Go Back
To make the Tomato Basil Gnocchi Skillet, gather these items: - 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving You can choose fresh or store-bought gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi tastes light and fluffy. It cooks quickly and adds a homemade feel. Store-bought gnocchi is quick and easy. It saves time and still tastes great. Both options work well in this dish. If you pick fresh gnocchi, make sure to cook it within a few days. You can adjust some ingredients based on what you have. Here are a few ideas: - Use any pasta type if you don’t have gnocchi. - Swap olive oil with butter or avocado oil for a different flavor. - Fresh basil can be replaced with dried basil. Use less since dried herbs are stronger. - If you don’t like mozzarella, try cheddar or feta cheese. - For a bit of heat, use jalapeños instead of red pepper flakes. These swaps can help you create a dish that fits your taste or what you have on hand. Enjoy making this meal your own! To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until it smells great. Be careful not to let it burn. Next, add a can of diced tomatoes (14 oz), along with halved cherry tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and, if you like heat, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally, so the tomatoes break down and become saucy. While the tomato mixture simmers, it's time to cook the gnocchi. Boil water in a pot and add the gnocchi. If you're using a package, follow the instructions on it. Fresh gnocchi cooks fast, usually in just a few minutes. When they float to the top, they’re ready! Drain the gnocchi and set them aside. Once the tomato mixture has thickened slightly, gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Stir carefully to mix everything well. Tear 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and fold them into the gnocchi mixture. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. Remove the skillet from heat and serve hot. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese for a yummy touch. To make perfect gnocchi, start with the right dough. If you make it from scratch, use light potatoes. Avoid adding too much flour. This keeps the gnocchi soft. If using store-bought, check for quality. Look for gnocchi that feels light and fluffy. Cook them in boiling water until they float. This means they are done. Drain them gently to keep their shape. Fresh herbs elevate the taste of your dish. Basil is key in this recipe. Tear the leaves instead of chopping them. This keeps their flavor strong. You can also add other herbs like thyme or parsley for depth. Just a sprinkle of fresh oregano boosts the taste. Use herbs right before serving for the best flavor. Avoid overcooking the gnocchi. This makes them mushy and less tasty. Don’t skip the step of simmering the tomatoes. It helps blend the flavors well. Keep an eye on the garlic; it can burn fast. A burned taste ruins the dish. Lastly, always taste for salt and pepper. Adjusting these can make a big difference in flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Use plant-based gnocchi or make your own. Skip the cheese and try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers. These will add color and nutrition. You won’t miss the cheese, trust me! Want to make this dish heartier? Add protein! Cook chicken or sausage before adding the tomatoes. Use diced chicken breast for a mild flavor. For spice, try Italian sausage. Cook it in the skillet first, then follow the recipe. You’ll have a filling meal in no time! Not a fan of mozzarella? Swap it for other cheeses! Try ricotta for creaminess or goat cheese for tang. You can even mix cheeses for a unique taste. Just remember to adjust the amount to keep it balanced. Cheese adds richness, so pick what you love! To store leftovers, let the skillet cool down first. Then, scoop the gnocchi into an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When it's time to eat again, reheat the gnocchi in a skillet. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help it warm up. Heat it over medium-low heat. Stir gently to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Put it in a bowl with a lid and heat in short bursts. If you want to freeze the dish, it's best to do it before you add the cheese. Let the skillet cool and place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to seal it well. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it up and add fresh cheese before serving. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Some great options are penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Each pasta will bring its own texture and taste. Just remember to cook them according to the package instructions. Gnocchi has a unique, soft bite, while other pastas may offer a firmer feel. Adjust the cooking time as needed for the pasta you choose. This dish pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. You can mix greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread complements the meal, adding a delicious crunch. You can also serve it with grilled vegetables for extra flavor and color. Making this dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You will spend around 10 minutes prepping and another 10 minutes cooking. It’s a quick meal that fits perfectly into a busy day. The speedy process makes it great for a weeknight dinner. You get a warm, hearty meal in no time! The blog outlined how to make a tasty Tomato Basil Gnocchi Skillet. We covered essential ingredients, from using fresh gnocchi to possible substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the dish. Tips and tricks helped perfect your gnocchi and avoid common mistakes. Variations allow you to add proteins or go vegan. Lastly, we discussed storage, reheating, and frequently asked questions. Keep this guide handy for cooking delicious meals with ease. Enjoy your culinary journey!

Tomato Basil Gnocchi Skillet

Savor the flavors of summer with this delightful Tomato Basil Gnocchi Skillet recipe! This easy and comforting dish combines soft gnocchi, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. In just 20 minutes, you can create a meal that's perfect for any night of the week. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juice), halved cherry tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.

        Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to break down.

          Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

            Once the tomato mixture has thickened slightly, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Gently stir to combine everything.

              Tear the fresh basil leaves and fold them into the gnocchi mixture.

                Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

                  Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in the skillet for a rustic look or portion into individual plates. Garnish with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.