Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina (Baked Gnocchi)

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is pure Italian comfort food at its finest. Born in the sun-kissed town of Sorrento along the Amalfi Coast, this beloved dish brings together pillowy potato gnocchi, a rich tomato sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of baked pasta that’s simple, rustic, and deeply satisfying. And the best part? You only need 7 classic Italian ingredients to make it.

If you love this dish, try my creamy gnocchi soup next!

Quick Look at This Recipe

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people
• Dietary Info: Vegetarian; made with simple, classic Italian ingredients.
• Method: Boil gnocchi briefly, simmer a rich tomato sauce, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Technique: Cook gnocchi only until they float, layer evenly with sauce, and finish with a quick bake for golden, melty cheese.
• Flavor & Texture: Bright, tomato-forward flavor with creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tender, pillowy gnocchi.

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Simple Ingredients

I highly recommend using high-quality ingredients to create the best gnocchi sorrentina recipe! A few good quality ingredients go a long way to make this an outstanding meal with the best results.

• Potato Gnocchi: You can use high-quality store-bought gnocchi or make your own for the most delicate texture. If you want to go the homemade route, try my homemade gnocchi recipe. Fresh gnocchi gives this dish an unbelievably light, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• San Marzano Tomatoes: These Italian plum tomatoes are naturally sweet, low in acidity, and known for their rich flavor and velvety texture. Look for San Marzano DOP if possible, which are grown in volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius and give the sauce its classic Sorrento-style depth. If you can’t find them, use the best-quality canned cherry tomatoes, tomato puree, or passata.
• Simple Seasoning: Fresh basil is added to the dish and used for garnish at the end, along with fresh garlic for simple flavors that really shine.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Use mozzarella cheese from a block, cut into cubes or shredded. I dislike using fresh mozzarella for this recipe because the water content can make the dish too wet. 
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor. Pecorino cheese also works well.

See the recipe card for the full ingredient list and quantities.

Variations

• Spinach and Ricotta: Add sautéed spinach and creamy ricotta cheese to the tomato sauce for a vibrant and flavorful twist.
• Mushroom Medley: Add a mix of sautéed or roasted mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy and savory flavor profile.
• Pesto Swirl: Drizzle homemade basil pesto over the baked gnocchi before serving to add a burst of fresh basil and nutty flavors.
• Four Cheese Delight: Experiment with a blend of your favorite cheeses, such as fontina, gorgonzola, and provolone, for a rich and decadent version.
• Creamy Tomato Twist: Combine a portion of cream with the tomato sauce for a creamy and luscious variation, just like this creamy tomato pasta recipe.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to make a spicy tomato sauce that balances the dish’s richness.
• Mediterranean Flair: Top the dish with sliced black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired creation.

How to Make Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina

To get started, grab all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F. You’re also going to want to cook the gnocchi in a large pot of boiling salted water until they float to the surface. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. 

1. Cook the minced garlic in heated olive oil for about 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Stir in the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

3. Stir in basil leaves during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

4. Remove the cooked gnocchi with a slotted spoon and add to the prepared tomato sauce. Gently stir to coat the gnocchi with the sauce.

5. Spread half of the gnocchi and tomato sauce mixture in a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and grated Parmigiano cheese over the gnocchi. Add a few torn basil leaves for extra flavor.

6. Add the remaining gnocchi and sauce mixture to the cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmigiano cheese over the top.
   

7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden brown. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a fresh and aromatic touch. Serve hot, and enjoy!

If you love baked pasta, try this classic Italian baked pasta and this baked rotini pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is wonderfully cozy on its own, but it’s even better with warm, crusty bread—think soft, olive-oil–kissed homemade focaccia or a classic loaf of Italian bread for soaking up every drop of that rich tomato sauce.

In a traditional Italian meal, this dish is served as a primo (first course), right after a light starter and before any meat or fish courses. At home, though, it easily stands on its own as a satisfying main.

If you want to build a simple, Sorrento-inspired menu, try this:

• Starter: A plate of smoky, tender Italian grilled eggplant to set a delicious tone.
• Primo/Main: A bubbling dish of baked gnocchi, served straight from the oven while the mozzarella is perfectly melty.
• Dolce: Finish with something bright and sweet, like soft lemon ricotta cookies for a hint of citrus to balance the richness of the bake.

If you’re looking for more serving ideas, check out my What to Serve with Gnocchi for side ideas.

More Baked Pasta Recipes

Pesto Lasagna (Lasagna al Pesto)

White Chicken Lasagna Recipe (with Spinach)

Creamy Sausage Baked Ziti “White Baked Ziti” Recipe

Spinach Manicotti Recipe with Ricotta

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