Ever tried gnocchi? No? Know what they are? No? Well, give this recipe just one try and you’ll always keep a package of gnocchi in your pantry for a very quick, very easy, very satisfying dinner. Actually gnocchi are little Italian potato dumplings. They’re made with steamed potatoes, flour and a little salt. That’s all. And if you want to give making homemade gnocchi a try, go for it! Let me know how it turns out. However, there’s a very good packaged gnocchi available in grocery stores under the Vigo brand name. You will find them in the same area with the instant mashed potatoes and boxed rice dishes. So, go grab a box and make a memorable dinner!
Here’s what you need:
1 box Gnocchi
2 cans diced tomatoes in juice
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tblsp. Olive oil
2-3 tblsp fresh or frozen basil
Salt
Pepper
Mozzarella and Parmesan, if desired
Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally until onion is well wilted and starting to brown.
Add the tomatoes and basil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes break down and the liquid is reduced by half or more. If the sauce begins to get too thick, add a little water to keep the desired consistency. You want the sauce to be thick and chunky, not too watery.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Separate the gnocchi and drop them into the boiling water.
When the gnocchi float to the top, they’re done. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and drop them right into the tomato sauce.
Normally, I would stop right here, spoon up the gnocchi onto a plate with a broiled chicken breast (maybe), some garlic bread and a salad. However, tonight I felt like “gilding the lily” so to speak. I spooned the gnocchi into a couple of gratin dishes, sliced some fresh mozzarella to put on top, sprinkled on some Parmesan and put them under the boiler until the cheese was melted and bubbly. How far you take it is up to you. We totally enjoyed all the cheesy goodness on top this time.
Enjoy!
Soft, pillowy gnocchi baked in a rich tomato sauce topped with gooey mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 1 box Gnocchi
- 2 cans diced tomatoes in juice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tblsp. Olive oil
- 2-3 tblsp fresh or frozen basil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Mozzarella and Parmesan, if desired
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally until onion is well wilted and starting to brown. Add tomatoes, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes break down and liquid is reduced by half or more. If sauce begins to get too thick, add a little water to keep desired consistency. You want the sauce to be thick and chunky, not too watery.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Separate the gnocchi and drop them into the boiling water. When gnocchi float to the top, they are cooked. Remove from water and stir into tomato sauce.
- Gnocchi may be served plainly with tomato sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan or transfer to baking dish, add cheese to top and place under broiler until cheese is hot and bubbly.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow! Looks yummy.
this looks wonderful!! Did you burn your hand? Looks like a burn in the photo. Put some aloe or ice water on it.
Love,
Neena
Im trying these 2morrow !!Cant wait..Hope I can find the brand Vigo..Figtreeapps
Thanks! Hope you’ll try it.
That was a scratch from transplanting some rose bushes :-) You should have seen what BeeBop looked like!
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