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