Imagine twirling your fork into pillowy soft gnocchi, draped in rich, vibrant tomato sauce that transports you straight to the heart of Italy - without spending hours in the kitchen! This quick and mouthwatering recipe proves that gourmet dining can be both simple and spectacular, turning an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of gnocchi, 2 cups of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp of olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil for garnish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. The water should be seasoned well, as this will help flavor the gnocchi.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully add the gnocchi to the pot. Stir gently to prevent the gnocchi from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
- Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually about 2-4 minutes. They are done when they float to the surface. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pot and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about a minute, ensuring it does not smoke.
- Once the oil is hot, add the 2 cups of tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir the sauce gently and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Carefully add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Gently toss the gnocchi in the sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cook the gnocchi in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to absorb some of the sauce and heat through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi, mixing gently to combine.
- To serve, divide the gnocchi with tomato sauce among four plates. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
- Enjoy your delicious gnocchi with tomato sauce, savoring the comforting Italian flavors!
Tips
- Always salt your boiling water generously - this is your first chance to build flavor into the gnocchi.
- Watch your gnocchi carefully when boiling; they're done the moment they float to the surface to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Use a slotted spoon when transferring gnocchi to preserve their delicate texture.
- For extra richness, consider adding a small pat of butter to your tomato sauce.
- Fresh basil is not just a garnish - it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- If you want a slightly crispy texture, you can briefly pan-fry the gnocchi after boiling before adding to the sauce.
- Choose a high-quality tomato sauce or make your own for the most authentic flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
