Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

Ingredients

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• ¼ cup olive oil
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• 2 (12 ounce) packages refrigerated gnocchi
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• 3 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste
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• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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• 1 pinch salt
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• 1 pinch sugar
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• 1 (28 ounce) can whole Italian plum tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
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• 8 ounces marinated mozzarella balls
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• fresh parsley or basil (optional)
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Instructions

1. 1
   Open marinated mozzarella balls and measure out 1/4 cup of the oil.
2. 2
   Pour oil into a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Cook gnocchi in batches in the hot oil until golden and heated through. Divide gnocchi evenly amongst 4 gratin dishes.
3. 3
   Add garlic and red chili flakes to the oil in the same skillet. Cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in salt and sugar. Pour in tomatoes. Use a wooden spoon to break up and crush the tomatoes.
4. 4
   Bring sauce to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer tomatoes for 15 minutes.
5. 5
   Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
6. 6
   Taste sauce and adjust seasonings if desired. Spoon tomato sauce over the gnocchi. Top each dish with 3 marinated mozzarella balls and set on a baking sheet.
7. 7
   Add baking sheet to oven and broil until mozzarella balls are melted and golden browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or basil if desired and serve immediately.