Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting yet a little bit special, this Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the vibrant sundried tomatoes bring a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the pillowy gnocchi—it’s a combination that’s both luxurious and homey. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or an easy dinner party, it always feels like a treat without requiring hours in the kitchen.

When I first tried this recipe, what really hooked me was the creamy sauce with just enough tang and bite, plus those pockets of gooey mozzarella that melt into every bite. You’ll find that it comes together faster than you expect, making it a fantastic choice when you want to impress with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your meal rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of savory—perfect for coating your gnocchi. Plus, I always keep sun dried tomatoes on hand because their flavor is just unbeatable in dishes like this.

• Sun dried tomatoes in oil: Go for jarred ones packed in oil—they’re flavorful and tender, just remember to press out extra oil to keep your sauce from getting greasy.
• Gnocchi: Fresh or store-bought frozen gnocchi work beautifully; cooking according to package instructions makes this recipe super simple.
• Olive oil: Just a splash to gently sauté the tomatoes and garlic without overpowering them.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds that aromatic kick we all love.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Season carefully to balance the richness and brightness in the sauce.
• Vegetable or chicken stock: This helps thin the sauce and adds depth—homemade or good-quality store-bought makes a difference here.
• Flour: A little goes a long way to thicken the sauce, resulting in that perfect creamy texture.
• Heavy cream or half and half: For a luscious, smooth sauce—half and half also works if you want it slightly lighter.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely grated, this adds savory umami that ties the whole dish together.
• Fresh mozzarella: Using fresh gives you those beautiful melty pockets on top; tearing by hand creates lovely uneven bites.
• Fresh basil: To garnish with a pop of green freshness and aroma.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat and keeps things interesting—totally optional but I highly recommend it!

Variations

I love how versatile this Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe can be. You can easily swap ingredients or tweak it based on what you have in your fridge, which makes it perfect for personalization. Here are a couple of my favorite ways to mix things up:

• Protein Boost: Adding cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken turns this into a heartier meal—my husband especially loves it this way.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan cheese alternatives to keep it creamy without dairy.
• Fresh Herbs: Sometimes I swap fresh basil for thyme or oregano depending on my mood and herbs on hand.
• Spicy Kick: For a bolder flavor, stir in extra chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika before baking.

How to Make Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Tomatoes and Gnocchi

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then take those sun dried tomatoes out of their oil and press them firmly between paper towels to squeeze out excess oil—this step is key because it prevents your sauce from becoming greasy. Dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces so they’ll meld nicely into the sauce. While prepping, cook your gnocchi according to the package directions—usually just 3 to 5 minutes in boiling water until they float. Drain and set them aside, ready to soak up that luscious sauce.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium-low heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Toss in the diced sun dried tomatoes and minced garlic with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Let them gently cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic softens and everything starts smelling amazing, but be careful not to brown the garlic—that can turn bitter. This is when your kitchen will start to smell SO good.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a separate small container, combine your stock and flour, then shake or whisk vigorously to create a smooth slurry—this trick avoids lumps in the sauce. Pour this mixture into the skillet while stirring constantly; the sauce will begin to thicken gently. Once thickened, stir in the heavy cream (or half and half) and the finely grated parmesan cheese until everything melds into a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Add your cooked gnocchi into the sauce and stir to coat each piece lovingly. Then top everything with torn or sliced fresh mozzarella—this adds a melty indulgence that’s hard to resist. Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden in spots. You’ll want to watch for those gooey pockets of cheese and the delicious aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When it’s out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves, a bit more parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes on top for color, fragrance, and a little heat. Serve immediately for the best melt and flavor experience.

How to Serve Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with fresh torn basil—it adds this bright herbal note that cuts through the richness. You can’t go wrong adding more grated parmesan on top for extra umami, and if you like things with a little kick like me, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes really wakes up the dish.

Side Dishes

We often pair this with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic roasted broccoli or steamed green beans are great veggie options that bring crunch and freshness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a slice of crusty bread is perfect to mop up all that saucy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this in individual ramekins topped with extra mozzarella and basil. It instantly elevates the meal’s presentation and makes everyone feel like it’s a restaurant-worthy experience. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality balsamic reduction over the top for a touch of sophistication and a sweet tang.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi absorbs the sauce nicely overnight, making for delicious next-day meals. Just keep in mind the mozzarella may firm up, but it’s still fantastic reheated.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the baked dish itself, you can freeze the cooked gnocchi separately and the sauce separately before baking. Freeze both in airtight containers and combine them fresh when you’re ready to eat—this keeps textures fresher.

Reheating

I like to reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of stock or cream to loosen the sauce—microwaving works too, but stirring gently on the stove helps keep the gnocchi tender and sauce creamy. Adding fresh basil on top after reheating brightens it up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Saucy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a hug on a plate—creamy, cheesy, and full of bright, savory flavor. I love sharing this with friends because it’s approachable yet impressive, and every time I make it, I discover just a little more joy in the simplicity and richness it brings. If you want a dish that’s quick to pull together but delivers big on taste and comfort, I can’t recommend this one enough—give it a try, and I bet you’ll be making it again and again.

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