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Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender potato gnocchi layered with Italian sausage, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a rich blend of marinara sauce and cream, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, this casserole makes a perfect hearty meal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Main 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
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
  2. Prepare Gnocchi: If using frozen gnocchi, boil according to package instructions to cook; shelf-stable gnocchi can be used as is.
  3. Cook Sausage and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sausage and cook until browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Make Sauce Mixture: In the same skillet, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, and dried oregano, stirring gently to blend flavors.
  5. Layer Casserole: Begin layering by adding some sauce mixture at the bottom, then a layer of gnocchi, followed by spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, cooked sausage, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used or the skillet is full.
  6. Top with Cheese: Finish the casserole with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy crust.
  7. Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes carefully watching to avoid burning.
  8. Add Fresh Basil: Remove from oven and sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the casserole to add freshness and aroma.
  9. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set and achieve the best texture.

Notes

  • If preferred, substitute Italian sausage with any other protein or omit for a vegetarian version.
  • Fresh gnocchi or shelf-stable gnocchi can be used; cooking methods differ slightly.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the casserole to another dish for baking.
  • To make the casserole gluten free, verify gnocchi ingredients or use gluten-free gnocchi.
  • Broiling at the end provides a crispy and golden cheese topping, but watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set for easier serving and better flavor meld.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/cheesy-baked-gnocchi-casserole-recipe/