This Baked Gnocchi recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Loaded with Italian chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and tender gnocchi, it’s fiber-rich and naturally low in saturated fat.
With melty mozzarella on top and a quick bake in the oven, it’s satisfying, easy to prepare, and ideal for meal prep.
Quick Baked Gnocchi
Equipment
- 1 large oven-proof skillet
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 cutting board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian ground chicken sausage casing removed
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 carrot peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 5 ounces baby spinach chopped
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil plus extra for garnish
- 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare your ingredients. Use a large oven-proof skillet, as it will allow you to cook the sausage and vegetables on the stovetop and then transfer directly into the oven without changing pans.
- Heat Olive Oil: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow it to warm until it shimmers slightly but is not smoking. The oil will help prevent sticking and add a subtle, healthy flavor to the sausage and vegetables.
- Cook the Chicken Sausage: Add the ground Italian chicken sausage to the hot skillet. Break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is evenly browned and slightly crisped on the edges, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Browning the meat not only develops deep flavor but also creates a slight texture contrast that enhances the dish.
- Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables: Once the sausage is browned, add the diced yellow onion, carrot, and celery. Stir the vegetables into the sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, until they begin to soften and release their natural sweetness. These vegetables form the base of flavor for the dish, so make sure they are tender but not mushy.
- Add Garlic for Aroma: Next, add the finely minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic will infuse the sausage and vegetables with a fragrant, savory aroma that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Incorporate Marinara Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the marinara sauce, approximately 24 ounces. Stir gently until the sauce fully combines with the sausage and vegetables. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together. This step creates a rich, savory sauce that coats every bite of gnocchi.
- Mix in Spinach, Gnocchi, and Basil: Add the chopped baby spinach, uncooked potato gnocchi, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil to the skillet. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the spinach begins to wilt slightly. The gnocchi will absorb the flavors of the sauce, while the spinach adds color, nutrients, and a tender texture.
- Top with Mozzarella Cheese: Evenly arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the gnocchi mixture. Make sure each slice of cheese covers part of the gnocchi to ensure an even, gooey melt. The cheese will form a golden, bubbly layer when baked, creating a comforting, indulgent topping.
- Bake the Gnocchi: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt completely, the gnocchi will soften, and the dish will become bubbly. Keep an eye on the edges to ensure the cheese does not brown too quickly.
- Broil for a Golden Finish: For a beautifully browned, slightly crisp top, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully, as broiling can quickly burn the cheese. Once golden and lightly crisped, remove the skillet from the oven.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle additional chopped fresh basil and parsley over the top of the baked gnocchi. This adds a fresh, herbal aroma and a pop of color, making the dish visually appealing. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a cozy, family-style meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, choose high-quality Italian chicken sausage; it adds seasoning and moisture to the dish without extra effort.
- Dice the vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and a balanced texture throughout.
- If your skillet is not oven-proof, transfer the gnocchi mixture to a lightly greased baking dish before adding the cheese.
- Stirring the gnocchi gently with the sauce prevents sticking while coating each piece with flavor.
- Watch carefully when broiling; cheese can go from golden to burnt in under a minute.
Chef’s Secrets: Enhance Flavor And Texture
To elevate this dish, brown the sausage until it develops slight crispiness—it adds a delightful textural contrast.
Sautéing the vegetables before adding the sauce not only softens them but also deepens their natural sweetness.
When adding spinach and basil, fold them gently to maintain a vibrant color and fresh taste.
Using a mix of mozzarella slices rather than shredded cheese helps achieve an even, melty layer that browns beautifully without overcooking.
Serving Suggestions: Pairings And Presentation Ideas
Baked Gnocchi is perfect as a standalone comfort meal or served alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for extra fiber and color.
A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds a flavor kick for more adventurous eaters.
For family-style meals, serve directly from the skillet with a side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the rich sauce.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh Longer
Store leftover baked gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the cheesy topping’s texture, or cover and microwave in short intervals for convenience.
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked mixture (without cheese) in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months.
Add fresh cheese on top when baking from frozen to retain its melty texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes! You can substitute Italian pork, turkey, or chicken sausage depending on your preference. Keep in mind that flavors and fat content may slightly alter the dish’s richness.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the chicken sausage with a plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. You may want to add extra seasoning for depth.
3. Is it possible to use pre-cooked gnocchi?
Yes, if your gnocchi is pre-cooked, reduce the oven-baking time slightly—around 10-15 minutes—just enough to melt the cheese and heat the sauce thoroughly.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the gnocchi and sauce in your skillet or baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cheese on top right before baking to ensure optimal meltiness.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Certainly! Mozzarella gives the classic melty, gooey texture, but you can also use provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Just be aware that firmer cheeses may require slightly longer baking to melt completely.
