Cheesy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Bake
This Italian Sausage Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort food—pillowy gnocchi baked in a rich tomato sauce with Italian sausage, herbs, and lots of melty cheese. It’s cozy, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining. It brings together all the best Italian flavors in one bubbling dish of joy.
Prep & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients:
1 lb (500g) potato gnocchi
1 tbsp olive oil
½ lb (225g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup shredded Parmesan
¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Gnocchi:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook gnocchi according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes until they float).
Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (5–7 minutes).
Add onion and garlic; saute 2–3 minutes until soft.
3. Build the Sauce:
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Combine & Top:
Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
If using an oven-safe skillet, place it directly in the oven. If not, transfer to a greased baking dish.
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the top.
6. Serve:
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
Notes & Tips:
Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey, beef, or plant-based sausage.
Add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for more bulk.
Use store-bought gnocchi, or homemade if desired.
Prefer white sauce? Try a creamy alfredo base with spinach and sausage instead.
Frequently asked questions FAQs:
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Freeze after baking. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw and bake at 350°F until hot.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Only if you use spicy sausage or add chili flakes. For a milder version, skip the flakes and use sweet Italian sausage.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes! Omit sausage or use a plant-based version. Add more veggies for volume.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 20 g
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 6 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg
Sodium: 780 mg
Calcium: ~200 mg
Note: Nutrition varies by sausage type and cheese brand.