I’ve always had a soft spot for meals that come together in one pot, and this gnocchi with tomato sauce is one of those one pot pasta recipes that feels like a cozy hug after a long day. The gnocchi soaks up all that garlicky tomato goodness, and every bite feels like comfort on a fork. When I think of easy pasta recipes tomato sauce combinations, this one comes to mind first. I grew up watching my mom make simple tomato pasta recipes on weeknights, and the smell of simmering garlic and onion still makes me smile. There’s nothing fancy here, just pantry staples coming together to create something rich and so satisfying. It reminds me that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to taste incredible. We’re keeping it casual with this one. Out of all the gnocchi sauce recipes I’ve tried, this is the one I go back to again and again. It belongs in the group of One Pot Recipes we actually use on busy nights, not just pin and forget. Meals like this prove that one pot pasta meals can be fast, flavorful, and worth making again without stressing yourself out.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe
3) Ingredients for Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
4) How to Make Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
5) Tips for Making Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
6) Making Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

One pot pasta recipes make cleanup easier and cooking faster
Simple pantry staples like tomatoes and garlic create a comforting sauce
Gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce which saves time
Fresh basil and parmesan add flavor and balance

2) Easy Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe

I like recipes that don’t make me juggle three pots and a sink full of dishes. That’s why this gnocchi with tomato sauce has become a favorite. It’s one of those one pot pasta recipes that prove dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. You stir, simmer, sprinkle some parmesan, and call it a night.

When I say easy, I mean the kind of easy where you’re not second guessing yourself. The gnocchi goes straight into the sauce. No need to drain or boil separately. The tomato sauce builds flavor from garlic and onion, then hugs every soft pillow of gnocchi. You’ll be surprised how something so simple feels like comfort food made with care.

I think meals like this are the reason many of us still cook at home. Quick, cozy, and straightforward. It belongs on a weeknight menu but feels good enough to serve when friends stop by. That balance is what makes this recipe work.

3) Ingredients for Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce

Potato Gnocchi: These little dumplings carry the sauce beautifully. I love how they stay soft yet have that slight bite when cooked just right.

Olive Oil: A drizzle to start the onions and garlic. It gives the base flavor that feels rich without being heavy.

Onion: One small onion, finely chopped, makes the sauce deeper and sweeter as it cooks down.

Garlic: I never skip garlic here. It brings sharpness and aroma that fill the kitchen in seconds.

Crushed Tomatoes: A can of tomatoes is the heart of this dish. It’s what makes it a tomato pasta recipe worth repeating.

Oregano: A teaspoon of dried oregano adds that earthy balance. It’s small but noticeable.

Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch for a little warmth. Leave it out if you prefer mild.

Salt and Pepper: Everyday basics that pull everything together.

Fresh Basil: Torn leaves stirred in at the end keep the dish bright.

Parmesan Cheese: A final dusting of parmesan makes each bite creamy and savory.

4) How to Make Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce

Step 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add chopped onion. Stir until the onion softens and smells sweet.

Step 2. Stir in the garlic. Cook about thirty seconds, just long enough for the kitchen to smell like you’re doing something special.

Step 3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, sprinkle in oregano, and add red pepper flakes. Stir and let it all come together.

Step 4. Bring the sauce to a low simmer. Stir every few minutes while it cooks for ten minutes.

Step 5. Add gnocchi right into the skillet. Stir so each dumpling gets coated with sauce.

Step 6. Cover and let it cook for about five minutes. The gnocchi should plump and soften.

Step 7. Tear fresh basil over the skillet. Stir once and remove from heat.

Step 8. Serve warm and finish with parmesan cheese on top.

5) Tips for Making Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce

I’ve found that recipes like this work best when you keep things simple. Don’t overthink the sauce. Use good canned tomatoes, add garlic, and let them simmer. The flavor deepens while you tidy the counter.

For one pot pasta meals like this, resist the urge to stir too often once the gnocchi goes in. They’re delicate and do better with a little patience. Cover and trust the process.

And here’s a small trick. If you want creamier sauce, add a splash of cream or even a spoonful of ricotta at the end. It changes the texture without overpowering the tomato flavor.

6) Making Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Ahead of Time

I get it. Sometimes you want dinner done before the rush starts. This recipe can help with that. Cook the sauce ahead, let it cool, and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, warm it gently and add the gnocchi. That way you still get that fresh texture without soggy pasta.

The sauce itself tastes even better the next day. Garlic and oregano settle in, and the tomato flavor mellows. You’ll notice the difference when you reheat it. I often make double batches for that reason alone.

If you plan to serve later in the evening, just keep the cooked sauce covered on the stove. Drop the gnocchi in when it’s time to eat. You’ll still get the same comfort without the stress of cooking everything at once.

7) Storing Leftover Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce

Leftovers never stay long in my kitchen, but if they do, this recipe holds well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days.

To reheat, I prefer the stove over the microwave. Warm gently and add a splash of water if the sauce thickens. The gnocchi stays soft but not mushy this way.

It’s the kind of dish that makes lunch the next day something to look forward to. Sprinkle with a bit more parmesan before serving, and it feels freshly made again.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce