Indulge in Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina—a comforting Italian favorite! Fluffy gnocchi smothered in a tomato-basil sauce and coated with melted mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano. With just 7 ingredients, it’s quick, easy, and perfect for any season.

gnocchi alla sorrentina in a black cast iron skillet.

What is Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina?

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a traditional Italian dish from Sorrento, a coastal town near Naples in Campania, Italy. This is a baked recipe made with fresh, pillowy gnocchi, a fragrant tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.

Why you should try this recipe

  • Easy baked gnocchi dish – made with only 7 ingredients and requires no complicated cooking techniques, so you can make it successfully every time! For pasta-making fans, you can even make the gnocchi from scratch following my Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi recipe!
  • All-season friendly – this recipe uses canned crushed tomatoes to make the Alla Sorrentina sauce and can therefore be enjoyed all year long . An Italian summer breeze in your kitchen whenever you need it! For an all-in Italian meal, serve alongside Peach Caprese Salad with Burrata and Pesto Salad Dressing and my Almond Flour Chocolate Cake for dessert.
  • Wine pairing-friendly – while I love pairing this recipe with red Tuscan wines, it can be paired with crisp whites (see recommendations below in this post)! 
fresh gnocchi, crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, Mozzarella, Parmiggiano, basil and salt on a chopping board

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The 7 ingredients you’ll need

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card at the end of the post.)

  • Fresh gnocchi – make sure to choose good quality Italian gnocchi for the best results. To make them from scratch, check out my Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi recipe.
  • Crushed canned tomatoes – I love the Italian brand Mutti (affiliate link). I use it all the time like in my Pici All’Aglione as it has the freshest, brightest flavor.
  • Mozzarella cheese – the traditional Italian version is made with Fior di Latte Mozzarella, a local type of Mozzarella from Campania made from cow’s milk instead of buffalo. However, Mozzarella di Buffala will work perfectly too. Just make sure to choose a good quality Mozzarella, and you’ll be good to go!
  • Parmigiano Reggiano – I find the final dish tastier with aged Parmigiano Reggiano, but the choice is yours!
  • Fresh basil – flavors the tomato sauce with its delicate peppery, anise notes.
  • Garlic – adds depth and savoriness to the sauce.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil – brings lusciousness to the sauce, and helps fix the flavors of this dish.
  • Kosher salt – to season.

Love tomatoes? 🍅 Check out my Puff Pastry Tomato Tart with Whipped Feta or Summer Tomato Toasts. So delicious!

Mozzarella Fior di Latte on a chopping board

How to make Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina – Step-By-Step Method

Start by preparing the tomato sauce: 

  • In an oven-proof skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil and grated garlic over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant (but not brown). Add torn basil leaves, and stir for 10 seconds.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes and salt, and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes (the sauce should be simmering). 

Note: if you do not own an oven-proof skillet, make the sauce in a large saucepan, then transfer it to a baking dish.


Meanwhile, prepare the mozzarella:

  • Drain the Fior Di Latte mozzarella and pat it dry with kitchen paper, pressing gently to squeeze as much water out as possible. 
  • Break the mozzarella into small 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces (they will melt more easily). Set aside.

pieces of Mozzarella Fior Di Latte in a blue bowl

Assemble the Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina:

  • Preheat the oven to 480°F (240°C).
  • If you have not been using an oven-safe cast iron skillet to cook the tomato sauce, transfer it to a baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi, cook for 30 seconds, then immediately remove from the pot using a slotted spoon and transfer directly to the tomato sauce.
  •  Add ½ of the mozzarella Fior Di Latte pieces and ½ of the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and stir well to coat (the cheeses should start to melt).

Note: Removing the gnocchi before they float to the surface ensures they will not be mushy and overcooked after baking.


  • Top with the rest of the mozzarella and grated Parmigiano.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top and around the edges. 

  • Top with a generous handful of fresh basil leaves and enjoy immediately with a glass of your favorite red Tuscan wine (see wine recommendations below in this post)!
Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina in a cast iron skillet with fresh basil and a glass of red wine on the side

Nim Keys – Useful Tips

  1. Using an oven-safe cast iron skillet to cook the tomato sauce is super convenient, as it uses the same dish to cook the tomato sauce and the final dish. However, if you do not have one, cook the tomato sauce in a large saucepan and transfer it to a baking dish.
  2. Choosing a good quality Italian Mozzarella makes all the difference in the final dish. Mozzarella is a great option, as is Mozzarella di Buffala.
  3. Carefully patting the Mozzarella dry is important to avoid releasing too much water during baking.
  4. Cooking the gnocchi for only 30 seconds and removing them from the pot before they float to the surface ensures that the gnocchi will not be mushy and overcooked after baking.

close-up of gnocchi in tomato mozzarella sauce in a cast iron skillet with fresh basil

Wine Pairing for Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina🍷


Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina is a versatile dish and can be paired with both red or white wines! Of course, I went with Italian wines for the pairing.

