Easy Baked Gnocchi Recipe For 2
This easy baked gnocchi recipe for 2 is the perfect decadent, romantic Valentine's Day dinner in that anyone can cook!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1 cup tomato basil & garlic pasta sauce
- 1 tsp fresh basil finely chopped
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- ½ tsp fresh basil finely chopped
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, gently stir together uncooked gnocchi, pasta sauce, chopped basil, and crushed red pepper flakes until combined.
- Transfer gnocchi to a small baking dish and ensure the gnocchi are covered in pasta sauce. Depending on the size of your baking dish, you may need to add more pasta sauce to fully coat the gnocchi. Then, cover the gnocchi with a light layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake until the gnocchi are tender and the cheese is golden-brown, about 25 to 35 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped basil and red pepper flakes, then serve immediately.
Notes
Buying gnocchi: The fresher the gnocchi, the better this dish will taste. If you have a local Italian market, chances are they sell handmade gnocchi - splurge on this for your Valentine’s Day dinner and your tastebuds will thank you! Otherwise, we recommend either the Delallo, Di Martino, or Nuovo Pasta brands for delicious gnocchi you can find at most grocery stores.
Mozzarella cheese: We don’t recommend using fresh mozzarella for this recipe. Fresh mozzarella tends to have a high water content, which means it won’t melt as well and might release excess liquid into your baked gnocchi. Instead, grab a bag of shredded mozzarella or a block of processed mozzarella at the store and shred it yourself.
Baking gnocchi in the oven: You want the gnocchi to be covered in pasta sauce to keep them moist while they bake in the oven, so you end up with soft, pillowy gnocchi that melt in your mouth. Any gnocchi not covered in sauce will crisp on the outside and have a crunchier texture.
Testing to see if gnocchi is cooked: To know if your oven baked gnocchi is done, test it with a fork. Stick the tines of a fork into one or two different gnocchi, and if the fork goes in easily (without resistance) then it’s cooked. However, we always recommend taste-testing a bite to ensure the gnocchi are done to your liking!
Serving suggestions: For a cozy and romantic date night dinner, we recommend serving this straight in the baking dish with two forks. Or, you can opt for family-style and bring the dish to the table with a large serving spoon and a few plates. Just don't forget a side of fresh bread, dipping oils, and a glass of wine :)
Nutrition
Calories: 484kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 1541mg | Potassium: 405mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1020IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 207mg | Iron: 10mg