Description
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian baked dish featuring tender gnocchi layered with rich tomato passata, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, garlic, and generous amounts of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, this comforting recipe highlights the best of Southern Italian flavors in a hearty, cheesy, and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 kilogram Gnocchi
Cheese
- 2 Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Balls
- 200 grams Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
Sauce and Herbs
- 400 milliliters Tomato Passata
- To taste Fresh Basil leaves
- 2 cloves Garlic
- To taste Salt
- To taste Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Slice mozzarella: Cut the two fresh mozzarella balls into bite-sized pieces for layering.
- Cook gnocchi: Boil the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through, then drain.
- Assemble layers: In a baking tray, begin by spreading a layer of tomato passata. Next, add a layer of cooked gnocchi, followed by mozzarella pieces, fresh basil leaves, salt, ground black pepper, garlic cloves, and sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of tomato sauce, mozzarella, and grated Parmigiano.
- Bake: Place the assembled tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Notes
- If fresh basil is not available, dried basil can be substituted, but fresh is preferred for optimal flavor.
- For extra flavor, consider lightly sautéing the garlic before adding it to the layers.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven to appreciate the melted cheese texture.
- Ensure gnocchi is properly drained to avoid sogginess in the baked layers.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano can be substituted with Grana Padano if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, baked gnocchi, Italian recipe, mozzarella, tomato sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano, basil, comfort food
