Why This Recipe Works

Roasting potato gnocchi in the oven—rather than boiling them—makes them golden and crispy on the outside and tender and creamy on the inside. Plus, cooking the tomatoes and garlic right on the same pan creates a savory, juicy sauce the whole family will love. Step 7 of this recipe calls for seasoning the finished dish with salt and pepper to taste. This is a great opportunity for kids to practice this foundational cooking skill: Have them take a tiny taste of the finished gnocchi. Do they think it could use more flavor? Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper, stir, and have them taste again. Repeat with more salt and/or pepper until they’re satisfied with the flavor of the dish. (Remember to only add a tiny bit at a time—you can always add more salt or pepper, but there’s not much you can do once you’ve added too much!)

Before You Begin

Be sure to use shelf-stable (not refrigerated) gnocchi in this recipe. Separate any stuck-together gnocchi before tossing with the oil in step 4.

Instructions

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 500 degrees.

In large bowl, combine garlic, tomato paste, salt, sugar, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and 1 tablespoon oil. Whisk until ingredients are well combined. Add tomatoes and use rubber spatula to toss gently until tomatoes are coated in garlic mixture.

Transfer tomato mixture to rimmed baking sheet and push tomatoes towards center of baking sheet. Scrape any remaining garlic mixture from bowl into center of tomatoes.

Add gnocchi and remaining 1 tablespoon oil to now-empty bowl. Toss gently until gnocchi are coated in oil. Transfer gnocchi to edges of rimmed baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between tomatoes and gnocchi (see photo, “Step-by-Step: How to Arrange Tomatoes and Gnocchi,” below).

Place baking sheet in oven. Bake until gnocchi are golden brown and tomatoes are blistered and browned, about 20 minutes.

Use oven mitts to remove baking sheet from oven and place on cooling rack (ask an adult for help).

Transfer gnocchi and tomato mixture to serving bowl (ask an adult for help). Add Parmesan and basil to bowl and gently stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.