The Best Homemade Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina

What is Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina?

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a delightful Italian dish that hails from the charming coastal town of Sorrento. This cozy and comforting meal features pillowy soft potato gnocchi paired with a rich and vibrant tomato sauce. The dish is then generously topped with mozzarella and fresh basil, and baked until bubbly and golden. It's the perfect combination of simple ingredients coming together to create a heartwarming dish that's sure to please anyone looking for a taste of Italian comfort food. Whether you're making it at home or enjoying it in a quaint Italian trattoria, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a true culinary treat!

Why you’ll love this Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina recipe

If you're in the mood for a dish that's as comforting as it is delightful, you're going to adore this Gnocchi alla Sorrentina recipe! This classic Italian favorite is not just incredibly easy to make but also packed with rich, heartwarming flavors that'll make you feel like you're dining in a cozy trattoria in Sorrento.

Here are just a few reasons why this recipe will capture your heart:

1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors: With just a handful of ingredients, each one contributes to a robust and aromatic dish that sings with traditional Italian flavors. The combination of tender gnocchi, tangy tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella is a match made in heaven!

2. Quick and Easy: In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up this restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick yet utterly satisfying.

3. Comfort Food at Its Best: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is the ultimate comfort food. Each bite is soft, gooey, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect pick-me-up at the end of a long day.

4. Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist to it! Whether you want to sprinkle some extra herbs for freshness or add a dash of spice for a little kick, this dish is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity.

5. Loved by All: This dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for your family, a date night, or entertaining guests, everyone is bound to fall in love with its charming simplicity and delectable taste.

The ingredients you will need to make Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Don’t skimp on the amount or the quality of this all-important cooking oil. Olive oil is the foundation of this dish, coating each ingredient and helping them to achieve their ideal smoky, roasted flavor.

Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: All the garlic lovers out there, feel free to up your fresh garlic game. The end result is a smoky-sweet roasted garlic flavor that really shines in this dish. We definitely recommend using fresh garlic over jarred garlic or dried varieties. Red Pepper flakes add a little heat to this dish.

Tomatoes: The tomatoes here are vital to a great homemade sauce. Our San Marzano Style Tomatoes are the perfect sauce tomatoes. With few seeds and firm tomato pieces, they are excellent for crushing and blending together into a sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are famously rich and bright, ready to stand up to the heavy cream in this recipe.

Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Mozzarella is a low-moisture cheese with a creamy, fresh flavor that melts nicely.

Potato Gnocchi: Any type of gnocchi will work here, but we love this recipe with a classic Potato Gnocchi. There are so many great flavors in this dish that you don’t need a fancy flavored gnocchi.

Grated Parmesan: When you create an authentic Italian meal of just a few ingredients, the quality of those ingredients really matters. We recommend the sharp, nutty bite of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to complement this creamy tomato sauce.

How to make Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat a large oven-proof baking dish in a thin layer of olive oil.

Start by making the sauce. Heat the oil in a pan then add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the chili pepper and tomatoes then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Add the basil then spoon a ladleful fo sauce into the dish.

Make the gnocchi. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season with salt. Once boiling, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions.

Assemble the dish. Drain the gnocchi then transfer half to the baking dish. Spoon a layer of sauce on top and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Add the remaining gnocchi to the dish then spoon more sauce on top and scatter the remaining mozzarella. Finish with a layer of sauce and sprinkle with a handful of Parmigiano cheese.

Bake. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes then turn on the broiler and continue baking for another 2 minutes or until the cheese is browned.

Top Tips

• Make homemade gnocchi. Click here for instructions.

• You can make the sauce the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Or, make it a week (or more) ahead and freeze it. Heat it to a simmer before using.

• Bake the gnocchi just until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted. A brief slide under the broiler will brown the surface nicely.

• For a little color, garnish the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina with a few whole basil leaves once it comes out of the oven.

• Baking – Make sure to preheat your oven and that it’s on a high heat so the mozzarella melts without overcooking the gnocchi.

Substitutions and additions

If you don’t have canned tomatoes on hand, substitute with your favorite jarred sauce.

Add protein. Cook pancetta or sausage and add it to the layers in the baking dish.

