Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

• Sun Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Key for the sauce’s deep, tangy flavor—be sure to drain and press out excess oil for the perfect balance.
• Gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, they soak up the sauce beautifully for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Garlic and Olive Oil: A fragrant base that enhances the richness of the sun dried tomatoes.
• Vegetable or Chicken Stock: Helps create that silky, luscious sauce without overpowering the dish.
• Flour: To thicken the sauce just right without any clumps.
• Heavy Cream or Half and Half: Adds indulgent creaminess that brings everything together perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and savory, it’s essential for that cheesy depth.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Melts into delightful, gooey pockets of cheesy goodness on top.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, herbal note to cut through the richness.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a subtle kick.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

The best part about the Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is how effortlessly you can tailor it to your mood and pantry. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins or swaps to suit your tastes or dietary needs!

• Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or sautéed mushrooms to make it heartier and protein-packed.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan-friendly option.
• Herb Variations: Try fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary instead of basil for a different herbaceous profile.
• Spice it Up: Crank up the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika to personalize your heat level.

How to Make Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Sun Dried Tomatoes

Start by pressing the sun dried tomatoes between paper towels to squeeze out excess oil—this step is crucial for avoiding an overly oily sauce. Then dice them into small pieces that will melt seamlessly into the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

Cook the gnocchi according to package directions, usually just 3 to 5 minutes until they float to the surface. This quick step ensures they remain light and pillowy, ready to absorb the delicious sauce.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat, then sauté minced garlic and the sun dried tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper until fragrant and softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Make a slurry by shaking together your stock and flour until smooth, then pour it into the skillet while stirring to incorporate. Let this warm and thicken for a few minutes, laying down the silky base of that irresistible sauce.

Step 5: Add Cream, Cheese, and Gnocchi

Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until the sauce is velvety and well combined. Fold in the cooked gnocchi gently to coat every tender piece in creamy goodness before topping with torn fresh mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the whole skillet in a 400°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. This final step lets the mozzarella melt beautifully and the edges get satisfyingly crisp.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves, extra parmesan, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top to add brightness, extra flavor, and a touch of heat that’ll have you savoring every bite.

How to Serve Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil adds fragrant brightness and a pop of color that livens up the rich sauce. Don’t skimp on the extra parmesan for a salty, nutty finish, and if you like a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes are a game-changer. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil at the end will add a luscious sheen and a hint of fruitiness.

Side Dishes

This gnocchi pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic-roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that dreamy sun dried tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish straight from the skillet to the table for a rustic yet elegant presentation. Sprinkle extra fresh herbs around the platter or serve individual portions in shallow bowls topped with sprigs of basil and a light drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal superstar.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the texture of the gnocchi intact.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to keep the sauce creamy and mozzarella melty. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make gnocchi gummy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is the kind of cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. With its simple ingredients and impressive flavor, it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something extra special. Give it a try—you might just fall in love, just like I did!

If you’re craving a rich, comforting Italian dish with a delightful twist, this Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine pillowy gnocchi bathed in a luscious sun dried tomato cream sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and fresh basil—pure magic on a plate!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple by focusing on fresh, rich ingredients that bring out the best in gnocchi. Each element from the sun dried tomatoes to the fresh basil adds its own unique flavor and texture to make every bite unforgettable.

• Sun Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Key for the sauce’s deep, tangy flavor—be sure to drain and press out excess oil for the perfect balance.
• Gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, they soak up the sauce beautifully for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Garlic and Olive Oil: A fragrant base that enhances the richness of the sun dried tomatoes.
• Vegetable or Chicken Stock: Helps create that silky, luscious sauce without overpowering the dish.
• Flour: To thicken the sauce just right without any clumps.
• Heavy Cream or Half and Half: Adds indulgent creaminess that brings everything together perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and savory, it’s essential for that cheesy depth.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Melts into delightful, gooey pockets of cheesy goodness on top.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, herbal note to cut through the richness.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a subtle kick.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

The best part about the Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is how effortlessly you can tailor it to your mood and pantry. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins or swaps to suit your tastes or dietary needs!

• Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or sautéed mushrooms to make it heartier and protein-packed.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan-friendly option.
• Herb Variations: Try fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary instead of basil for a different herbaceous profile.
• Spice it Up: Crank up the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika to personalize your heat level.

How to Make Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Sun Dried Tomatoes

Start by pressing the sun dried tomatoes between paper towels to squeeze out excess oil—this step is crucial for avoiding an overly oily sauce. Then dice them into small pieces that will melt seamlessly into the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

Cook the gnocchi according to package directions, usually just 3 to 5 minutes until they float to the surface. This quick step ensures they remain light and pillowy, ready to absorb the delicious sauce.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat, then sauté minced garlic and the sun dried tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper until fragrant and softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Make a slurry by shaking together your stock and flour until smooth, then pour it into the skillet while stirring to incorporate. Let this warm and thicken for a few minutes, laying down the silky base of that irresistible sauce.

Step 5: Add Cream, Cheese, and Gnocchi

Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until the sauce is velvety and well combined. Fold in the cooked gnocchi gently to coat every tender piece in creamy goodness before topping with torn fresh mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the whole skillet in a 400°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. This final step lets the mozzarella melt beautifully and the edges get satisfyingly crisp.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves, extra parmesan, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top to add brightness, extra flavor, and a touch of heat that’ll have you savoring every bite.

How to Serve Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil adds fragrant brightness and a pop of color that livens up the rich sauce. Don’t skimp on the extra parmesan for a salty, nutty finish, and if you like a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes are a game-changer. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil at the end will add a luscious sheen and a hint of fruitiness.

Side Dishes

This gnocchi pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic-roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that dreamy sun dried tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish straight from the skillet to the table for a rustic yet elegant presentation. Sprinkle extra fresh herbs around the platter or serve individual portions in shallow bowls topped with sprigs of basil and a light drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal superstar.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the texture of the gnocchi intact.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to keep the sauce creamy and mozzarella melty. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make gnocchi gummy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is the kind of cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. With its simple ingredients and impressive flavor, it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something extra special. Give it a try—you might just fall in love, just like I did!