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### Instructions for Making Baked Gnocchi:
#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
– Begin by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This ensures that the gnocchi will bake evenly and turn golden and bubbly when it’s time to enjoy.
#### Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions. Fresh gnocchi typically cooks quickly—about 2-3 minutes—so keep an eye on it. Once the gnocchi floats to the top, it’s ready.
2. Drain the gnocchi and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
#### Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
1. In a large skillet, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat.
2. Add the minced **garlic** to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
3. Pour in the **marinara sauce**, and stir in the **basil**, **oregano**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
#### Step 4: Assemble the Dish
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi with the tomato sauce. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi in the sauce, being careful not to break them apart.
2. Add the **ricotta cheese** and half of the **mozzarella cheese** into the mixture, stirring until the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout.
#### Step 5: Bake the Gnocchi
1. Transfer the gnocchi mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or any oven-safe dish you prefer.
2. Sprinkle the remaining **mozzarella cheese** and **Parmesan cheese** on top of the gnocchi mixture, covering it evenly for a cheesy, golden crust when baked.
3. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
– Once the baked gnocchi is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
– Garnish with **fresh basil leaves** for an added burst of flavor and a pop of color.
– Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
### Tips for Perfect Baked Gnocchi:
– **Choose the right gnocchi**: You can use store-bought gnocchi or make your own from scratch. Fresh gnocchi gives the dish a soft, pillowy texture, but frozen gnocchi works well too—just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions.
– **Customize the sauce**: Feel free to make your own homemade tomato sauce, or even a creamy white sauce if you prefer a richer version.
– **Add extra ingredients**: Want to bulk up the dish? You can add cooked **ground beef**, **spinach**, or **mushrooms** for added flavor and nutrition.
– **Try different cheeses**: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like **fontina**, **goat cheese**, or **cheddar** for different flavor profiles.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
**Baked Gnocchi** is the ultimate comfort food that combines simplicity with mouthwatering flavors. The soft gnocchi, rich tomato sauce, and cheesy, melty topping make this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress guests, it’s a great way to bring a touch of Italy into your kitchen without all the fuss.
Whether you’re making it for your family or enjoying a quiet night alone, this baked gnocchi will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Warm, cheesy, and full of flavor—what’s not to love?
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