Heavenly Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
Light, fluffy, airy pillows — that you can eat.
That’s exactly what potato gnocchi feel like to me. Soft, delicate, and almost melt-in-your-mouth tender, they’re the kind of comfort food that works beautifully for toddlers, kids, and adults alike. There’s something about their pillowy texture that makes every bite feel special.
I’ve made gnocchi from scratch and I’ve happily grabbed a package from the store on busy nights. While homemade gnocchi truly is incredible (just ask my husband — it’s the dish he orders every time it’s on the menu at our favorite Italian restaurant), good-quality store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully here too. The real star of this recipe is the sauce.
This luscious tomato sauce gently coats each piece of gnocchi, adding rich flavor without overpowering their delicate texture. Once tossed together, I fold in fragrant fresh basil, scatter in plump mozzarella balls that soften and melt into the warm dish, and finish everything with a light shower of freshly grated Parmesan.
The result? A simple yet elegant meal that tastes restaurant-worthy but comes together faster than ordering takeout. It’s cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews at the dinner table.
Serve it straight from the pan while the cheese is perfectly melty — and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds.
Heavenly Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
There’s something magical about a bowl of gnocchi. Those light, fluffy potato pillows soak up sauce beautifully and practically melt in your mouth. This Heavenly Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce is the kind of comforting meal that feels special — yet it’s easy enough for a busy weeknight.
The sauce starts with sautéed onions, garlic, and carrots for natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Everything simmers together with tomatoes before being blended into a smooth, velvety sauce that gently coats each bite of gnocchi. It’s rich without being heavy and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Once the gnocchi are tossed in the warm sauce, they’re finished with ribbons of fresh basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and soft mozzarella balls that melt right into the dish. The result is cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn seconds at the table.
Whether you’re cooking for toddlers, teens, or adults, this dish delivers big comfort with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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1 teaspoon olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 carrot, peeled and diced
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1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 pound prepackaged gnocchi
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2 tablespoons thinly sliced basil
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Parmesan cheese, for serving
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Mozzarella balls, for serving
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a sauce pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and carrot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes and salt. Simmer for 20 minutes.
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Remove from heat and puree until smooth using an immersion blender, or carefully transfer to a blender and puree.
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Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package directions.
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Drain the gnocchi and add them to the sauce. Simmer together for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Top with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella balls before serving.
