Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Bake
Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole featuring soft potato gnocchi baked in a rich, creamy sauce with tangy sun dried tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make dish combines herbal aromatics and cheesy goodness, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free gnocchi is used)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb soft potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Gnocchi and Tomatoes: Boil the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, finely chop the sun dried tomatoes to release their rich flavor throughout the bake.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, then add the chopped sun dried tomatoes.
- Combine and Layer: Mix the cooked gnocchi into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, then top generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes the dish easier to portion.
Notes
- Use high-quality sun dried tomatoes, preferably oil-packed, to maximize flavor and juiciness.
- Do not overcook gnocchi; boil only until they float, as they cook further in the oven and will prevent mushiness.
- Spread the cheese evenly on top to encourage a golden crust with every bite.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano provide a brighter flavor whenever possible.
- Let the dish rest before serving to allow it to set for cleaner slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Sun dried tomato, gnocchi, bake, comfort food, creamy, Italian, casserole