Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Bake
Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Bake is a comforting and indulgent baked dish featuring pillowy gnocchi tossed with tangy sun dried tomatoes, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals, delivering a rich, cheesy, and golden-baked flavor explosion that satisfies both taste buds and the eyes.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh or store-bought potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the top, indicating they are perfectly cooked. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant and soft. Stir in chopped sun dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to release their rich flavor.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Add cream cheese or heavy cream to the pan and stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like fresh basil or oregano for a fresh twist.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy sun dried tomato sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated with the luscious mixture.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the coated gnocchi into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for that irresistible golden crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Use oil-packed sun dried tomatoes for richer flavor and better texture.
- Do not overcook gnocchi; cook just until they float to avoid mushiness.
- Customize the cheese blend by experimenting with fontina, provolone, or vegan cheese alternatives.
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving for a fresh aroma and vibrant color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: sun dried tomato gnocchi bake, baked gnocchi, creamy gnocchi recipe, easy Italian dinner, cheesy gnocchi bake, vegetarian gnocchi, comfort food