Hey friends, ready to dive into some deliciousness? Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s become a go-to in my kitchen: the One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake. It’s one of those dishes that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Picture this: juicy tomatoes, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of flavors all baked together in one pan. Plus, it’s minimal cleanup – a win-win for any cook, am I right?
Try my One Pan Tofu and Vermicelli Noodle Stir-Fry recipe.
What you’ll need to make One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake
| Ingredients (Serves – 4) |
|---|
| 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle |
| 1 onion, finely chopped |
| 3 cloves garlic, grated |
| 14 oz (400g) cherry tomatoes |
| 5 fl oz (150ml) hot water |
| 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar |
| 1 tbsp maple syrup |
| 1 vegetable stock cube |
| 1/2 small bunch of basil, plus extra to garnish |
| 7 oz (200g) spinach, roughly chopped |
| 1 X 14 oz (400g) can green lentils, drained and rinsed |
| 14 oz (400g) pack gnocchi |
| pinch of sea salt and black pepper |
| pinch of red pepper flakes, optional garnish |
Let’s talk about the stars of this One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake!
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and bursting with flavor, they add a delightful tangy sweetness to the dish.
- Onion and Garlic: The ultimate flavor duo, sautéed to perfection in a splash of olive oil.
- Balsamic Vinegar & Maple Syrup: A perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making the sauce simply irresistible.
- Spinach: Adds a pop of color and packs in extra nutrients.
- Basil: Like the cherry on top, adding a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Canned Green Lentils: Brings in a nice, meaty texture that complements the soft, pillowy gnocchi.
- Vegetable Stock Cube: Enhances all the lovely flavors, tying everything together beautifully.
- Seasoning: A little sea salt and black pepper for seasoning, with an optional pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a bit spicy. ️
Try my Vegan Crispy Potato Salad recipe.
This dish is a symphony of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Enjoy the cooking process and even more so, enjoy the eating! ️✨
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
(i) One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy your meal. Everything cooks in one dish – easy peasy!
(ii) Flavor Explosion: The combo of cherry tomatoes, garlic, and balsamic vinegar creates a rich, tangy sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a touch of maple syrup.
(iii) Healthy & Hearty: Packed with spinach, lentils, and gnocchi, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
(iv) Quick & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
(v) Versatile: Customize it to your liking! Add your favorite veggies or sprinkle with cheese before baking for an extra treat.
(vi) Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves 4, making it perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Enjoy the burst of flavors and the ease of this delicious bake. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Try my Spicy Potato Wraps with Spicy Guacamole recipe.
What you’ll need to do to make One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake
Let’s whip up a delicious One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake.
Ready? Let’s do this!
1| Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). We want it nice and hot!
2| Tomato Sauce Time: Grab a shallow oven-safe casserole dish and heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the stove over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it fry for about 8 minutes until it’s nice and soft. Then, add the grated garlic and fry for another 30 seconds until it smells amazing.
3| Get Saucy: Throw in the cherry tomatoes, hot water, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Crumble in the stock cube and give it a good stir. Let it come to a boil, then add the basil and spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
4| Mix It Up: Add the drained lentils and gnocchi to the pan. Stir everything together. Drizzle a bit more olive oil on top, season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper, and pop it in the oven.
5| Bake: Let it bake for about 25 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
6| Serve: Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and garnish with a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat) and some extra basil leaves.
Dig in and enjoy your tasty, cozy meal!
Try my Pulled Mushroom Wraps recipe.
Some possible substitution and improvisation ideas for the recipe
Here are some substitution and improvisation ideas for your One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake:
1| Gnocchi: If you can’t find potato gnocchi, you can use cauliflower gnocchi or even regular pasta like penne or fusilli.
2| Vegetables: Feel free to swap spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile. You can also add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies.
3| Protein: Add protein by mixing in cooked chicken breast strips, sausage slices, or chickpeas along with the gnocchi and tomatoes.
4| Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella over the bake before baking it in the oven.
5| Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley instead of or in addition to basil for varied herbal notes.
