If you're wondering how to cook gnocchi, look no further than this cozy and comforting recipe. It starts with our homemade potato gnocchi, but you could substitute store-bought potato gnocchi if you prefer, cooking them according to the package instructions. There are many ways to make a tomato sauce from scratch, and if you don’t already have a favorite, this easy recipe is for you. It has two unexpected ingredients: canned tomato sauce (in addition to canned tomatoes) and white wine. The wine adds a touch of acidity and lightens the sauce. The canned tomato sauce helps speed up cooking the sauce by adding body, so it is ready in about 45 minutes.
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What Are Gnocchi?
Gnocchi are small dumplings that are usually treated like pasta—boiled and tossed with a sauce. They are an Italian food that is much loved all over the country, rather than belonging to one region or city. They are made with minimal ingredients, usually potatoes, eggs, and flour, and the process for making them is straightforward. Gnocchi are often formed using a fork to create the characteristic ridges that sauces cling to, but they can also be smooth.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought
We love homemade gnocchi and encourage you to try making them—once you do, you’ll be hooked. It’s a fun process, but it does take time, especially at first. When you’re pressed, store-bought gnocchi are an easy dinner. They cook in less than five minutes and will work wonderfully with the homemade tomato sauce in this recipe.
To keep gnocchi from becoming mushy, be sure not to overcook them. After they rise to the surface (this should take about 2 minutes), cook them for 15 more seconds, or until tender.
Tools Needed for Gnocchi With Tomato Sauce
To make our gnocchi with tomato sauce, you'll need these basic pieces of kitchen equipment:
- Large Saucepan: Using a large enough saucepan will ensure you have ample room to stir the sauce as it cooks without making a mess on your stovetop. You won’t need a matching lid for this recipe.
- Large Pot: You will need a separate large pot for cooking the gnocchi. If you don’t have a pot that’s large enough to cook the gnocchi in two batches, add fewer gnocchi at a time and cook them in three or four batches.
- Slotted Spoon: A slotted spoon is key for removing cooked gnocchi without catching unnecessary water. You can also use a spider—a long-handled tool with a cup-like metal basket—to transfer the gnocchi to the sauce.
