Baked Gnocchi delivers ultimate comfort with tender pasta, rich creamy sauce, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese in every bite. With Italian-spiced sausage, vibrant spinach, and a velvety cream sauce, this meal strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. Made with pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps, this baked gnocchi is a crave-worthy comfort meal you’ll turn to time and time again. Whether you’re craving something cozy or need a fuss-free crowd-pleaser, this dish is bound to become a weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Gnocchi
Creamy, savory, and utterly comforting—this baked gnocchi delivers rich flavor with minimal fuss.
Uses uncooked gnocchi, speeding up prep and reducing pots and pans.
Italian sausage, spinach, and cheeses combine for a satisfying, hearty meal everyone will love.
Versatile: mild or spicy sausage, baked or stovetop, dairy-rich or dairy-light—customize it however you like!
Ingredients
340 g (¾ lb) mild or spicy Italian sausage (ground)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
240 ml (1 cup) low-sodium chicken broth
240 ml (1 cup) heavy whipping cream
450 g (1 lb) dry uncooked gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Baked Gnocchi
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high, then cook the sausage and onion until nicely browned, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring so no white flour remains.
Slowly pour in chicken broth and cream; reduce heat to medium and stir until sauce thickens (3–4 minutes). Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add uncooked gnocchi and spinach to the skillet; stir until well combined.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the top.
Cover skillet and bake for 20 minutes.
If desired, uncover and broil briefly until cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.
Allow dish to cool for 10 minutes before serving—this helps the sauce set and keeps it cozy warm.
Helpful Tips
Use an ovenproof skillet to go seamlessly from stovetop to oven.
Prefer stovetop only? Skip the bake—just simmer covered until gnocchi is tender, then broil cheese topping briefly.
For leaner sausage options like chicken or turkey, add 1–2 tbsp oil when sautéing to prevent sticking.
Let the finished bake rest to thicken the sauce and make serving easier.
Swap in other veggies such as mushrooms or kale for added nutrition.
Substitutions And Variations
Vegetarian twist: skip the sausage; boost flavor with mushrooms, roasted peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Cream swap: use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce.
Cheese alternatives: mix in fontina, cheddar, or a plant-based mozzarella for dietary needs.
Herbal flavoring: sprinkle fresh basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes before serving for freshness or heat.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed container and enjoy within 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in the oven or microwave until bubbly and hot. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freezing: Not recommended—gnocchi texture may suffer upon thawing and reheating.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 281 g
Calories: 631 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Protein: 21 g
Total fat: 44 g (including 22 g saturated, 4 g polyunsaturated, and 15 g monounsaturated fats)
Cholesterol: 121 mg
Sodium: 1,216 mg
Potassium: 388 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 3 g
Vitamin A: 1,964 IU
Vitamin C: 7 mg
Calcium: 193 mg
Iron: 5 mg
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad dressed lightly for brightness.
Serve warm crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the creamy sauce.
Round off your meal with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini.
A simple side of olives or a citrusy arugula salad can add freshness to balance the creamy richness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Gnocchi
How long does it take to make?
Start to finish, prep takes about 10 minutes and baking adds 20 minutes (plus broil if desired), so under 40 minutes total.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Just add it directly—no need to thaw. It will cook through in the sauce during baking.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely—assemble and refrigerate for up to 8 hours, then bake when ready. You might need to add a little extra cream or broth if it looks dry.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Not ideal—the gnocchi’s texture can degrade when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Can I reduce the fat?
Yes, use lighter dairy like half-and-half or whole milk, and swap sausage for lean ground turkey or omit meat.
Conclusion
Thank you for exploring this cozy and deeply satisfying Baked Gnocchi recipe with me. I love how it brings together simple, wholesome ingredients—sausage, spinach, creamy sauce, and cheese—for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Perfect for family dinners or satisfying cravings, this comforting dish is both quick to prepare and impossible to resist. Wishing you joyful cooking—thank you for being a cherished part of our food-loving family!
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Baked Gnocchi
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Baked Gnocchi is a creamy, cheesy, one-pan dinner loaded with Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce. Quick to prep, baked in under 30 minutes, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
340g (¾ lb) ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
450g (1 lb) uncooked dry gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high, then cook the sausage and onion until nicely browned, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring so no white flour remains.
Slowly pour in chicken broth and cream; reduce heat to medium and stir until sauce thickens (3–4 minutes). Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add uncooked gnocchi and spinach to the skillet; stir until well combined.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the top.
Cover skillet and bake for 20 minutes.
If desired, uncover and broil briefly until cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.
Allow dish to cool for 10 minutes before serving—this helps the sauce set and keeps it cozy warm.
Notes
Use oil if cooking with lean sausage like chicken or turkey.
Simmer on the stovetop instead of baking if preferred.
Broil topping for extra golden, bubbly cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 281g
- Calories: 631
- Sugar: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 21g