Ingredients
Scale
To make the delicious Cheesy Gnocchi Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound (500g) potato gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken or sausage (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
Ingredient Highlights
- Gnocchi: The gnocchi is the star of this dish, providing a soft, pillowy texture that absorbs the cheesy sauce. You can use store-bought gnocchi for convenience, or homemade gnocchi for an extra-special touch.
- Heavy Cream and Milk: These two ingredients form the creamy base of the sauce, creating the rich, velvety texture that coats the gnocchi perfectly.
- Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan bring flavor and texture to the sauce, making it extra creamy and cheesy. Ricotta adds richness and a slight tang, balancing the creaminess of the other cheeses.
- Spices: Oregano and basil give the dish a herby flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and gnocchi.
- Optional Add-ins: For added flavor and texture, you can toss in some cooked chicken or sausage. Fresh spinach is also a great addition for a touch of greenery.
Instructions
Prepare the Gnocchi:
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions (typically 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top). Drain and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Dairy: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the dried oregano and basil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Gnocchi Bake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi and the creamy cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi evenly with the sauce.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re using spinach, chicken, or sausage, fold them into the mixture at this point. The spinach will wilt into the sauce, and the chicken or sausage will add additional flavor and protein.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with butter, then transfer the gnocchi and sauce mixture into the dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the Gnocchi:
- Top with Breadcrumbs (Optional): If you’d like a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the bake. This will create a crunchy, golden layer when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling, and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cheesy gnocchi bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 18g