Description
This vibrant gnocchi traybake combines crispy roasted gnocchi with tender courgettes, sweet baby plum tomatoes, and aromatic artichokes. Infused with garlic, chili flakes, and brightened by lemony ricotta and fresh basil, it creates a delightful, creamy, and zesty vegetarian meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 courgette, halved, then sliced into chunky pieces
- 100g baby plum tomatoes, halved
- 2 garlic cloves, unpeeled, lightly bashed
- 1 lemon, zested, then sliced into wedges
- 10g basil, roughly chopped
Main Ingredients
- 500g gnocchi
- 100g artichokes in oil, plus 2 tbsp of the oil
- ½ tsp chilli flakes
- 85g ricotta
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or gas mark 8 to get it ready for roasting the gnocchi and vegetables.
- Combine ingredients in tray: In a large roasting tray, add the gnocchi, courgette pieces, halved baby plum tomatoes, artichokes along with 2 tablespoons of their oil, lightly bashed unpeeled garlic cloves, and chili flakes. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix ingredients: Use your hands to toss and mix all the ingredients thoroughly in the tray to ensure everything is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Roast in the oven: Bake the traybake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Roast until the gnocchi edges turn crispy and golden brown while the vegetables become soft and tender.
- Prepare lemony ricotta: While the traybake roasts, combine the ricotta and lemon zest in a small bowl. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to blend the flavors.
- Add ricotta and basil: Once the traybake is done, dot the lemony ricotta mixture over the hot gnocchi and sprinkle with the chopped basil to add freshness and creaminess.
- Serve and enjoy: Divide the gnocchi traybake between two bowls. Mix well as you serve to help the ricotta break down, forming a creamy sauce. Offer lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over to add extra zing.
Notes
- Use unpeeled garlic cloves to roast; they soften and add a mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- If you prefer extra heat, increase the chili flakes slightly, or omit them for a milder flavor.
- Fresh basil adds the perfect herbal note—don’t skip it or substitute with dried basil for best flavor.
- Ensure the gnocchi are spread out well in the roasting tray to achieve crisp edges.
- This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten-free if you use gluten-free gnocchi.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: gnocchi, traybake, lemon ricotta, roasted vegetables, easy dinner, Italian vegetarian recipe
