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Delicious Creamy Gnocchi Sausage Bake

Featured in Simple, Tasty Pasta for Every Day.

This one-pan meal is a perfect mix of textures and flavors, featuring tender gnocchi, savory sausage, fresh herbs, spinach, and cherry tomatoes stirred into a rich cream and marinara sauce. Finished with golden-baked mozzarella and Parmesan on top, it comes together in just about 30 minutes—great for a quick, flavorful dinner.
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Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:24:08 GMT
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Melted-Cheese Gnocchi Bake | thefamilycooks.com

Italian comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy gnocchi casserole. Each spoonful delivers tender potato dumplings bathed in rich sauce and topped with a golden cheese crust. The contrast between the crispy surface and velvety interior creates an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

At a recent gathering, this casserole vanished within minutes of serving. The secret lies in careful layering and letting the cheese achieve that perfectly golden finish under the broiler's heat.

Key Ingredients Guide

  • Gnocchi: Available dried or fresh - both work well, though fresh offers superior texture
  • Cheese selection: Combine mozzarella for stretch, Parmesan for depth, fontina for creaminess
  • Tomato sauce: Use quality marinara with visible herbs or craft your own using San Marzano tomatoes
  • Fresh herbs: Select bright, crisp basil and oregano leaves
  • Heavy cream: Use full-fat for the richest results
  • Garlic: Choose whole fresh cloves over pre-processed options

Preparation Method

Initial Setup
Heat oven to 375°F. Boil gnocchi in salted water until they float, roughly 2-3 minutes. Drain without rinsing to preserve the starchy coating.
Sauce Creation
Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add marinara and cream, simmer 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Assembly
Layer sauce, gnocchi, ricotta, and mozzarella twice. Top with Parmesan.
Baking
Cover and bake 20 minutes. Broil uncovered 3-5 minutes until golden. Rest 15 minutes before serving.
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easy Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Casserole | thefamilycooks.com

A traditional Italian cooking technique involves using pasta water to create perfectly textured sauce - it's a simple trick that transforms homemade dishes into restaurant-quality meals.

Mastering Gnocchi Texture

Gnocchi requires gentle handling to maintain its light, pillowy texture. Watch them carefully while cooking - they're done the moment they rise to the surface. This ensures each piece stays tender rather than becoming heavy or chewy.

Time and Temperature Control

Success depends on proper heat management. The initial covered bake allows thorough heating while retaining moisture. Follow with careful broiling to achieve that signature golden crust.

Advance Preparation

This casserole benefits from advance assembly. Prepare early in the day and refrigerate until baking time. The resting period allows flavors to develop more fully.

Seasonal Variations

Adapt the recipe throughout the year: summer brings tomatoes and basil, autumn welcomes squash and sage, winter calls for caramelized onions, while spring introduces asparagus and peas.

yummy Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Casserole Pin it
yummy Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Casserole | thefamilycooks.com

This casserole consistently proves its worth as a gathering dish. The aroma of melted cheese and garlic creates an inviting atmosphere, while the combination of textures and flavors delivers satisfaction with every serving. It's a reliable recipe that consistently impresses both family and guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Leave out the sausage or swap it for mushrooms or your favorite plant-based alternative.
→ What kind of gnocchi works best?
Both frozen and shelf-stable gnocchi are great options, but if using frozen, cook them according to the package directions first.
→ Is it okay to prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it in advance, keep it in the fridge, and bake it fresh when you’re ready.
→ Why should I let the bake sit before serving?
Resting it for 5-10 minutes helps the creamy sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
→ Can I store leftovers in the freezer?
You can freeze it, but keep in mind the cream sauce may not have the same texture when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Gnocchi Sausage Bake

A comforting bake with creamy potato gnocchi, Italian sausage, spinach, and a cheesy topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Foundations & Pasta

01 A pound (450g) of gnocchi made from potatoes – whether it's shelf-stable or straight from the freezer, both are perfect.
02 450g (1 lb) of Italian sausage, no casings – adds fantastic flavor but totally your call if you wanna skip it.

→ Saucy Delights

03 One cup (240ml) of the marinara sauce you love best.
04 240ml (1 cup) of luxurious heavy cream.

→ Cheesy Layers

05 Two cups (200g) of shredded mozzarella – hello oozy cheesiness!
06 Half a cup (50g) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

→ Fresh & Flavorful Twists

07 One cup (150g) of cherry tomatoes, cut in half.
08 Two cups (60g) of baby spinach leaves.
09 Three garlic cloves, finely chopped.
10 A teaspoon of dried oregano for a kick.
11 A quarter cup (10g) of basil, freshly torn.
12 Two tablespoons of nice olive oil.
13 A sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper for final seasoning.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Need to prep frozen gnocchi? Follow the package steps, but if they're shelf-stable, you're good to go.

Step 02

Warm up olive oil in your trusty oven-safe skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and cook it just long enough to smell amazing – about a minute. If you're using sausage, now’s its moment – cook it till it's golden and delicious, then take it out for later.

Step 03

In the same skillet, mix your marinara and heavy cream together. Sprinkle in that oregano – trust me, it’s going to smell like heaven.

Step 04

Here’s the fun bit! Put a little sauce on the bottom of the skillet, then load up with gnocchi, spinach, cherry tomatoes, the sausage you cooked, and both cheeses. Repeat those layers until you’ve used everything or the skillet’s full. Top the whole thing with a thick blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 05

Bake it for 20 to 25 minutes till it's bubbling and golden. Want the top to be extra crispy? Throw it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes (hard, but worth it). Sprinkle fresh basil over the top, and you’re ready to serve!

Notes

  1. Don’t feel like using sausage? Skip it! The dish is still super tasty.
  2. If you have leftovers (lucky you), they reheat wonderfully.
  3. That resting time? Super important for the best texture, so don’t skip it!

Tools You'll Need

  • A large oven-proof skillet – cast iron is ideal for this recipe.
  • A sharp knife for cutting and chopping ingredients.
  • You’ll need measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream).
  • Has gluten because of the gnocchi.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: 24.8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32.5 g
  • Protein: 21.2 g