5-Ingredient Skillet Gnocchi

One-pan dinners that feel indulgent but are shockingly simple are my favorite kind of weeknight magic. This 5-Ingredient Skillet Gnocchi comes together in under 30 minutes, delivers pillowy gnocchi, bubbling marinara, and melty cheese on top—comfort food without a ton of fuss. It’s exactly the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again when life gets busy but you still want something satisfying and homey.

This recipe features just a handful of pantry staples: olive oil, garlic, jarred marinara, gnocchi, salt and pepper, fresh mozzarella, and a sprinkle of basil if you like. The results are a golden, slightly crisp exterior on the gnocchi, tender insides, bright tomato flavor, and gooey cheese strings that make every forkful irresistible. Whether you serve it straight from the skillet for family-style dinner or plate it up for a cozy date night at home, this dish reads like comfort food from the first spoonful.

Why this recipe works

Gnocchi are tiny pillows of potato—or potato-like dumplings—that soak up sauce beautifully. Using pre-packaged gnocchi cuts the hands-on time dramatically, while a jarred marinara concentrates flavor without hours of simmering. A quick sear in olive oil gives the gnocchi some golden spots that add texture contrast to the soft interiors. Layering slices of fresh mozzarella on top and letting it melt beneath a lid creates a luscious, creamy finish that ties everything together.

Ingredients

These ingredient names and amounts are exact—use them as listed.

• 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)

Kitchen tools

• Large skillet with a lid
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Knife and cutting board for the garlic and mozzarella
• Measuring spoons and cups

Before you start

Prep the garlic and slice the fresh mozzarella ahead of time so the cooking sequence is uninterrupted. If you’re using basil, chop it and set it aside. Measure the olive oil and open your jar of marinara so everything is within reach once the skillet heats up. A wide skillet helps the gnocchi contact the pan more evenly for that slight sear we want.

Flavor tips

• Use a good-quality jarred marinara for the best tomato flavor; it’s the main sauce, so it should taste vibrant.
• Don’t skip searing the gnocchi briefly in the hot oil—those golden edges add texture that contrasts with the soft center.
• Fresh mozzarella slices melt better than pre-shredded cheese and deliver a creamier texture and better stretch.
• Salt and black pepper are added to taste; start with a small pinch and adjust after the sauce and gnocchi have simmered together for a minute.

Step-by-step instructions

Below is a clear, step-by-step version of the instructions so you can follow them easily while cooking. The order follows the source directions and uses the ingredient list as the authority for names and amounts.

1. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Swirl the oil to coat the bottom of the pan so the gnocchi won’t stick.
2. Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, to the hot oil. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant but before it browns.
3. Pour in the entire 1 (25.25 oz) jar DeLallo marinara sauce and stir to combine with the garlic. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the full 16 oz package of DeLallo Gnocchi directly to the simmering marinara. Gently stir to make sure the gnocchi are coated with sauce and spread them in an even layer across the skillet.
5. Taste the sauce and gnocchi, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a small pinch of each and add more later if needed.
6. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are heated through and tender. If the sauce seems very thick, use the lid slightly ajar so some steam can escape while keeping the skillet covered enough to melt the cheese later.
7. Once the gnocchi are tender, arrange 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced, on top of the saucy gnocchi in an even layer.
8. Replace the lid and allow the mozzarella to melt for 2 to 4 minutes over low to medium-low heat. Watch carefully so the cheese becomes gooey but does not burn.
9. After the cheese melts, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped basil over the top if using. Give the skillet a gentle stir to distribute some of the melted cheese and basil without breaking the gnocchi apart.
10. Serve immediately straight from the skillet, and adjust salt and black pepper to taste at the table if needed.

Serving suggestions

Serve this 5-Ingredient Skillet Gnocchi with a simple green salad and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for brightness. Crusty bread is ideal for sopping up extra sauce and melted cheese. For a heartier meal, pair it with roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed greens.

Make-ahead and storage

This dish is best enjoyed fresh because the gnocchi are at their most pillowy right after cooking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra marinara to loosen the sauce and keep the gnocchi from drying out. Avoid reheating in the microwave for extended periods, which can make the gnocchi gummy.

Variations

Keep the base recipe the same, but try these easy swaps to customize:

• Add a handful of baby spinach to the sauce during the simmer step for an extra boost of greens. Stir it in until wilted before adding the mozzarella.
• For a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce when you add the marinara.
• Fold in cooked mushrooms or sliced olives for extra savory depth—add them to the skillet with the sauce so they have a chance to simmer and meld with the tomatoes.

Food safety notes

Use freshly prepared garlic and prepackaged gnocchi from a reliable producer. Keep the skillet covered when melting the cheese to ensure even heating, and do not leave the skillet unattended while it’s on the stove. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.

Why you’ll make this again

This 5-Ingredient Skillet Gnocchi is the kind of weeknight supper that feels like it took more effort than it did. Minimal prep, minimal cleanup, and maximum comfort. The combination of tender gnocchi, bright tomato sauce, and molten mozzarella is universally satisfying. It’s a dependable, delicious meal that’s especially lovely when you want something cozy without the time investment of a big pasta dinner.

Final note

Keep the ingredients simple, follow the steps in order, and don’t rush the short simmer so the flavors fully meld. This friendly, forgiving recipe is perfect for cooks at any level and delivers big comfort with very little fuss. Enjoy your skillet straight from the pan and soak up every last cheesy, saucy bite.