Irresistibly Creamy Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets culinary magic in this cheesy baked gnocchi casserole that promises pure delight.

Soft potato dumplings nestle beneath a golden, bubbling cheese blanket.

Melted layers create an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures.

Weeknight dinners need something special, and this dish delivers incredible satisfaction.

Pasta lovers will adore the creamy, indulgent experience waiting on their plates.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that feels both elegant and homey.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing classic.

Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole Twist Ideas

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas for a meat-free version. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Comfort: Use gluten-free gnocchi made from potato or alternative flours. Ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free and swap regular cheese for lactose-free or vegan cheese alternatives.
• Lighter Mediterranean Gnocchi: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light coconut milk. Add kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and swap marinara for a lighter tomato sauce. Include fresh herbs like oregano and thyme for bright Mediterranean flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Gnocchi Option: Use cauliflower gnocchi as a lower-carbohydrate base. Reduce sauce quantity and increase vegetable content. Choose lean protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to maintain a lighter meal profile.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the sausage or replace it with plant-based protein like mushrooms, tofu, or vegetarian sausage crumbles. The dish will still be delicious and hearty.

• What if I don't have marinara sauce?

You can substitute with any tomato-based pasta sauce like arrabbiata, pomodoro, or even a homemade tomato sauce. The key is to maintain a similar consistency and flavor profile.

• Is heavy cream necessary?

Not always. You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. Each will slightly alter the richness but still provide a creamy texture.

• Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Why Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole Hits the Spot

• This gnocchi casserole is a game-changer!
• Packed with cheesy goodness, hearty protein, and tender gnocchi, this casserole brings everyone to the table with smiles.
• Easily swap proteins, adjust vegetables, or customize seasonings to match your family's taste preferences and pantry contents.
• Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that goes from stovetop to oven, saving you time and reducing dish-washing hassle.

What’s in Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings as the main carbohydrate.

• Italian Sausage, Chicken, Vegetarian Protein: Adds hearty flavor and protein to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture and rich cheese flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce for Italian-style taste.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth sauce.

• Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes: Adds fresh color and nutritional boost.

• Garlic, Dried Oregano, Fresh Basil Leaves: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasoning and cooking medium.

Bake Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to create the perfect baking environment for this delicious dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Gnocchi

If using shelf-stable gnocchi, they’re ready to rock.

For frozen gnocchi, give them a quick boil following the package instructions to ensure they’re perfectly tender.

Step 3: Sizzle the Aromatics

Grab a large oven-safe skillet and drizzle in some olive oil.

Dance the garlic around the pan until it releases its fragrant magic.

If you’re adding protein like sausage, toss it in and cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Set the sizzling goodness aside.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Magic

In the same skillet, blend marinara sauce with velvety heavy cream and a sprinkle of dried oregano.

Watch the colors and flavors mingle and dance.

Step 5: Build Delicious Layers

Start your flavor adventure by spreading a thin layer of sauce mixture.

• Gnocchi
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Cooked sausage
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all your ingredients or reached the skillet’s top.

Step 6: Crown with Cheese

Shower the top with an extra generous blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the skillet into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’re looking for bubbly, golden-brown cheese that screams comfort.

For an extra crispy top, hit it with the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of herbal freshness.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes.

This allows the flavors to settle and creates the most incredible texture.

Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole Cooking Tips

• Toast herbs like oregano in the skillet before adding sauce to intensify their aromatic profile and deepen the dish's overall taste.
• Pat gnocchi dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely and avoid becoming mushy during baking.
• Easily substitute sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
• Experiment with different leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach to add nutritional variety and keep the dish interesting.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep more convenient.

How to Keep Gnocchi Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Will keep for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore cheese crispiness.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Serving Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole Right

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that matches the rich, hearty flavors of the cheesy gnocchi casserole, complementing the sausage and tomato sauce perfectly.
• Serve with Crisp Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy, cheesy casserole and cut through its richness with a fresh, zesty contrast.
• Accompany with Garlic Bread: Toast rustic Italian bread with garlic butter and herbs, providing a crunchy side that helps soak up the delicious sauce and adds another layer of savory goodness to the meal.
• Add Chilled Sparkling Water: Introduce a refreshing, palate-cleansing beverage with subtle bubbles that help reset the taste buds between bites of the decadent, cheesy casserole.

Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty comfort meets Italian charm in this cheesy baked gnocchi casserole, blending rich tomato sauce with pillowy potato dumplings and melted mozzarella. Comfort cuisine reaches new heights with each forkful of gooey, golden-crusted goodness you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

Vegetable and Herb Ingredients:

• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn

Seasoning and Oil Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), preparing for a delectable cheese-laden journey.
2. Tackle the gnocchi preparation: boil frozen varieties per package guidance, while shelf-stable versions stand ready.
3. Awaken flavors in a large oven-safe skillet, dancing olive oil and garlic together until aromatic, roughly 60 seconds.
4. Introduce protein (sausage optional), browning thoroughly and setting aside to preserve its robust character.
5. Transform the skillet into a flavor canvas by blending marinara, heavy cream, and dried oregano into a harmonious sauce.
6. Craft delectable layers: spread sauce foundation, nestle gnocchi, scatter spinach, distribute tomatoes, sprinkle cooked protein, and lavish with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Repeat layering technique until ingredients are fully embraced or skillet reaches capacity.
8. Crown the creation with an abundant blanket of melting mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Slide into the preheated oven, allowing 20-25 minutes of transformative heat until cheese erupts with golden, bubbly magnificence.
10. For ultimate crispness, activate broiler for a swift 2-3 minute finale.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, adding a verdant flourish.
12. Permit casserole a brief 5-10 minute rest, allowing flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Opt for fresh gnocchi when possible, as they provide a more delicate texture and authentic flavor compared to shelf-stable or frozen varieties.
• Consider swapping out protein options to accommodate dietary preferences, such as using plant-based sausage for vegetarians or ground turkey for a leaner alternative.
• Control the dish’s richness by adjusting cream quantities or substituting with lighter alternatives like half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a healthier version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 90mg