5-Ingredient Skillet Gnocchi

There’s something magical about five simple ingredients coming together to make a cozy, comforting weeknight dinner. This 5-Ingredient Skillet Gnocchi recipe is the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet is unbelievably easy: tender potato gnocchi pan-seared until golden, bathed in bright marinara, and finished with melty fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil. It takes minimal hands-on time and delivers maximum satisfaction—perfect for busy evenings, last-minute guests, or whenever you want a fuss-free, flavorful meal.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Fast: Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Minimal ingredients: Only five main components create a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
• Versatile: Add a leafy green or a protein if you want, or keep it simple and let the gnocchi shine.
• Comforting: Crispy edges, pillowy centers, and gooey cheese make every bite satisfying.

Ingredients

Makes 3–4 servings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (25.25 oz) jar DeLallo marinara sauce
• 16 oz DeLallo Gnocchi
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/3 cup chopped basil, optional

Equipment

• Large skillet with lid (10–12 inch preferred)
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Taste and texture notes

DeLallo gnocchi are pillowy and tender; searing them briefly in olive oil adds a hint of caramelized crispness on the outside while keeping the centers soft. The marinara brings bright tomato flavor and a saucy base for the melted mozzarella. Fresh basil at the end adds an herbaceous lift that keeps each bite from feeling heavy.

Step-by-step Instructions

Follow these clear steps to make the best possible 5-Ingredient Skillet Gnocchi. The directions below follow the ingredient list exactly and keep everything in an intuitive order so you can get dinner on the table fast.

1. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let the oil warm for about 30 seconds until it shimmers but does not smoke.
2. Sauté the garlic: Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, to the hot oil. Stir constantly and cook for about 30–45 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant and beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to let it burn.
3. Add the gnocchi: Increase the heat to medium-high and add 16 oz DeLallo Gnocchi to the skillet. Spread the gnocchi into an even layer and let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes so they develop a light golden crust. Toss or flip the gnocchi and let them brown for another 2 minutes to achieve even color on multiple sides.
4. Pour in the marinara: Pour 1 (25.25 oz) jar DeLallo marinara sauce over the seared gnocchi. Stir gently to combine so that the sauce coats the gnocchi evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low so the sauce simmers gently.
5. Season: Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a small pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper, then adjust to your preference.
6. Top with mozzarella: Arrange 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced, evenly over the saucy gnocchi in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the mozzarella softens and begins to melt.
7. Finish with basil: Remove the lid and sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped basil over the melted cheese, if using. Let the skillet sit off the heat for a minute so the flavors settle and the basil wilts slightly.
8. Serve: Use a large spoon or spatula to portion the gnocchi into bowls or plates. Serve hot, with extra basil or freshly cracked black pepper if desired.

Tips for success

• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent hot spots and promote even browning of the gnocchi.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing; give the gnocchi space so they crisp up instead of steaming.
• If your sauce seems thick, add a splash of water (1–2 tablespoons) while simmering to loosen it and help it coat the gnocchi.
• For extra flavor, finish with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving.
• If you’d like a little heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes when you add the sauce.

Variations and add-ins

This 5-Ingredient Skillet Gnocchi is a great base for customizing. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Add vegetables: Stir in a couple of handfuls of spinach or arugula right after adding the sauce; they’ll wilt into the dish in a minute or two.
• Add protein: Stir in bite-sized cooked chicken or seared sausage slices when you add the sauce to make the meal heartier.
• Make it cheesy: Swap half the mozzarella for shredded Parmesan or Pecorino for a sharper finish.
• Oven-finish: After topping with mozzarella, transfer the skillet to a preheated broiler for 1–2 minutes to get the cheese bubbly and slightly browned—watch closely to avoid burning.

Storage and reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals, until heated through. Fresh basil loses its brightness when reheated, so add a little fresh chopped basil after reheating for the best flavor.

Serving suggestions

Serve this skillet-style gnocchi with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, roasted vegetables, or a basket of crusty bread to soak up any extra marinara. A light, crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon pairs nicely if you’re looking for a beverage.

Final thoughts

This 5-Ingredient Skillet Gnocchi is proof that dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes at the stove, you’ll have a cozy, cheesy, flavorful meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is completely doable on a busy weeknight. Keep the ingredients on hand and this will become one of your go-to comfort dinners.