One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Gnocchi Flavorful Feast

Do you crave a quick, tasty meal that warms your soul? Look no further! This One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Gnocchi delivers rich flavors and comforting textures in just one pot. You’ll whip up a delightful dish that’s perfect for busy nights or easy meal prep. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this flavorful feast that will impress your taste buds!
Ingredients
Main ingredients for One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Gnocchi
To make this dish, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will use:
– 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a rich and tasty meal. The gnocchi is soft and chewy, and the sauce is full of flavor.
Recommended pantry staples
Keep these items in your pantry for easy access:
– Olive oil
– Garlic
– Red pepper flakes
– Canned crushed tomatoes
– Vegetable broth
– Sugar
– Dried oregano
– Salt
– Pepper
Having these staples on hand makes cooking easier. You can whip up this dish anytime you crave something warm and delicious.
Optional garnishes and toppings
For a little extra flair, consider these garnishes:
– Grated Parmesan cheese
– Extra fresh basil leaves
– A drizzle of olive oil
These toppings add flavor and a lovely presentation. They make your meal look just as good as it tastes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the base of the sauce
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds. Be careful; you do not want to burn the garlic. It should smell nice and fragrant. Next, pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Stir until well mixed. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. This mix brings out the flavors. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Cooking the gnocchi
Once the sauce is simmering, it’s time to add the gnocchi. Pour in 1 package (16 oz) of potato gnocchi. Gently stir to coat the gnocchi in the sauce. Cover the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes. You will know the gnocchi is ready when it floats to the top. This floating is a good sign that they are cooked through.
Adding the finishing touches
After the gnocchi cook, remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil. This will give your dish a fresh taste. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you like, you can also sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. For a nice presentation, serve the gnocchi in bowls. Garnish with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
How to avoid burning garlic
Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin your dish. To avoid this, keep an eye on the pan. Heat the oil on medium, not high. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes together. Stir them quickly, and only cook for about 30 seconds. If you smell a strong aroma, it’s ready. If it starts to brown, remove it from heat right away.
Adjusting spice levels to taste
Spice levels can change a dish’s flavor. To adjust, start with a small amount of red pepper flakes. You can always add more later. Taste the sauce before adding the gnocchi. If it needs more heat, sprinkle in more flakes. Remember, it’s easier to add spice than to take it away.
Best practices for cooking gnocchi
Cooking gnocchi is simple but requires attention. When you add gnocchi to the pot, stir gently. This helps them coat with sauce but keeps them intact. Watch for them to float to the top. This means they are done. Remove the pot from heat right away to avoid overcooking. Also, adding fresh basil at the end gives a burst of flavor. Always taste and adjust your seasoning before serving!
Variations
Gluten-free gnocchi options
If you need gluten-free gnocchi, you have choices. Many brands offer gluten-free versions made from rice or corn flour. These options work well in this recipe. Just cook them the same way as regular gnocchi. Look for them in your local grocery store or online.
Adding protein like chicken or shrimp
For a heartier meal, add protein. Chicken or shrimp both work great. If using chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Sauté it after the garlic in olive oil. Cook until it’s no longer pink. For shrimp, add them after the gnocchi, cooking until they turn pink and opaque. This adds flavor and makes your dish more filling.
Veggie-packed additions
You can easily add more veggies to your gnocchi dish. Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers all add great taste. Chop them into small pieces and sauté them with the garlic. This boosts nutrition and flavor. Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies for a custom touch!
Storage Info
Storing leftover One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Gnocchi
Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This way, it won’t steam inside the container.
Reheating methods for best flavor
To reheat, a skillet works best. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir gently until warmed through. This keeps the gnocchi soft and tasty. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps heat evenly without drying it out.
Freezing guidelines for meal prep
You can freeze One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Gnocchi for later. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi adds a nice touch to the dish. Just make sure it is cooked the same way as store-bought gnocchi. Homemade gnocchi may cook faster. Keep an eye on it when it is in the pot. As soon as it floats, it’s done!
What can I substitute for vegetable broth?
You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. It adds a rich flavor to the dish. If you want a vegetarian option, use water with a bit of salt. You can also add more crushed tomatoes for depth. This will keep the dish tasty and satisfying.
How do I adjust this recipe for larger servings?
To make more servings, simply double or triple the ingredients. If you use a larger pot, it will help with cooking. Keep the same cooking times, but check the gnocchi. You want it to float, showing it’s ready. Adjust seasoning as needed for larger amounts.
In this blog post, we explored how to make One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Gnocchi. We covered key ingredients and optional toppings to create a tasty dish. I shared step-by-step instructions on sauce prep and gnocchi cooking. You learned tips to avoid burning garlic and adjust spice. We also discussed fun variations like gluten-free options and protein adds. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Cooking this meal is easy and fun. Try it out, and enjoy your delicious creation!
