Irresistible Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives in a warm, cheesy casserole with this delightful easy baked gnocchi recipe that promises pure culinary satisfaction.

Soft potato dumplings nestle beneath a golden, bubbling cheese blanket, creating an irresistible dish.

Weeknight dinners never looked more appetizing or effortless.

Each forkful delivers a comforting embrace of rich, melted cheese and tender gnocchi.

The aroma will draw everyone to the table, anticipating a delectable meal.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical.

This recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience you won’t want to miss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Baked Gnocchi

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation that enhances overall taste and helps sauté aromatics smoothly.
• Onion: Adds sweet, deep undertones and creates a robust flavor profile for the dish.
• Garlic: Infuses intense, pungent aroma that elevates the entire sauce with a classic Italian touch.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian sauce that delivers tangy, vibrant tomato essence and acts as primary liquid component.
• Fresh Basil: Introduces bright, peppery herb notes that bring freshness and authentic Mediterranean character.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and amplify the entire dish's flavor spectrum.

• Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that serve as hearty main ingredient and provide satisfying texture.
• Mozzarella: Creamy, melty cheese that creates golden, stretchy topping and adds luxurious richness to the baked dish.

Kitchen Gear for Baked Gnocchi

• Large oven-proof skillet: Essential for sautéing and baking the entire dish.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for chopping onions and tearing basil leaves.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Cheese grater: Helps create fresh Parmesan topping.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for precise seasoning and ingredient amounts.

Baked Gnocchi Instructions Step-by-Step

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the heat to toasty 400°F, positioning the rack near the top of the oven for perfect golden results.

• Flavor Foundation

Grab a skillet and melt some butter, then dance those onions around until they turn soft and golden with delicious caramel hints. Sprinkle in garlic for an aromatic punch that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Sauce Magic

Pour marinara over the skillet, nestling plump gnocchi into the vibrant red sauce. Let everything get cozy and start bubbling softly.

• Cheese Blanket

Scatter fresh basil leaves across the surface, then crown the dish with a generous snowfall of mozzarella cheese. The more, the merrier!

• Baking Brilliance

Slide the skillet into the hot oven, letting everything meld and bubble for about 15 minutes. For that irresistible crispy cheese top, switch to broil and watch carefully until perfectly bronzed.

• Serving Delight

Pull out your masterpiece and let it rest briefly. Sprinkle with a bit of Parmesan and extra basil if you’re feeling fancy. Dive in while it’s hot and enjoy every comforting bite.

Flavor Hacks for Baked Gnocchi

• Gnocchi Cooking Wisdom: Soft Potato Perfection
• Potato Power: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for the lightest, fluffiest gnocchi texture that melts in your mouth.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Swap mozzarella with fontina or provolone for a richer, more complex melted cheese experience.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in roasted zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to add extra nutrition and vibrant color to your dish.
• Protein Punch: Enhance the meal by adding crispy pancetta, cooked Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier version.

Serving Dish Ideas for Baked Gnocchi

• Rustic Italian Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this comforting dish, creating a warm and inviting dinner experience that feels like a traditional Italian gathering.
• Cheese Lover's Delight: Sprinkle extra mozzarella or add crumbled gorgonzola on top for a rich, creamy twist that elevates the gnocchi's simple flavors.
• Fresh Green Companions: Pair with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli rabe to balance the hearty pasta dish.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Serve with crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the delicious marinara sauce, ensuring not a drop goes to waste.

Storage Notes for Baked Gnocchi

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The dish stays fresh and tasty when sealed tightly to lock in moisture and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the baked gnocchi in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring you have a quick meal ready whenever hunger strikes.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated gnocchi in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy cheese topping and ensure even heating. Avoid microwave to maintain the original texture and prevent soggy results.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh when ready to serve, saving precious cooking time during busy weeknights.

Creamy Baked Gnocchi Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comforting potato gnocchi with creamy spinach sauce combines Italian culinary traditions and simple home cooking. Cheese-topped pasta brings warmth and satisfaction to weekend family dinners you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb/0.45 kg uncooked potato gnocchi
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara sauce
• 2 tbsps butter
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 handful fresh basil, torn
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), positioning rack in the upper third of the cooking chamber.
2. Sauté Foundation: In an oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then introduce chopped onions and sauté until golden and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Aromatics and Sauce: Add minced garlic, stirring briefly, then pour marinara sauce over the vegetables, gently nestling uncooked gnocchi within the sauce and ensuring complete coating.
4. Herb and Cheese Layer: Distribute torn basil leaves across the surface, then lavishly cover with shredded mozzarella, creating a promising canvas of melted potential.
5. Baking Process: Transfer skillet to preheated oven, allowing ingredients to harmonize and bubble for 15 minutes, then activate broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crisp cheese topping.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove from oven, let flavors settle, season with salt and pepper, then garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and additional basil leaves before serving this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece immediately.

Notes

• Skillet Selection: Choose a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet for even heat distribution and seamless stovetop-to-oven transition.
• Onion Sautéing Technique: Cook onions slowly to develop deep, sweet caramelized flavors without burning.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Watch carefully during broiling to achieve perfect golden-brown cheese without burning.
• Resting Period: Allow the dish to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and prevent burning your mouth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg