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    Home » Recipes » Gnocchi

    Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

    Published: Jul 11, 2020, Last updated: Feb 9, 2021 by Emily This post may contain affiliate links.

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    A pinterest graphic for gnocchi alla sorrentina

    Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is an incredible Italian comfort food dish made with soft and light potato gnocchi baked in a rich and delicious tomato sauce with bubbling mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.

    An overhead shot of gnocchi alla sorrentina in a skillet sitting on a wooden surface

    Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is one of my all-time favourite comfort food dishes. The soft gnocchi that are as light as air baked in an incredible tomato sauce with bubbling creamy mozzarella cheese and fresh basil is hard to beat.

    This dish comes from Sorrento, Italy (hence the name alla Sorrentina) which is a beautiful coastal town close to both the Amalfi coast and Naples.

    Traditionally and for the ultimate indulgence, it's so worth making your own gnocchi from scratch, although it takes a lot more time and effort it's fairly easy and makes this dish out of this world delicious.

    But at a pinch you can certainly make Gnocchi alla Sorrentina with store-bought gnocchi which is much more realistic when making this on busy weeknights.

    As always make sure to choose high-quality ingredients for best results, Buon Appetitio!

    Ingredients you need

    The ingredients are super simple, everyday staples but there are some key tips to bear in mind.

    • Gnocchi - we have a step by step guide for making incredible potato gnocchi which I totally recommend following to make this dish. If you don't have time then go for a good-quality brand, I like De Cecco gnocchi.
    • Tomatoes - I used canned pomodorini (cherry tomatoes) because I love their sweetness and they look beautiful. You can also use crushed tomatoes or passata (crushed strained tomatoes) as long as they are high-quality. During the summer this dish is a great way to use up fresh ripe tomatoes.
    • Garlic - you must use fresh garlic in this recipe it's super important.
    • Mozzarella - use balls of mozzarella and not pre-grated. Make sure to pat the mozzarella dry with kitchen paper to avoid excess moisture oozing out over the baked gnocchi.
    • Basil - you don't need a lot but fresh basil is a must, don't use dried.
    An overhead shot of all the ingredients needed to make gnocchi alla sorrentina

    How to make Gnocchi alla Sorrentina - step by step

    If making your own potato gnocchi follow this step by step guide alternatively use store bought.

    To make the sauce, saute the garlic in a little olive oil in a large pan or skillet.

    Step by step photos showing how to prepare a tomato sauce

    Add the canned pomodorini tomatoes with a good pinch of salt and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes breaking up the tomatoes enough so they burst open. Once simmered add some mozzarella and basil and stir to combine.

    Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface.

    Step by step photos showing how to make Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

    Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and add to the tomato sauce, toss to coat. If your pan or skillet is not oven-proof then transfer the gnocchi to an oven-proof baking dish.

    Top the gnocchi with more mozzarella and bake for 20 minutes until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbling and golden.

    A close up of gnocchi in a skillet with a tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil

    Top tips and recipe FAQs

    • Gnocchi - To make your own homemade gnocchi follow this guide.
    • Tomatoes - High-quality tomatoes are important or you may end up with a very acidic sauce. If you can't find pomodorini (cherry tomatoes) you can use crushed tomatoes or passata (crushed strained tomatoes).
    • Baking - Make sure to pre-heat your oven and that it's on a high heat so the mozzarella melts without overcooking the gnocchi.
    Can I prepare this in advance?

    You can prepare the sauce in advance, keep it in the fridge then reheat it and add the gnocchi when you are ready to bake it.

    Can I freeze leftovers?

    Yes, you can freeze leftover gnocchi alla sorrentina just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating.

    More gnocchi recipes you might like

    • Ricotta Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage
    • Salsa di Noci - Walnut Sauce
    • Pesto Gnocchi
    • Easy Ricotta Gnocchi with Broccoli Cream Sauce
    • Pan Fried Gnocchi with Rosemary

    If you’ve tried this Gnocchi alla Sorrentina Recipe or any other recipe on the blog please let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I’m getting up to.

