Gluten-Free Cheesy Italian Potatoes and Gnocchi
A quick and comforting one-pot dish that combines tender microwaved potatoes with pillowy gnocchi, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and melted mozzarella. The reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes creates a flavorful coating that brings everything together, while fresh basil adds a bright finishing touch. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without much effort, this recipe cleverly uses pre-seasoned microwave potatoes and relies on residual heat to melt the cheese, making it both convenient and delicious.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Set aside oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar and dice the tomatoes
- 2
Open microwave potato package from corner and remove seasoning pack
- 3
Remove potatoes and slice in half
- 4
Place sliced potatoes back in package and reseal loosely
- 5
Microwave potatoes for five minutes
- 6
Bring water to boil in pot and cook gnocchi for three minutes until floating
- 7
Drain gnocchi and return to pot
- 8
Add cooked potatoes to pot with gnocchi and pour in reserved oil
- 9
Add diced sun-dried tomatoes and seasoning packet
- 10
Stir gently to combine and coat everything well
- 11
Top with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil
- 12
Cover pot with lid to melt cheese using residual heat
- 13
Serve and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired
Tips
Use the reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes as it's packed with flavor and helps coat all ingredients evenly.
The cheese melts from residual heat alone, but you can use low heat briefly if needed while watching carefully.
Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking and better integration with the gnocchi.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in covered container
Can prep ingredients several hours ahead but best assembled fresh
Serve immediately while cheese is melted and ingredients are warm
Common Mistakes
Don't overstir after adding cheese to avoid breaking up gnocchi
Ensure potatoes are fully cooked before combining to avoid uneven textures
Substitutions
Same cooking method
Boil until tender instead of microwaving
FAQ
Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Add an extra minute or two to the cooking time and watch for them to float to indicate doneness.
What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
Use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes rehydrated in warm water, then add 2-3 tablespoons olive oil to the dish for moisture and flavor.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in microwave or skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture.