Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina Recipe

Fork in a bowl with gnocchi alla sorrentina.

5 from 5 votes

Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina Recipe

Best Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina Recipe- is pure Italian comfort food. Originating from the sun-kissed Sorrento region (Amalfi Coast), this dish combines pillowy gnocchi, a rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It's like a warm hug for your taste buds!

Prep Time25

Cook Time15

Total Time40

Course: Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: baked gnocchi, gnocchi alla sorrentina

Servings: -6 servings

Author: Elena Davis

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi:

1 ½ lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) about 700 grams
salt for boiling water

For the Tomato Sauce:

28 can San Marzano crushed tomatoes or canned cherry tomatoes or tomato passata
2 cloves garlic minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil leaves about 8-10

Assembly:

1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese from a block cut into cubes (or shredded). I dislike using fresh mozzarella cheese for this recipe because the water content can make the dish too wet.
½ cup freshly grated parmigiano cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or oven-safe baking dish. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato passata, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in basil leaves during last 5 minutes of cooking.
Boil the Gnocchi: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt to the boiling water and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions or until they float to the surface. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Gnocchi and Tomato Sauce: Once cooked, remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and add to the prepared tomato sauce. Gently stir to coat the gnocchi with the sauce.
Assemble the Dish: Spread half of the gnocchi and tomato sauce mixture in a baking dish (Option: you can bake the gnocchi in the same). Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and grated parmigiano cheese over the gnocchi. Add a few torn basil leaves for extra flavor.
Layer and Bake: Add the remaining gnocchi and sauce mixture to the cheese layer. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and parmigiano cheese over the top.
Bake in the Oven: 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.
Serve: Remove it from the oven once the gnocchi alla Sorrentina is baked to perfection. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a fresh and aromatic touch. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Notes

Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality gnocchi, fresh tomato passata, and flavorful cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for the best results.

Properly Cook Gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi just until they float to the surface of boiling water. Overcooking can result in mushy gnocchi.

Season the Sauce Well: Don't skimp on seasoning the tomato sauce. Garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper should be balanced to enhance the flavors.

Layering Technique: Layer the gnocchi and sauce evenly in the baking dish to ensure consistent flavors throughout the dish.

Fresh Basil Garnish: Use fresh basil leaves for garnish right before serving. Their aroma and flavor will elevate the dish.

Even Cheese Distribution: Spread cheese evenly to cover the top layer of gnocchi. This ensures every bite has a delightful cheese pull.

Preheat the Oven: Make sure the oven is properly preheated to ensure even baking and proper melting of the cheese.

Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.

Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, you can try other melting cheeses to add your unique twist.

Share the Love: Enjoy the dish with family and friends. Italian cuisine is all about sharing delightful moments around the table!

Nutrition