Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Casserole
This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Casserole is a comforting, Italian-inspired dish that combines soft potato gnocchi with a creamy tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, and a blend of melty cheeses.It's topped with fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g potato gnocchi
- 1 lb 450g Italian sausage, casings removed (optional)
- 1 cup 240ml marinara sauce
- 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
- 2 cups 200g shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups 60g fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ cup 10g fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using shelf-stable gnocchi, they’re ready to go. For frozen gnocchi, give them a quick boil according to package instructions.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sausage or protein of choice (if using) and cook until browned. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, mix the marinara sauce with the heavy cream and dried oregano.
- Start layering the casserole: Add a bit of the sauce mixture, followed by gnocchi, spinach, tomatoes, cooked sausage, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers as needed until the ingredients are used or you reach the skillet’s top.
- Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For a crispier top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best consistency.