Mediterranean Baked Gnocchi with Summer Vegetables
This dish layers soft, oven-baked gnocchi with zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs in a savory tomato sauce. Finished with mozzarella and a sprinkle of feta, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal that’s perfect for summer.
⏱ Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: ~50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Bake
1 lb (500 g) potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, sliced
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For Topping
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup crumbled feta
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or parsley)
2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
Add onion, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook 2 minutes more.
3. Add Sauce & Gnocchi
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add gnocchi (uncooked) and stir to coat. The sauce should be fairly loose — add ¼ cup water if too thick.
4. Bake
Sprinkle with mozzarella and feta.
Transfer to oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden
5. Finish & Serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil and toasted pine nuts.
Serve hot, straight from the pan.
Notes & Tips
No Ovenproof Skillet? Assemble in a baking dish after cooking veggies and sauce.
Protein Boost: Add canned chickpeas or white beans with the gnocchi.
Extra Flavor: Add sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes before baking.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: Yes — thaw before adding, or bake a few minutes longer.
Q: Can I skip cheese for a lighter version?
A: Absolutely — the tomato-herb flavors stand strong on their own.
Q: Can this be vegan?
A: Yes — use vegan mozzarella/feta or omit cheese, and it’s fully plant-based.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420
Protein: 17 g
Fat: 16 g
Carbs: 56 g
Fiber: 9 g
Sodium: 540 mg