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Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Bake

Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Bake

A creamy and comforting Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Bake featuring pillowy gnocchi, tangy sun dried tomatoes, and luscious cheeses baked to golden perfection. This hearty and flavor-packed casserole is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb potato gnocchi
  • 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes, sautéing until fragrant and slightly caramelized, about 2-3 minutes. This creates the flavorful base for your sauce.
  2. Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Slowly add grated Parmesan and half of the mozzarella cheese, stirring gently over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
  3. Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain well and transfer the gnocchi to the sauce, tossing carefully to coat each piece evenly.
  4. Assemble the bake: Transfer the gnocchi and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top to create a golden, melty crust when baked.
  5. Bake and garnish: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh gnocchi when possible for better texture and faster cooking.
  • Boil gnocchi just until they float to avoid overcooking and maintain tenderness.
  • Oil-packed sun dried tomatoes add more moisture and richer flavor than dry-packed.
  • Distribute cheese evenly on top of the bake for consistent browning and melting.
  • Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving and better flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sun dried tomato, gnocchi, baked gnocchi, creamy pasta bake, vegetarian casserole, comfort food, Italian bake