Imagine a mouthwatering Italian dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor - that's exactly what this One Pot Gnocchi alla Sorrentina promises! Perfect for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals without the complicated techniques, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy, tomato-laden masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this foolproof recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle dried oregano. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Add the entire package of gnocchi directly into the tomato sauce. Gently stir to coat the gnocchi with sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the pan.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi will cook in the sauce, absorbing the flavors and becoming tender.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the gnocchi. Cover the pan and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until it becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to set and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves just before serving. The basil will add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, ensuring each portion gets a good mix of gnocchi, sauce, and melted cheese.
Tips
- Use fresh gnocchi if possible - it cooks faster and has a more delicate texture than dried varieties.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing step - 30-45 seconds is perfect to release flavor without burning.
- Stir gnocchi gently to prevent breaking the delicate pasta.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Fresh basil is crucial - it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Choose a wide skillet or Dutch oven to ensure even cooking and easy stirring.
- Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
