There are recipes that have the power to transport you directly to the south of Italy, and these gnocchi alla sorrentina are one of those dishes. They are so comforting and simple that they win you over from the very first bite. Imagine the dish coming out bubbling from the oven, with the fragrant tomato, melted mozzarella, and that aroma of fresh basil that takes over everything. At home, I make them when I want to have a special dinner without complicating my life, and they are always a hit.
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Main ingredients for gnocchi alla sorrentina
For 2 people
⏱ Preparation time: 10 min
⏱ Cooking time: 25-30 min
- 400 g of potato gnocchi (can be fresh from the supermarket)
- 400 g of crushed tomato or ripe pear tomatoes (or passata, preferably San Marzano)
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- 1 ball of mozzarella (fiordilatte or regular mozzarella), well drained
- 30-40 g of Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese
- Fresh basil (several sprigs)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
Remember: At the end of the article, you will find the complete recipe card with detailed cooking and preparation times.
How to prepare gnocchi alla sorrentina: step-by-step recipe
Prepare the tomato sauce
In a large pan, add a good splash of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the garlic cloves (you can leave them whole to remove them later). When they are golden, add the crushed tomato, a pinch of salt, and several sprigs of fresh basil. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and loses its acidity (about 15-20 minutes). Before continuing, remember to remove the garlic cloves and basil stems.
Cook the gnocchi and assemble the dish
Bring plenty of salted water to a boil. When it boils, add the gnocchi: as soon as they rise to the surface, take them out directly into the pan with the tomato sauce. Mix gently so they are well coated. Add most of the grated Parmesan and almost all of the diced mozzarella. Mix and place everything in an oven-safe dish.
The final touch: bake and broil
Cover with the rest of the tomato sauce, more mozzarella, and Parmesan on top. Place the dish in the oven preheated to 200°C and broil for 10-15 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Finish with fresh basil leaves just before serving.
Tips and tricks for perfect gnocchi alla sorrentina
Choose good gnocchi
If you buy them ready-made, look for quality ones that don’t fall apart when cooked.
The mozzarella, well drained
Leave it in the fridge on a strainer or paper towel, this way you will avoid it releasing water during the broiling.
Sauce to the point
Do not leave the sauce too liquid; it must be well reduced so the gnocchi are not swimming in juice.
Broil to your liking
If you like it well browned on top, turn up the temperature a little for the last few minutes in the oven.
More flavor
You can add a little black pepper or a touch of oregano if you like, but the traditional recipe is minimalist: tomato, basil, cheese, and that’s it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?
Of course! If you have time, try making the gnocchi at home: they are even more tender and tasty.
What type of tomato is best for the sauce?
The ideal are fresh or canned San Marzano tomatoes, but a good crushed tomato also works great.
Can the recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it and leave it ready in the fridge. You will only have to broil it before serving.
Can mozzarella be substituted for another cheese?
If you don’t have mozzarella, you can use fiordilatte or even a scamorza-type cheese, although the flavor will be somewhat different.
Can I freeze gnocchi alla sorrentina?
Yes, you can freeze them before the final baking. Just remember to cover the dish well and bake directly from frozen.
Related recipes you will love
If you like oven-baked dishes and the most authentic Italian flavor, here are other suggestions:
- Bolognese Lasagna: the classic Italian recipe, perfect for sharing.
- Pasta al pomodoro: quick, simple, and with all the flavor of tomato and basil.
- Pasta with broccoli and anchovies: a different recipe full of flavor.
Enjoy your gnocchi alla sorrentina!
This recipe is proof that with few ingredients and some love, you can enjoy one of the great Italian classics in your own home. If you decide to prepare it, tell me in the comments how it turned out, and don’t forget to share your photo on Instagram by tagging me.
If you liked this recipe, subscribe to my YouTube channel and on Instagram to discover more authentic Italian dishes. I look forward to your comments and photos!
Enjoy your meal!
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The card
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, a traditional Italian recipe with tomato, mozzarella, and basil. An easy step-by-step guide to success at home.
Ingredients
- 400 g fresh potato gnocchi
- 400 g crushed tomatoes or San Marzano passata
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- 1 well-drained mozzarella ball
- 30-40 g grated parmesan
- fresh basil
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt
Instructions
- Prepare a tomato sauce by sautéing garlic in oil, add the tomato and basil, and cook until reduced.
- Cook the gnocchi in salted water until they float.
- Mix the gnocchi with the sauce, most of the mozzarella, and the parmesan.
- Pour into a baking dish, cover with the remaining sauce and cheese.
- Broil at 200°C for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot with more fresh basil.
Video
