Tomato Basil Gnocchi Skillet
Shelf-stable potato gnocchi cook directly in tomato sauce for a cozy skillet dinner with fewer dishes. Mozzarella melts over the top, and fresh basil finishes the pan. A little water helps the gnocchi cook without making the tomato sauce too concentrated.
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10 minutes prep · 20 minutes cooking · Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water, plus more if needed
- 1 package (16 ounces) shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt, then more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces mozzarella, shredded or torn into small pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
How to make it
Heat the oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Cook onion for 5–6 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and oregano for 30 seconds.
Add crushed tomatoes, water, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in gnocchi. Cover and simmer gently for 5–8 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking, until the gnocchi are tender. Check the package: some brands need longer. Add water in small splashes if the sauce thickens too quickly.
Scatter mozzarella over the top. Cover for 2–3 minutes on low heat, just until the cheese melts.
Turn off the heat, add torn basil, and taste the sauce. Serve immediately with a simple salad if desired.
Tips for a better result
Use shelf-stable gnocchi for the timing given here. Frozen and fresh gnocchi may behave differently. Keep the sauce gently bubbling rather than boiling hard, and do not leave the covered pan unattended.
Substitutions and serving ideas
Add a handful of spinach with the gnocchi. For a dairy-free version, omit mozzarella or use a suitable alternative. Check gnocchi ingredients if avoiding eggs, dairy, or wheat.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in shallow, covered containers within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F). Keep at 40°F or below and use within 3–4 days. Reheat leftovers to 165°F. Add a splash of water to saucy dishes if needed. See USDA leftover guidance.
A useful question
Do I need to boil the gnocchi separately? Not for this method. They cook in the sauce with added water. Always check that they are tender before serving.
Keep your seasonings easy to find
Keep spice jars labeled and away from heat, light, and moisture. If you are organizing a cooking space, our Spiceo four-piece wall-mounted spice rack set includes four racks and mounting hardware. Jars and spices are not included. Choose a suitable mounting location away from the stove's heat and steam.
What to cook next
Cooking times are estimates; use the doneness checks in the instructions. Recipe image is AI-generated for illustration.