RED WINE SUGGESTIONS

I love serving this dish with red Tuscan wines, mainly made from Sangiovese. Their vibrant acidity makes it the ideal candidate to match the tartness of crushed tomatoes, while its medium-to-full body compliments the weight of creamy cheese and extra-virgin olive oil and the sweetness of cooked garlic.

  • Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany (Italy)
  • Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany (Italy)
  • Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany (Italy)

WHITE WINE SUGGESTION

White wine afficionado? Give Verdicchio a chance! This underrated, wonderful variety from the Marche region is known for its freshness, with crisp green apple and hints of fresh blossom. A must-try!

  • Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Marche (Italy)

close-up of Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina a cast iron skillet with fresh basil

Recipe FAQs

What to serve with Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina?

For a delicious Italian meal, you can accompany these gnocchi with Peach Caprese Salad with Burrata and Pesto Salad Dressing as a starter and Torta Caprese for dessert.

How long does it keep?

Cover the gnocchi with cling film or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I veganize this recipe?

Yes! Just replace the cheeses with the same quantity of u0022vegan mozzau0022 and grated vegan cheese. You can also skip the cheese altogether!

Other delicious Italian-Inspired Recipes

Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina in a cast iron skillet with fresh basil and a glass of wine on the side

Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina (Tomato Mozzarella Baked Gnocchi)

5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time : 25 minutes
Cook Time : 15 minutes
Total Time : 40 minutes
Servings : 6
Indulge in Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina—a comforting Italian favorite! Fluffy gnocchi smothered in a tomato-basil sauce and coated with melted mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano. With just 7 ingredients, it's quick, easy, and perfect for any season.

INGREDIENTS
 

  • 4 tablespoons (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 medium cloves garlic grated or crushed
  • 10 basil leaves
  • 28 ounces (800 g) canned crushed tomatoes (I love the ones from the Italian brand Mutti)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 12 ounces (375 g) Fior Di Latte mozzarella
  • 17 ounces (500 g) good-quality gnocchi (either homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup (100 g) Parmigiano Reggiano grated

INSTRUCTIONS

Start by making the tomato sauce: 

  • In an oven-proof skillet, heat extra-virgin olive oil and grated garlic over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant (but not brown). Add torn basil leaves, and stir for 10 seconds.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes and salt, and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes (the sauce should be simmering). 
  • Note: if you do not own an oven-proof skillet, make the sauce in a large saucepan, then transfer it to a baking dish.

Meanwhile, prepare the mozzarella:

  • Drain the Fior Di Latte mozzarella and pat it dry with kitchen paper, pressing gently to squeeze as much water out as possible. 
  • Break the mozzarella into small 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces, placing them in a bowl. Set aside.

Assemble the Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina:

  • Preheat the oven to 480°F (240°C). 
  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi, cook for 30 seconds, then immediately remove from the pot using a slotted spoon and transfer directly to the tomato sauce.
  •  Add ½ of the Fior Di Latte mozzarella pieces and ½ of the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and stir well to coat (the cheeses should start to melt).
  • Top with the rest of the mozzarella and grated Parmigiano.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top and around the edges. 
  • Top with a generous handful of fresh basil leaves and enjoy immediately with a glass of your favorite red Tuscan wine (see wine recommendations above in this post)!

NOTES

  1. Using an oven-safe cast iron skillet to cook the tomato sauce is super convenient, as it uses the same dish to cook the tomato sauce and final dish. However, it you do not have one, cook the tomato sauce in a large saucepan and transfer it to a baking dish.
  2. Choosing a good quality Italian Mozzarella makes all the difference in the final dish. Mozzarella is a great option, as is Mozzarella di Buffala.
  3. Carefully patting the Mozzarella dry is important to avoid releasing too much water during baking.
  4. Cooking the gnocchi for only 30 seconds and removing them from the pot before they float to the surface ensures that the gnocchi will not be mushy and overcooked after baking.
Calories: 492kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 24gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 1264mgPotassium: 452mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 833IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 548mgIron: 5mg
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Diet Vegetarian
Did you make this recipe?Don’t forget the last step! Leave a comment below to let me know how it went!
5 from 2 votes

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