Best Gnocchi alla Sorrentina Recipe (Easy & Authentic!)

Rich, bubbly, and bursting with authentic Italian flavors, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is the ultimate comfort food with a Southern Italian twist. This beloved dish features pillowy potato gnocchi baked in a vibrant tomato sauce with fresh basil and creamy mozzarella, all topped with Parmesan cheese and baked until golden and bubbling. It’s the kind of meal that fills the whole house with irresistible aromas and draws everyone straight to the table.

Each forkful delivers a heavenly combination of textures—soft, melty, and perfectly balanced with tangy tomato sauce and rich, stretchy cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a special weeknight or impressing dinner guests, this gnocchi is as impressive to serve as it is to love. Add your favorite touches like fresh basil leaves, extra mozzarella, crushed red pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil for a colorful, customizable meal that feels like a trip to the Amalfi Coast.

Why You’ll Love This Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

• Restaurant classic made easy: All the elegance of Italian fine dining, simplified for your home kitchen.
• Incredibly comforting: Soft gnocchi, melted cheese, and tomato sauce create the ultimate cozy meal.
• Quick weeknight option: Ready in just 30 minutes using store-bought gnocchi for convenience.
• Vegetarian-friendly: A satisfying meatless meal that even meat-lovers will adore.
• Perfect for entertaining: Looks stunning straight from the oven and always impresses guests.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to clean-up.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

9×13-inch Baking Dish (or individual ramekins)
This is the MVP of the recipe. A ceramic or oven-safe dish ensures even baking and creates beautiful presentation.

Large Pot for Boiling Gnocchi
Essential for cooking gnocchi to perfect tender texture. A bigger pot prevents sticking and crowding.

Large Skillet or Saucepan
Perfect for simmering the tomato sauce and building layers of flavor before assembling.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Ideal for stirring the sauce and gently folding in the cooked gnocchi without breaking them.

Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision matters—especially for the sauce ingredients to achieve authentic Sorrentina flavor.

Colander or Slotted Spoon
Best for draining gnocchi quickly without losing them down the drain.

Cheese Grater
For freshly grating mozzarella and Parmesan—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as beautifully.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes the cooking process seamless and safe.

Preparation Tips

• Use fresh mozzarella if possible for the best melting quality and authentic flavor. Drain it well before using.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi—they cook in just 2–3 minutes and will continue cooking in the oven.
• Tear basil leaves by hand rather than cutting to prevent bruising and preserve the delicate flavor.
• Use quality San Marzano tomatoes for the most authentic, sweet tomato sauce.
• Let the baked dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly and doesn’t slide off.
• Broil for the last 2 minutes to get that gorgeous golden, bubbly cheese top.

These small touches make a big difference in taste, texture, and presentation.

Ingredients for This Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this authentic, flavor-packed dish to life. Most of the ingredients are Italian staples, making it both traditional and accessible.

For the Gnocchi and Sauce:

• 2 lbs potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can San Marzano crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, diced or torn
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• Torn burrata (for extra indulgence)

Everything in this list balances simplicity and richness—the tomato sauce perfectly complements the soft gnocchi and melted cheese. The garnishes are optional but give the dish an authentic, restaurant-quality finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn). Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in half of the torn basil leaves.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions (usually 2–3 minutes, or until they float to the surface). Fresh gnocchi cooks faster than shelf-stable. Drain the gnocchi using a colander or slotted spoon, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 3: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Add the drained gnocchi to the tomato sauce in the skillet. Gently fold together, being careful not to break the delicate gnocchi. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. The gnocchi should be well-coated but the sauce shouldn’t be watery.

Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter. Transfer half of the gnocchi mixture to the baking dish, spreading evenly. Scatter half of the diced fresh mozzarella over the gnocchi. Add the remaining gnocchi mixture on top, then distribute the rest of the fresh mozzarella, the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and Pecorino Romano (if using) evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden. For an extra golden, crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves, extra Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly, with crusty bread on the side.

