Oven-Baked Gnocchi in Creamy Paprika Tomato Sauce: A Comfort Food Delight
This Oven-Baked Gnocchi in Creamy Paprika Tomato Sauce recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Gnocchi, those delightful little potato dumplings, are tossed in a rich and creamy tomato sauce infused with the smoky warmth of paprika and baked to golden perfection in the oven. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
A Culinary Journey: From Italy to Your Oven
Gnocchi, originating from Italy, are traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. Their soft, pillowy texture makes them incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of sauces. While often boiled, baking gnocchi in the oven adds a delightful crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior. The paprika tomato sauce brings a touch of smokiness and sweetness, creating a balanced and comforting flavor profile. This recipe takes inspiration from classic Italian flavors and elevates them with a touch of modern flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients.
- Flavorful: The creamy paprika tomato sauce is rich and satisfying, complementing the gnocchi perfectly.
- Comforting: Oven-baked gnocchi is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or cheeses.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Gnocchi: 500g (1.1 lbs), store-bought or homemade
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 700g (24 oz)
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Heavy Cream: 120ml (1/2 cup)
- Paprika: 2 teaspoons, sweet or smoked
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Parmesan Cheese: 50g (1/2 cup), grated, for topping
- Fresh Basil: For garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomato and Spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Incorporate the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened. The top should be lightly golden brown.
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Broil (Optional): For a more golden and bubbly top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the gnocchi rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Type of Gnocchi: You can use store-bought fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi. If using frozen gnocchi, thaw them slightly before adding them to the sauce.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Add them along with the onions and garlic.
- Protein Boost: For a heartier meal, add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken to the sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Substitute Parmesan cheese with mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of paprika to your liking. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based gnocchi, dairy-free cream, and vegan Parmesan cheese to make this recipe vegan.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the gnocchi and cream just before baking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the oven-baked gnocchi with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Understanding Gnocchi Texture: Achieving Perfection
The texture of gnocchi can vary depending on the brand and how it’s cooked. Some gnocchi are denser and chewier, while others are lighter and more pillowy. Baking gnocchi directly in the sauce helps to prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy. The oven’s dry heat creates a slightly crispy exterior, providing a delightful contrast to the tender interior. Be sure to check the gnocchi for doneness during baking. They should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Enhancing the Paprika Tomato Sauce: Flavor Secrets
The key to a flavorful paprika tomato sauce is to use high-quality canned tomatoes and good paprika. Smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth of flavor, while sweet paprika provides a milder, sweeter taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of paprika to find your favorite. Adding a touch of sugar to the sauce helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
Nutritional Considerations
This Oven-Baked Gnocchi in Creamy Paprika Tomato Sauce recipe provides a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Gnocchi are made from potatoes, which are rich in potassium and vitamin C. Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to various health benefits. The addition of vegetables, protein, and cheese can further enhance the nutritional value of this dish.
Conclusion
Oven-Baked Gnocchi in Creamy Paprika Tomato Sauce is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it a winner in my book. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do! Enjoy!
Oven-Baked Gnocchi in Creamy Paprika Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g Gnocchi Store-bought or homemade
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion Chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 700 g Canned Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 120 ml Heavy Cream
- 2 teaspoons Paprika Sweet or smoked
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon Sugar Optional, to balance acidity
- Salt To taste
- Black Pepper To taste
- 50 g Parmesan Cheese Grated, for topping
- Fresh Basil For garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Add the gnocchi to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.500 g Gnocchi
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined.500 g Gnocchi
- Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened. The top should be lightly golden brown.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.500 g Gnocchi
- For a more golden and bubbly top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. (Optional)
- Let the gnocchi rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.500 g Gnocchi
