This One-Pot Gnocchi with Tomato and Mozzarella offers the perfect solution for a quick and easy vegetarian dinner, in less than 30 minutes. This dish, inspired by the BBC Good Food recipe, combines the taste of gnocchi in a comforting way with the freshness of tomatoes, red pepper, and basil—all covered in gooey, melted mozzarella. It is an all-in-one, easy midweek dinner.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- All Time: 30min
- Category: Veg, Complete, Pizza and Pasta, International
- Food: Italian
Ingredients for One Pot Gnocchi with Tomato and Mozzarella
Serves 4
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Richens the sauce and lubricates the pan for vegetable sautéing.
- 1 onion, chopped finely: Gives sweetness and a great umami flavor to the base.
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped: The taste of this is sweet and a little sour, adding a bright color.
- 1 clove garlic, crushed: Will help create a strong, aromatic flavor.
- 400g chopped tomatoes: the base of tangy, lively sauce.
- 500g Gnocchi: Soft, fluffy pasta that soaks the sauce flavor completely.
- A few basil leaves, shredded: For some freshness and aroma.
- 1 ball of mozzarella, torn to shreds: melts great; creamy, cheesy finish.
Steps for Preparing a One-Pot Gnocchi with Tomato and Mozzarella
Step 1: Make sure you sauté the vegetables properly.
In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and red pepper; sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring from time to time until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent. This step helps release the natural sweetness of the vegetables, hence deepening the dish in flavor.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Add the crushed garlic to the pan and cook for a further minute, stirring continually. It’s at this stage that you have to be careful not to burn the garlic. The garlic will infuse a lovely aroma and taste into the base of the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Tomato Sauce
Add in the chopped tomatoes and, combining it with the sautéed vegetables, mix everything well. Let this mixture simmer gently. The tomatoes will start breaking down, creating a rich, flavorful sauce. Season the sauce with some salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi to the sauce straight out of the pan, stir it well, then cover the pan. Keep the heat as low as possible, and let the mixture simmer gently, ensuring you stir occasionally. Gnocchi will cook in the tomato sauce, and it will absorb the aromas into it, thus becoming tender.
Step 5: Garnish with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella
Remove the pan from the heat and taste to check that gnocchi is completely cooked through, and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the sliced basil for a fresh aromatic lift on the dish. Scattered the mozzarella chunks over the top of the gnocchi mixture.
Step 6: Baked Dish
Grill on high heat. Place under a hot grill for 5 to 6 minutes, until the mozzarella is moltenly melted, soft, and bubbling. This will have also developed a lovely golden color to the cheese along with a delicious, gooey texture.
One Pot Gnocchi with Tomato and Mozzarella
Serve straight from the pan: hot, one-pan gnocchi. The tenderness of the gnocchi complements the savoury richness of the tomato sauce, fresh basil, and bubbly mozzarella so well; it’s honestly pure comfort food. Goes well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
More Tips for One-Pot Gnocchi with Tomato and Mozzarella Make Ahead
- Dish can be made through step 6 up to 1 day ahead: prepare to grill, then cover pan and refrigerate. Return the pan to room temperature before proceeding with step 7.
- Adapt With Veggies: You can add vegetables of your preference, or those that you have handy. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach would also make great additions.
- Cheese Additions:Add the following for more options of flavor—you like one of these better? Provolone, fontina or even a sprinkle of Parmesan. Add slices of cooked sausage, chicken, or chickpeas to the mixture before you grill them for a more substantial meal.
- Herb Variations: Try using other fresh herbs, like oregano, thyme, or parsley, for a different flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 15 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 60 grams |
| Fat | 12 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 5 grams |
| Fiber | 5 grams |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
| Vitamin A | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 35% |
| Calcium | 15% |
| Iron | 10% |
Note
Now that is really something: One-Pot Gnocchi with Tomato and Mozzarella. Perfect for these busy weeknights, this offers a good, satisfying meal with practically an absolute minimum of hands-on time. Almost seems as though the ingredients are simple but the whole preparation of this would make it a go-to for anyone who wants to whip up some quick vegetarian dinners. The tomatoes are coated with a thick, luscious red sauce that perfectly marries with the tender gnocchi, fresh basil, and gooey melted mozzarella. Enjoy this deliciously warming treat that most definitely offers convenience and tasty flavors—just as if it were made in one pot!