Creamy Baked Gnocchi is a decadent and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Soft, pillowy gnocchi is coated in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. This one-pan recipe is easy to make and is guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Comforting: The creamy sauce and melted cheese make it irresistibly indulgent.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or seasonings for variety.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A satisfying dish that’s sure to impress guests or family members.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Garlic (minced)
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Spinach or kale (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Nutmeg (optional)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Gnocchi: If using uncooked gnocchi, cook according to package instructions and drain. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and reduce the heat.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine: Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce, stirring gently to coat. If using spinach or kale, stir it in at this stage.
- Transfer and Top: Transfer the gnocchi mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or more Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Meaty Version: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded chicken for added protein.
- Vegetarian Delight: Include roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or milk to prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Can I freeze baked gnocchi?
It’s best to freeze before baking. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Mozzarella and Parmesan create a creamy and flavorful combination, but you can also use Gruyere or fontina.
How can I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use heavy cream and avoid high heat to ensure a smooth sauce.
Can I add tomatoes?
Yes, diced fresh tomatoes or a few spoonfuls of sun-dried tomatoes add a delicious tangy note.
What’s a good side dish for creamy baked gnocchi?
Serve it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based cream and cheeses for a dairy-free version.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?
Yes, skip the baking step and serve the creamy gnocchi directly from the skillet.
Conclusion
Creamy Baked Gnocchi is a cozy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, golden cheese topping, and soft gnocchi, it’s a recipe that combines comfort and elegance. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love!
PrintCreamy Baked Gnocchi
This Creamy Baked Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food. Soft, pillowy gnocchi are baked in a rich, cheesy cream sauce and topped with golden, bubbly mozzarella. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a side dish for special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or casserole dish.
- Cook the gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually until they float to the top (2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the cream sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, whisking constantly, to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine and assemble:
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the cream sauce and toss to coat. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top and add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, if using.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix cooked spinach, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms into the sauce before baking.
- Substitute milk and cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.