Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: Recipe, Cooking Tips, and Time-Saving Hacks

Written By Lianna Bass

Learn how to make Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, a cozy Italian dish of gnocchi, tomato sauce, and mozzarella—with time-saving shortcuts included.

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a warm, comforting Italian dish from the stunning Sorrento coast. This recipe blends tender potato gnocchi with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce topped with melted mozzarella and fragrant basil for an irresistibly cheesy, satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner party, this classic Italian recipe is both simple and delicious.

Here’s how to make gnocchi alla Sorrentina at home!

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What is Gnocchi alla Sorrentina?

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a baked dish that combines soft potato gnocchi with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. It’s a traditional dish from Sorrento, a picturesque town on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and is celebrated for its rich flavors and comforting appeal.

Ingredients for Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Gnocchi:

  • 1 lb (450 g) potatoes (preferably Russet or Yukon Gold)

  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 egg, beaten

  • Salt, to taste

You can also use 1 lb (450 g) of store-bought gnocchi for convenience

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • Fresh basil leaves, torn

  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

You can substitute homemade sauce with about 3 cups of your favorite jarred marinara sauce

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Let's dive into the process of creating this delicious dish. Follow these steps for a tasty, comforting meal:

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Gnocchi

If you’re using premade gnocchi, cook it according to the package instructions and skip to Step 2!

Boil the Potatoes

  • Place the unpeeled potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water.

  • Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until tender, about 20–25 minutes.

  • Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.

Mash the Potatoes

  • Peel the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher or press them through a potato ricer into a large mixing bowl.

  • Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely.

Mix the Gnocchi Dough

  • Add the flour, a pinch of salt, and the beaten egg to the mashed potatoes.

  • Mix the ingredients with your hands until a dough forms. It should be soft and slightly sticky.

Shape the Gnocchi

  • Flour a work surface and divide the dough into four parts.

  • Roll each portion into a long rope about ¾ inch thick.

  • Cut the ropes into small pieces (about 1 inch) and use a fork to create the classic gnocchi ridges.

Cook the Gnocchi

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.

  • Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in batches.

  • When they float to the surface, let them cook for 30 seconds before removing them with a slotted spoon.

  • Transfer the cooked gnocchi to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch for an even faster version. Heat it up in a skillet before continuing with the recipe!

Sauté the Garlic

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

  • Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.

Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.

  • Stir the sauce and bring it to a simmer.

  • Let the sauce cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

Add Fresh Basil

  • Stir in the torn basil leaves and remove the sauce from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Combine Gnocchi with Sauce

  • Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the tomato sauce.

  • Gently stir to coat the gnocchi evenly with the sauce.

Transfer to a Baking Dish

  • Transfer the gnocchi and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan

  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the gnocchi.

Bake the Dish

  • Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Broil for a Golden Top

  • If desired, broil the dish for 1–2 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top layer of cheese.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove the gnocchi from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

  • Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired, and serve warm.

Tips for Making Perfect Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

  • Use the Right Potatoes: For the best texture, choose starchy potatoes, like Russet or Yukon Gold. This ensures a light and fluffy gnocchi dough that holds together well.

  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough until just combined. Overworking can make the gnocchi tougher instead of tender.

  • Adjust the Sauce’s Flavor to Taste: Feel free to add more basil, a pinch of sugar for sweetness, or some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat in your tomato sauce.

  • Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is traditional, you can add or substitute other cheeses, such as fontina or provolone, for different flavor profiles.

Let’s Recap!

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is an Italian classic perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal. With this step-by-step guide—and some optional shortcuts—you’ll create a dish rich in flavor and irresistible to all who taste it. Buon appetito!

Lianna Bass