Make it green. Add a schmear of pesto sauce (or a drizzle!) to the tomatoes or sauce for an extra kick of sweet, green flavor.

What to serve with Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina

Garlic Bread: Nothing beats the simplicity and deliciousness of warm, crispy garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra tomato sauce too!

Green Salad: Balance the richness of the gnocchi with a light, fresh green salad. Opt for something with a tangy dressing to cut through the heaviness of the cheeses and sauce. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or a classic Caesar salad, can do the trick.

Roasted Vegetables: Consider serving a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplants. They add a nice char and an extra layer of flavor that complements the gnocchi wonderfully.

Antipasto Platter: Start the meal with an antipasto platter filled with a variety of Italian cheeses, cured meats, olives, and marinated vegetables. It’s a great way to introduce a variety of textures and flavors that will enhance your gnocchi experience.

Steamed Broccoli or Spinach: If you’re looking for a healthier side, steamed broccoli or spinach are excellent choices. They are both mild enough not to overpower the main dish but add a nice color and balance to your plate.

Italian Sausage: For those who crave a bit of meat, Italian sausage is a fantastic addition. Serve it on the side or slice it up and mix it in with the gnocchi for some extra protein and spice.

Caprese Salad: A simple Caprese salad, with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, not only matches the flavors in your gnocchi but also adds a refreshing element to your meal.

Wine Pairing: A glass of Chianti or a lighter red like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the tomato-based sauce of the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, enhancing both the meal and the dining experience.

Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina: FAQ

What is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi is little dumplings traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, creating a soft, pillowy texture that's absolutely comforting. They're quite versatile, often served with a variety of sauces like a rich tomato sauce, a creamy pesto, or simply with melted butter and a sprinkle of herbs. Whether you're enjoying them as a main dish or a side, gnocchi offers a wonderful way to experience a taste of Italian cuisine right at your kitchen table.

What is the meaning of Sorrentina?

"Sorrentina" typically refers to a style of Italian cuisine that originates from Sorrento, a coastal town in southwestern Italy. This style is most famously associated with pasta or dishes that are prepared with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs. It's a vibrant and flavorful culinary tradition that really showcases the fresh, sunny ingredients typical of the Sorrento area. If you ever come across a dish described as "Sorrentina," you can expect it to embody those lovely, traditional Mediterranean flavors.

Is Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina Vegetarian?

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina typically features pillowy gnocchi baked in a rich tomato sauce with mozzarella and basil. It's generally considered vegetarian as it doesn't include meat or fish. However, it does contain dairy, so it wouldn't be suitable for vegans. If you're dining out or buying it pre-made, just check to ensure no meat-based products are added.

Can I make Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina ahead of time?

Yes, there are a couple of ways you can make this dish ahead of time. The first way is to make the sauce ahead of time and then cook the gnocchi and assemble right before baking and serving. You can make the sauce up to 3 days ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before assembling.

The second way is to make the full dish ahead of time and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 30 days. No matter which way you choose to make ahead of time, make sure to bring to room temperature before baking.

The Best Homemade Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina

• 2 tablespoons DeLallo Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, plus more for coating
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
• 1 (28-ounce) can DeLallo San Marzano Style Crushed Tomatoes
• Sea salt
• Two sprigs basil
• 1 (8-ounce) ball mozzarella, torn into pieces
• 1 (16-ounce) box DeLallo Potato Gnocchi
• Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until it begins to sizzle and release its fragrance.  
2. Stir in the chili pepper, then add the tomatoes and a pinch of salt.
3. Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer gently until thickened and flavorful, 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Tear up a handful of basil leaves and stir them into the sauce and cover to keep the sauce warm.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat a large oven-proof baking dish in a thin layer of olive oil.
6. Spoon a ladleful of sauce into the dish.
7. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season with salt. Once boiling, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions.
8. Drain the gnocchi and transfer half to the prepared baking dish. Spoon a layer of sauce on top and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella.
9. Add the remaining gnocchi to the baking dish. Spoon more sauce on top and scatter on the remaining mozzarella.
10. Finish with a layer of sauce and sprinkle with a handful of Parmigiano cheese.
11. Bake: Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, just until bubbly.
12. To brown the top, turn on the broiler and slide the baking dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Serve hot.

You might also like...

Shop related products...

Shop related products...