Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring shelf-stable gnocchi baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. This recipe requires zero chopping, takes under 20 minutes, and delivers crispy edges with soft, pillowy centers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz shelf-stable gnocchi
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the uncooked shelf-stable gnocchi with olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the gnocchi and stir gently to ensure every piece is submerged or coated. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 10 minutes until the edges start to bubble and turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (and Parmesan, if using) evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has brown spots.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the gnocchi first; shelf-stable gnocchi is designed to be baked and absorbs sauce better when uncooked. Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent the dish from becoming soggy. Letting the dish rest for 3-5 minutes before serving helps the sauce set. For a heartier meal, add cooked Italian sausage or chicken.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 14
Keywords: baked gnocchi, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, weeknight dinner, easy pasta, comfort food, gluten-free option, dairy-free option