Gnocchi and tuna casserole

 

Gnocchi and tuna casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that combines the comforting texture of gnocchi with the rich flavor of tuna, all baked to perfection with cheese and a savory sauce. Here's a simple recipe to make it at home

 Ingredients

 For the Casserole

- 500g (about 1 pound) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

- 2 cans of tuna in water or oil, drained (around 160g or 5.6 ounces each)

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 400g (about 14 ounces) passata or tomato sauce

- 200ml (about 3/4 cup) heavy cream or cooking cream

- 150g (about 1 1/3 cups) shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend works well)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Olive oil for sautéing

- Optional: Herbs such as parsley or basil for garnish

For the Topping

- Extra shredded cheese for topping

- Bread crumbs (optional for added crunch)

 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Prepare the Gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they are just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant.

4. Add Tuna and Sauce: Add the drained tuna to the skillet, breaking it into flakes. Stir in the passata or tomato sauce and the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently mix with the sauce and tuna. Sprinkle in half of the shredded cheese and stir to combine.

6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the gnocchi and tuna mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and, if desired, a sprinkle of bread crumbs for extra crunch.

7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

8. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your comforting and satisfying gnocchi and tuna casserole!