Easy Cheesy Skillet Caprese Baked Gnocchi
I do my best cooking when it’s unscripted. No recipes, no rules. Just an idea, a feeling, and a craving that I have to satisfy! For all my foodies and fellow lovers of cooking, isn’t that truly the best way to cook??
One of my favorite and most recent examples of how the cooking magic works for me is with this easy cheesy skillet Caprese gnocchi I just happened to whip up the other night. I can’t tell you why, but I knew I had a craving for something cheesy, carby, and comforting. Gnocchi felt like the answer! Then followed a jar of Rao’s marinara, basil, and lots of mozzarella cheese I had in the fridge, and just like that, a perfect meal was created.
It’s one thing for an idea for a recipe to formulate perfectly, especially when you have all the ingredients on hand. It’s an entirely different and beautiful thing altogether when the recipe comes together and it’s quick, easy, and simple. The last thing we all need for these busy times is a recipe that’s laborious, no matter how delicious. From start to finish, this recipe took about 40 minutes and most of that time is just oven time where the gnocchi sizzles away to bubbly, golden brown, cheesy perfection.
Before you can even utter the words “easy cheesy skillet Caprese baked gnocchi” you’ll be devouring this tasty weeknight meal. Trust me, this one is bound to be a new favorite!
Easy Cheesy Skillet Caprese Baked Gnocchi
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups Rao’s marinara sauce
1 16-oz package gnocchi
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add Italian seasoning, marinara, gnocchi, shredded mozzarella and stir to combine. Evenly spread gnocchi across skillet. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and lay fresh mozzarella slices oven skillet and bake for another 15 minutes. Remove from oven and top with fresh basil and serve.