6| Sauce: Customize the sauce by adding a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer flavor or a dash of cream for a creamy tomato sauce.
7| Spice: Adjust the heat level by adding more red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
These ideas will help you personalize the dish to your taste preferences or accommodate dietary restrictions. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen!
Try my Cauliflower Margherita Pizza recipe.
Some useful tips for the recipe
Here are some useful tips to make your One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake even better:
1| Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before you start baking. This ensures even cooking from the start.
2| Evenly Spread Ingredients: Spread the gnocchi, tomatoes, and other ingredients in an even layer in the pan. This helps them cook evenly and ensures each bite is flavorful.
3| Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before baking and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
4| Monitor Bake Time: Keep an eye on your bake during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent it from drying out or burning. Times may vary depending on your oven and pan.
5| Fresh Herbs at the End: If using fresh basil or other delicate herbs for garnish, add them just before serving to preserve their fresh flavor and vibrant color.
6| Covering Options: If you prefer a saucier dish, cover the pan with foil for the first part of baking and then uncover for the last 10 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly.
7| Leftovers: This dish reheats well, so save any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
8| Customize: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or cheeses. It’s a versatile dish that welcomes creativity!
These tips will help you achieve the best results with your One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delicious meal!
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Some serving suggestions
Here are some serving ideas to complement your One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake:
Try my Baked Cauliflower Parmesan recipe.
1| Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful tomato sauce.
2| Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
3| Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or eggplant for added variety and nutrition.
4| Antipasto Platter: Create a small antipasto platter with olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
5| Crusty Bread: Serve with a basket of crusty bread slices for soaking up the delicious sauce.
6| Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the bake just before serving for a cheesy finish.
7| Fresh Herbs: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
8| Wine Pairing: Pair with a glass of light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
These serving ideas will complement the flavors of your One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake and enhance your dining experience. Enjoy!
Try my Creamy One Pot Mushroom and Herb Rice recipe.
Some storage suggestions
Here are some storage options and tips for your One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake:
Try my Zucchini Soup recipe.
1| Refrigerator: Store any leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it has cooled down to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge.
2| Freezer: You can freeze the bake for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. It should keep well for up to 2-3 months.
3| Individual Portions: Consider dividing the bake into individual portions before storing. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.
4| Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or heat the entire bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
5| Fresh Herbs: If you’ve garnished with fresh herbs like basil, consider adding them fresh after reheating for optimal flavor.
6| Make-Ahead: You can assemble the bake ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. This is convenient for busy weeknights or when planning ahead for gatherings.
7| Meal Prep: Use the bake as part of your meal prep routine. Portion it into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
By following these storage options and tips, you can enjoy your One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake freshly reheated and full of flavor whenever you’re ready to indulge again!
Try my Vegan Spicy Maple Tofu Bowl recipe.
And that’s a wrap on our One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake! I hope you had as much fun making this dish as I did sharing it with you. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a casual get-together with friends, this recipe always hits the spot. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable and rewarding, so don’t hesitate to tweak and make it your own. Share your kitchen adventures with me – I’d love to hear how your bake turned out! Until next time, happy cooking and happy eating! ️
Recipe Card
One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake
Craving a comforting meal without the fuss? Check out my One Pan Tomato and Gnocchi Bake! With fresh spinach, hearty lentils, and a hint of maple syrup, this dish is a delightful mix of flavors. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400oF (200oC).
-
Step 2:
To make the tomato sauce, place the olive oil in a shallow oven safe casserole on the stove, over medium heat. Add the onion and fry for 8 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Step 3:
Add the tomatoes, hot water, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, crumble in the stock cube and stir. Bring to the boil and then stir through the basil and spinach, cooking until wilted.
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Step 4:
Mix in the lentils and gnocchi and stir to combine. Drizzle over some more olive oil, season with sea salt and black pepper and bake in the hot oven for 25 minutes.
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Step 5:
Serve the bake, garnish with a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) and some basil leaves.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 329kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Total Carbohydrate 58g20%
- Dietary Fiber 9g36%
- Protein 13g26%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
