Hearty Rustic Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe – Homemade Comfort

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this rustic gnocchi with tomato sauce delivers pure comfort.

Pillowy soft potato dumplings nestled in a rich tomato sauce create a meal that sings with Italian simplicity.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic combination, blending tender gnocchi with bright, tangy flavors.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and warmth, inviting you to savor every moment.

The sauce simmers with ripe tomatoes, herbs, and a whisper of garlic, transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Fresh basil scattered on top adds a final burst of color and fragrance.

You’ll find this recipe both satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare, promising a delicious escape to the Italian countryside.

FAQs

• What are gnocchi made of?

Gnocchi are soft Italian dumplings traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. They have a pillowy texture and are a popular alternative to pasta in Italian cuisine.

• How do I know when gnocchi are perfectly cooked?

Gnocchi are ready when they float to the surface of boiling water, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. When they rise, they’re cooked and should be immediately removed to prevent becoming mushy.

• Can I make this sauce spicier?

Yes, you can easily adjust the heat by increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce. Start with a small amount and gradually add more to suit your spice preference.

• Why add sugar to tomato sauce?

Sugar helps balance the acidity of tomatoes, creating a more rounded and smooth flavor profile. It’s especially useful if the tomatoes are slightly tart or acidic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Gnocchi in Tomato Sauce Ingredient Breakdown

• Gnocchi: Pillowy potato dumplings that create a hearty, comforting foundation for the dish, choose fresh or vacuum-sealed packages for best texture and flavor.

• Olive Oil: Liquid gold that helps develop rich flavors and provides smooth cooking base, select extra virgin for authentic taste.
• Onion: Aromatic foundation that adds depth and sweetness to the sauce, opt for fresh, firm bulbs with no soft spots.
• Garlic: Pungent flavor powerhouse that elevates the entire sauce profile, choose plump cloves without green sprouts.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Vibrant sauce core that delivers authentic Italian taste, look for San Marzano variety for superior quality.

• Dried Basil: Herbal note that brings Mediterranean essence, ensure freshness by checking packaging date.
• Oregano: Earthy herb that complements tomato's brightness, select high-quality dried version.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice booster for those craving gentle heat, adjust quantity based on personal preference.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and intensifies overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Warm, sharp spice that adds complexity, freshly ground provides superior flavor.
• Sugar: Subtle sweetness neutralizer that balances tomato's acidity, use sparingly.

• Parmesan Cheese: Tangy, salty garnish that adds luxurious texture, grate fresh for maximum flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that provides final herbal punch, choose vibrant green leaves.

Tools for Pan-Frying Gnocchi to Golden Perfection

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling gnocchi with enough water to allow them to float and cook evenly.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions, cooking garlic, and simmering tomato sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked gnocchi after boiling.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and gently tossing gnocchi.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping onions and garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Required for preparing vegetables.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of herbs and seasonings.

Cook Gnocchi in a Simple, Rich Tomato Sauce

• Boil Water and Cook Gnocchi

Drop pillowy potato dumplings into bubbling salted water. Watch them dance and float to the surface in roughly 3 minutes. Scoop out and set aside.

• Create Flavorful Tomato Base

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet. Soften diced onions until translucent, then welcome minced garlic for a quick aromatic burst. Pour in crushed tomatoes with a sprinkle of dried herbs, a pinch of heat from red pepper flakes, and a dash of seasoning. Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Marry Gnocchi with Sauce

Gently tumble cooked gnocchi into the vibrant tomato mixture. Swirl and coat each dumpling with the luscious sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

• Garnish and Serve

Transfer the saucy gnocchi into warm bowls. Crown with a generous shower of grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy immediately while steaming hot.

Tips for Sauce That Sticks Without Overcooking

• For ultra-light gnocchi, ensure potatoes are completely dry before mixing with flour to prevent gummy texture.
• Simmer tomato sauce longer to develop richer, more complex flavors and allow herbs to fully release their aromatics.
• Replace wheat flour with gluten-free potato flour or almond flour for celiac-friendly gnocchi without compromising taste.
• Add crumbled Italian sausage or diced chicken to transform this vegetarian dish into a hearty protein-packed meal.
• Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use plant-based gnocchi for a completely dairy-free version that doesn't sacrifice flavor.

Serve With Fresh Basil and Parmesan

• Cozy Italian Family Dinner: Pair the gnocchi with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich tomato sauce.
• Gourmet Cheese Lovers' Delight: Sprinkle extra sharp pecorino romano or aged parmesan on top for an intense flavor punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which complements the tomato sauce's acidity and brings out the warmth of the meal.
• Rustic Bread Side Kick: Add crusty Italian bread or garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete, satisfying dining experience.

Store in Small Batches for Fast Meals

• Store leftover gnocchi with tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Cool the gnocchi and sauce completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. These meals can be frozen for 2-3 months. Leave a small space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
• Warm refrigerated gnocchi in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. Avoid overheating to maintain the gnocchi's delicate texture.
• Prepare extra sauce and gnocchi during initial cooking. Portion into individual servings for quick weeknight meals. Label containers with the date to track freshness and rotation.

Rustic Gnocchi With Tomato Sauce Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade potato gnocchi in a classic tomato sauce showcases Italian culinary tradition. Rich flavors and simple ingredients combine to create a comforting meal you can savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can crushed tomatoes
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boiling Gnocchi: Salt a large pot of water to boiling point. Submerge potato dumplings and cook until they float effortlessly to the surface, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve.
2. Sautéing Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature. Sauté onions until translucent and soft, then add garlic and allow its fragrance to permeate for one minute.
3. Creating Tomato Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes to the aromatic base. Season with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Balance potential acidity with a hint of sugar, stirring to integrate flavors.
4. Simmering Sauce: Reduce heat and allow sauce to develop depth for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent burning and ensure uniform consistency.
5. Combining Elements: Gently fold cooked gnocchi into the vibrant tomato sauce, ensuring each dumpling receives a luxurious coating of sauce.
6. Serving: Transfer gnocchi to serving dishes, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Potato Precision: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for fluffier gnocchi, avoiding waxy varieties that create dense dumplings.
• Salt Sensitivity: Use adequate salt when boiling potatoes and water to enhance flavor, but avoid over-salting which can make gnocchi tough.
• Boiling Basics: Remove gnocchi immediately after they float to prevent overcooking and maintain their delicate, pillowy texture.
• Sauce Balancing: Adjust tomato sauce acidity with a pinch of sugar, helping neutralize tartness and create a smoother flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg