The Best And Easiest Gnocchi Bake

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This easy gnocchi bake in creamy tomato sauce is perfect comfort food. With tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and melty mozzarella, it's satisfying and simple to prepare. Great for busy weeknights, this recipe is sure to become a favourite.

Baked gnocchi with lots of melted cheese.

You'll also love my chorizo gnocchi, artichoke gnocchi, broccoli gnocchi, and this butternut squash gnocchi.

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⭐️ Why this recipe works
🧾 Ingredients overview
👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it
📖 Variations
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
❓Recipe FAQ's
The Best And Easiest Gnocchi Bake

⭐️ Why this recipe works

One-Skillet Dish: Minimal cleanup required! Everything is cooked in one pan, making the process straightforward and reducing the number of dishes to wash.
Quick to Make: This gnocchi bake comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in no time.
Rich Flavours: The combination of garlic, rosemary, and creamy ricotta in the tomato base creates a deep, rich flavor that satisfies every bite.
Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe with different vegetables, proteins, or herbs to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand.
No Pre-Boiling Required: The gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors and making the dish even simpler to prepare.

🧾 Ingredients overview

Ingredients for baked gnocchi on a tray.

Potato Gnocchi: The base of the dish, providing a tender, pillowy texture.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a rich, fruity flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Enhances the savory flavor and adds aromatic notes.
Passata: Forms the tomato base of the sauce, providing a smooth and rich consistency.
Ricotta: Adds creaminess and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Rosemary: Infuses the dish with a piney, aromatic flavor.
Baby Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness.
Fresh Mozzarella: Melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey, cheesy layer.
Parmesan (optional): Adds a sharp, salty flavor and enhances the cheesy top layer.

For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it

Easiest Gnocchi Bake recipe step-by-step

Sauteed onions and tomato sauce for baked gnocchi.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C.
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium, oven-safe, hob-safe pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and rosemary, cooking until fragrant.
Create the Creamy Tomato Base: Pour in the passata and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in ricotta until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Adding gnocchi to a pan and topping with mozzarella.

Assemble the Dish: Add baby spinach and gnocchi to the pan, stirring to coat and wilt the spinach. If using, grate Parmesan over the mixture. Layer sliced mozzarella evenly on top.
Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

📖 Variations

Herb Substitution: Swap rosemary with basil or oregano for a different flavor.
Protein Addition: Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Cheese Variation: Use cheddar or Gouda instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
Vegetable Variation: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or courgette (zucchini) for more veggies.

💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips

Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.

Garlic Prep: Crushing the garlic before mincing releases more oils and enhances the flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers

Fridge: Store the cooled gnocchi bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and warm in a 180°C oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

❓Recipe FAQ's

Can Cooked Gnocchi Be Frozen?

Yes, cooked gnocchi can be frozen, but it's best to do so in the sauce to maintain the texture and flavour. Store the baked gnocchi in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, you can place the frozen gnocchi bake directly in the oven at a lower temperature, like 160°C, until warmed through.

How To Know When Gnocchi Is Cooked?

When gnocchi are cooked, they will generally float to the top of the sauce or water they are being cooked in. For this gnocchi bake recipe, you don't have to worry about this visual cue since the gnocchi will cook in the sauce in the oven. However, if you want to be extra sure, you can remove a piece and taste it. Properly cooked gnocchi should be soft but still have a slight bite, similar to "al dente" pasta.

Can I Bake Gnocchi Without Boiling First?

Absolutely! One of the perks of this Gnocchi Bake recipe is that you don't have to pre-boil the gnocchi. They cook directly in the sauce, soaking up all the flavors while saving you an extra step and pot to wash. It makes this dish even more convenient for a busy weeknight dinner.

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