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    A close up of gnocchi alla sorrentina in a pan
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    5 from 3 votes

    Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

    Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is an incredible Italian comfort food dish made with soft and light potato gnocchi baked in a rich and delicious tomato sauce with bubbling mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Prep Time 2 minutes
    Cook Time 35 minutes
    Total Time 37 minutes
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 468kcal
    Author Emily Kemp

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb potato gnocchi see note 1 (500g)
    • 28 oz canned pomodorini tomatoes can also use crushed tomatoes (800g)
    • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
    • 1 large handful fresh basil
    • 8.8 oz mozzarella roughly chopped or torn (2 balls / 250g)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to season

    Instructions

    • If making your own potato gnocchi follow this step by step guide alternatively use store bought.
    • Pre-heat the oven to 430F/220C.
    • Heat the olive oil to a large skillet, add the garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
    • Next, add the canned pomodorini tomatoes with a good pinch of salt and pepper and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes breaking up the tomatoes enough so they burst open. Once simmered add half of the mozzarella (roughly chopped) and basil then stir to combine.
    • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface.
    • Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and add to the tomato sauce, toss to coat. If your pan or skillet is not oven-proof then transfer the gnocchi to an oven-proof baking dish.
    • Top the gnocchi with the rest of the mozzarella and bake for 20 minutes until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbling and golden.

    Notes

    1. Gnocchi - To make your own homemade gnocchi follow this guide.
    2. Tomatoes - High-quality tomatoes are important or you may end up with a very acidic sauce. If you can't find pomodorini (cherry tomatoes) you can use crushed tomatoes or passata (crushed strained tomatoes).
    3. Baking - Make sure to pre-heat your oven and that it's on a high heat so the mozzarella melts without overcooking the gnocchi.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 468kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 1038mg | Potassium: 629mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 848IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 408mg | Iron: 7mg
    Helpful Info for All Recipes
    • I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise
    • When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind I always use Cirio or Mutti brands for the best results and flavour.
    • All vegetables are medium sized unless stated otherwise
    • All recipes are tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven
    • Find out more about how nutrition is calculated.
    • Check out our must have Italian Pantry Staples.
    • You can also find all our Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking.
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @insidetherustickitchen or tag #insidetherustickitchen! We'd love you see what you're getting up to in the kitchen!

    More Gnocchi

    • Homemade Gnocchetti Sardi (Malloreddus)
    • Gnocchi Carbonara
    • Homemade Potato Gnocchi - Step by Step
    • Easy Pesto Gnocchi

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tori Tumino

      August 29, 2022 at 10:23 pm

      Thanks for sharing this mouthwatering recipe! Can I use fresh roma tomatoes from my garden? Or must it be cherry tomatoes?

      Reply
      • Emily

        August 30, 2022 at 4:21 pm

        Yes, of course, use your fresh roma tomatoes to make a sauce that’ll be delicious!

        Reply
    2. Moira

      May 11, 2022 at 10:57 pm

      Surprised how this can be so delicious with such minimal ingredients and effort. Will be making this again and again!

      Reply
    3. Mason

      April 05, 2021 at 5:35 pm

      Had a hunger to create this ourselves after having this dish whilst travelling in Sorrento. The recipe is akin to eating this is one of the charming restaurants there, very impressed and will try to incorporate this as a new staple. Thank you for this!5 stars

      Reply
    4. Marcela

      February 24, 2021 at 6:26 pm

      great recipe!! Easy to follow and it gave me the chance to use my newly collected basil from my new herb garden!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Emily

        March 03, 2021 at 3:03 pm

        Thank you, I'm so happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    5. Angela

      July 14, 2020 at 8:09 pm

      Oooh! How tasty does this look! Takes me back to the gnocchi I had in Sorrento! Can't wait to make this...and soon!5 stars

      Reply

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