Dinner

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina Recipe

ByHailey Reed December 26, 2025December 26, 2025

Introduction

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a comforting Italian classic that combines pillowy gnocchi with rich tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Baked until golden and bubbling, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

The image shows a round baked dish filled with layers of melted cheese on top, which is golden and bubbly with some green herbs sprinkled throughout. Beneath the cheese is a bright red tomato sauce with a slightly thick texture, bubbling around the edges. The dish is presented in a brown ceramic bowl placed on a white marbled surface with a blue and white checkered cloth underneath. Nearby, a white plate and a glass bottle of olive oil stand on the surface. In the background, there is a small white bowl with sun-dried tomatoes and a piece of cream cheese, a cutting board with a triangular block of pale yellow cheese, and a grater. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 kilogram gnocchi
2 fresh mozzarella cheese balls
400 milliliters tomato passata
Fresh basil, to taste
2 cloves garlic
Salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
200 grams Parmigiano-Reggiano

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Step 2: Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese balls into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. When the gnocchi float to the surface, they are ready. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: In a baking tray, start with a layer of tomato passata, then add a layer of cooked gnocchi, followed by mozzarella pieces, fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, salt, ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Step 5: Repeat the layers, finishing with a top layer of tomato passata, mozzarella, and grated Parmigiano cheese.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is melted and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, sauté the garlic lightly before layering.
Use a mix of fresh and dried basil if fresh is not available.
Try adding a pinch of chili flakes for a gentle heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through to preserve the melty texture and avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

A round, deep brown ceramic dish is filled with a thick, bubbling tomato sauce layered with melted golden-brown mozzarella cheese on top. The cheese has small browned spots and is unevenly melted, with some stringy textures visible. Bits of herbs and seasoning float on the surface, adding green specks to the warm red-orange base. The dish sits on a white marbled surface covered partly by a blue and white checkered tablecloth. Around it, there is a small white bowl with red and cream ingredients, a wooden board with a wedge of pale yellow cheese and some red chili flakes, a metal grater, and a clear glass of water. A bottle of olive oil with a metallic top stands nearby, and a white plate is set nearby as well. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time. Just follow the package instructions for cooking before layering.

What can I substitute if I can’t find tomato passata?

You can use canned crushed tomatoes or a smooth tomato sauce as a substitute, though passata offers a smoother texture that is ideal for this dish.

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews

Author: Hailey
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian baked dish featuring pillowy gnocchi layered with fresh mozzarella, tomato passata, aromatic basil, garlic, and generous amounts of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, this comforting recipe delivers a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that celebrate the simplicity of Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi

1 kilogram Gnocchi

Cheese

2 Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Balls
200 grams Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated

Sauce and Flavorings

400 milliliters Tomato Passata
2 cloves Garlic
Fresh Basil leaves, to taste
Salt, to taste
Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to prepare for baking.
Prepare Mozzarella: Slice the two fresh mozzarella cheese balls into bite-sized pieces for layering.
Cook Gnocchi: Boil the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface, which indicates they are cooked. Drain and set aside.
Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, start with a layer of tomato passata, then add a layer of cooked gnocchi. Distribute pieces of sliced mozzarella, sprinkle fresh basil leaves, add minced or sliced garlic, season with salt and ground black pepper, and add some grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Repeat Layers: Continue layering the ingredients in the same order until you finish with a top layer of tomato passata, mozzarella slices, and grated Parmigiano cheese.
Bake: Place the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Notes

Using fresh mozzarella adds creaminess and a delicate texture to the dish.
For an extra burst of freshness, add more basil just before serving.
Ensure gnocchi are not overcooked; they should be tender but hold their shape during baking.
If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce layer.
Let the baked gnocchi rest for a few minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Italian gnocchi bake, baked gnocchi with mozzarella, Italian comfort food, tomato and cheese gnocchi

Hailey Reed

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