This gnocchi marinara is a fast, one-pot dinner made by cooking shelf-stable gnocchi directly in marinara sauce. It’s simple, comforting, and ready in about 15 minutes with pantry ingredients you likely already have.
Add the gnocchi, marinara sauce, and water to a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 10–15 minutes until the gnocchi is soft and cooked through.
If using mozzarella or basil, lower the heat and stir them in just until warmed through and melted. Spoon into bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
Use shelf-stable gnocchi. It’s designed to cook directly in sauce and gives the best texture for this method.
Don’t skip the water. The added liquid helps the gnocchi cook evenly and keeps the sauce from getting too thick.
Stir gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, but avoid aggressive stirring so the gnocchi holds its shape.
Adjust the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water; if it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a minute or two.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or sauce to loosen.
If you want to double the recipe, I suggest doubling the gnocchi, and only 1.5x the amount of sauce and water. You can always add a little extra sauce at the end if needed.