Notes

Make It Meaty: Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the tomato sauce for a heartier version.

Individual Portions: Divide the mixture among 6–8 individual ramekins for elegant single servings perfect for entertaining.

Fresh Gnocchi vs. Shelf-Stable: Fresh gnocchi has a softer, more delicate texture. Shelf-stable works perfectly and is more convenient.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the gnocchi initially: Gnocchi continues cooking in the oven. Remove from boiling water as soon as they float.
• Using pre-shredded cheese only: Pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Use fresh mozzarella for best results.
• Not seasoning the tomato sauce enough: Taste and adjust seasoning before assembling. Once baked, you can’t easily fix bland sauce.
• Adding too much liquid: The dish should be saucy but not swimming in liquid. Excess moisture makes it watery instead of creamy.
• Skipping the resting period: Cutting into it immediately causes all the cheese to slide off. Five minutes makes a huge difference.
• Not using quality tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes have natural sweetness and low acidity that make a noticeable difference.
• Crowding individual ramekins: If making individual portions, don’t overfill or they’ll bubble over in the oven.
• Forgetting to grease the baking dish: Gnocchi can stick without proper greasing, making serving difficult.

What to Serve With Gnocchi alla Sorrentina?

This rich, cheesy gnocchi is substantial on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate it into a complete Italian feast. Whether you’re going light or indulgent, there’s a side dish for every preference.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Crusty Italian Bread
Warm, crusty bread is essential for soaking up every bit of that delicious tomato sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan provides a fresh, light contrast.

Caesar Salad
Classic Caesar with romaine, croutons, and Parmesan complements the Italian flavors beautifully.

Garlic Bread
Buttery garlic bread adds extra indulgence and is perfect for the tomato sauce.

Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil echo the dish’s flavors with bright, summery notes.

Roasted Vegetables
Zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers roasted with herbs add healthy variety.

Antipasto Platter
Cured meats, olives, artichokes, and marinated vegetables create an authentic Italian experience.

Tiramisu or Panna Cotta (for dessert)
A classic Italian dessert provides the perfect sweet ending to this rich, savory meal.

These pairings help round out the meal and bring a restaurant-level feel to your dinner table.

Storage Instructions

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is delicious as leftovers—and it stores beautifully.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Let the gnocchi cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled gnocchi (unbaked or baked) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, for 20–25 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2–3 minutes. The gnocchi may lose some texture using this method.

Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or sauce over medium-low heat.

Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	465
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	48g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Sugar	6g
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	11g
Unsaturated Fat	8g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	55mg
Sodium	780mg

This dish delivers a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and fats—perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner with sustained energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Gnocchi alla Sorrentina ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

2. Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes! Homemade gnocchi works beautifully and tastes even better. Just be extra gentle when mixing with the sauce.

3. What’s the difference between mozzarella types?
Fresh mozzarella (in water) is creamy and delicate. Low-moisture mozzarella melts better. Use both for ideal texture.

4. Can I make this vegan?
Definitely. Use vegan gnocchi and substitute with vegan mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives. The result is still delicious.

5. Why is it called “alla Sorrentina”?
This dish originates from Sorrento, Italy, on the Amalfi Coast. The combination of tomato, basil, and mozzarella is signature to the region.

6. Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans. All ingredients scale up easily without adjusting cooking time significantly.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Of course. Sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or zucchini make excellent additions for extra nutrition.

8. How do I prevent gnocchi from becoming gummy?
Don’t overcook them initially, handle gently when mixing, and ensure the sauce isn’t too thick or they’ll clump together.

Conclusion

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is the ultimate combination of comfort and Italian elegance—all baked into one bubbling, cheesy dish. With its pillowy gnocchi, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella, it’s everything you love about Italian cuisine, made simple enough for any night.

Perfect for family dinners, romantic evenings, or impressive entertaining, this gnocchi is as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, with endless variation options, it adapts beautifully to your tastes. So grab your baking dish and make dinner something everyone looks forward to.