s deep, savory undertones.
• Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a light, tangy counterpoint to the hearty gnocchi and help cleanse the palate between bites.

Fun Ways to Flavor Your Gnocchi Dish

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Delight: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi made from rice flour, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the meal.
• Vegan Tomato Sauce Option: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative, creating a plant-based version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Gnocchi: Swap traditional potato gnocchi for cauliflower-based gnocchi, reducing carbohydrate content and adding extra vegetable nutrition to the dish.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Increase red pepper flakes and add kalamata olives and fresh oregano to transform the sauce into a more intense, Mediterranean-inspired version.

Gnocchi With Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade gnocchi with tomato sauce whisks diners straight to Italian kitchens with pillowy potato dumplings nestled in rich, tangy marinara. Simple ingredients and classic techniques promise a comforting meal you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gnocchi Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

Sauce Base Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce / 411 grams) can crushed tomatoes

Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Gently introduce the pillowy potato dumplings and allow them to dance until they effortlessly float to the surface, typically within 2-3 minutes. Carefully extract the gnocchi using a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Introduce finely diced onions and sauté until they transform into a translucent, soft landscape, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to bloom for 60 seconds.
3. Pour crushed tomatoes into the fragrant base, complementing with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. If the sauce seems overly acidic, sprinkle a pinch of sugar to harmonize the flavors.
4. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce develop its complex profile for 10-12 minutes. Occasionally stir to prevent scorching and ensure even reduction.
5. Tenderly introduce the cooked gnocchi into the vibrant tomato sauce, using a delicate folding motion to ensure each dumpling receives a luxurious coating.
6. Transfer the sauced gnocchi into serving bowls, crowning the dish with a generous snowfall of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for the fluffiest gnocchi texture and avoid waxy varieties.
• Drain gnocchi immediately after cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy and sticking together.
• Season the tomato sauce gradually, tasting and adjusting flavors to create a balanced, rich profile.
• Consider making a gluten-free version by using potato gnocchi or alternative flour blends for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg