How to Make the Perfect Gnocchi Marinara
Italian · Easy · 9 min · 2 servings
This microwave gnocchi marinara transforms shelf-stable gnocchi into a pillowy pasta dinner with rich tomato sauce in under 10 minutes. The quick microwave method cooks the gnocchi directly in the sauce so they absorb all the flavor without a pot of boiling water.
Why this recipe works
This Gnocchi Marinara recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 9 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 400 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 pound shelf-stable gnocchi
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce
Place the uncooked shelf-stable gnocchi in a large microwave-safe dish. Pour the marinara sauce and water over the gnocchi and stir to coat every piece. Sprinkle with Italian herbs.
Step 2: First Microwave Cook
Cover the dish tightly with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then stir the gnocchi to ensure they are cooking evenly in the sauce.
Step 3: Continue Cooking
Cover again and microwave on high for an additional 2 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and have absorbed much of the sauce, creating a thick coating.
Step 4: Melt Cheese and Serve
Scatter the shredded mozzarella over the top and microwave uncovered for 30 seconds until melted. Serve immediately straight from the dish.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- shelf-stable gnocchi → fresh refrigerated gnocchi, which will cook in 3 to 4 minutes total
- marinara sauce → arrabbiata sauce for a spicy kick
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not adding enough water to the sauce, which causes the gnocchi to dry out and become chewy instead of tender
- Skipping the stir halfway through cooking so some gnocchi cook faster than others and become mushy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 400 calories, 14g protein, 62g carbs, 10g fat, 4g fiber.
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