Description
A comforting and rich Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Casserole featuring tender potato gnocchi layered with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make baked dish is perfect for a hearty family meal with a golden bubbly cheese crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi and Protein
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed (optional)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn
Cheeses
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the Gnocchi: If using shelf-stable gnocchi, they’re ready to use directly. For frozen gnocchi, boil briefly according to package instructions to thaw and partially cook.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, then add the Italian sausage (if using) and cook until nicely browned. Set aside the cooked sausage.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, mix marinara sauce, heavy cream, and dried oregano thoroughly to create a creamy tomato sauce base.
- Layer the Casserole: Begin layering by spreading a small amount of the sauce mixture at the bottom of the skillet. Add a layer of gnocchi, followed by fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, cooked sausage, and a sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients or fill the skillet.
- Top with Cheese: Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on the very top of the assembled casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. For a crispier cheese crust, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Add Fresh Basil: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves evenly over the top.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes; this helps it set and improves the texture and flavor before serving.
Notes
- Shelf-stable gnocchi can be used straight from the package, but frozen gnocchi should be boiled before assembling to ensure proper cooking.
- The Italian sausage can be substituted with other protein options such as ground turkey, chicken, or omitted altogether for a vegetarian version.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for a crispier, golden cheese topping.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving allows it to thicken slightly for better slicing and serving.
- Fresh basil adds a fragrant, fresh finish but can be substituted with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
