Creamy Baked Gnocchi Recipe

Creamy Baked Gnocchi combines pillowy potato gnocchi with a rich, creamy sauce and a golden-baked cheese topping. This dish is a fantastic option for a cozy family meal or any gathering, bringing together Italian-inspired flavors in a satisfying, comforting way. Plus, it’s simple to customize with veggies, proteins, or extra herbs to make it your own.

Below, we’ll cover each step in detail, from cooking the gnocchi to preparing the creamy sauce, along with baking tips, storage instructions, and ideas for customization.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Comforting: The creaminess paired with soft gnocchi creates an irresistibly indulgent dish.
2. Simple and Customizable: Use pantry staples to make this base recipe, then add any ingredients you like.
3. Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe stores well, so you can enjoy it over a few days without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How to Make Creamy Baked Gnocchi

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

1. Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the gnocchi, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface (indicating they’re done).
2. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the gnocchi and set them aside while preparing the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
2. Create a Roux: Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken.
4. Stir in Parmesan: Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. The sauce should be creamy and slightly thickened.
5. Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

1. Mix Gnocchi and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the gnocchi and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Bake

1. Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
2. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
3. Broil (Optional): For an extra-crispy, golden top, broil the casserole on high for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
4. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Portion and Plate: Serve the creamy baked gnocchi directly from the baking dish while it’s hot and bubbly.
2. Side Pairing: Pair with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness.

Tips for the Best Creamy Baked Gnocchi

• Use Fresh Gnocchi: Fresh or refrigerated gnocchi tends to yield a softer, pillowy texture compared to dried versions.
• Watch the Broiling Step: Broiling gives the top layer a deliciously crispy finish, but keep a close watch to avoid burning.
• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks very quickly, so as soon as they float, they’re done.
• Avoid Over-Thickening the Sauce: Remember, the sauce will continue to thicken as it bakes, so it’s best to keep it on the thinner side when mixing with the gnocchi.

Customizing Your Creamy Baked Gnocchi

1. Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to add texture and nutrition.
2. Add Protein: Fold in cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage for a heartier meal.
3. Herb Flavor: Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce for a herbaceous twist.
4. Extra Cheese Layer: Mix some cheese into the sauce or sprinkle additional Parmesan on top for a cheesier bake.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Making Ahead: Assemble the gnocchi and sauce, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add extra baking time if needed.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture may be softer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
   • Yes, if you’re short on time, you can replace the homemade sauce with a jar of store-bought Alfredo sauce. Adjust seasonings to your taste.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
   • Absolutely! Use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend when making the sauce.
3. Can I use dairy-free ingredients?
   • For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives. Coconut milk or almond milk work well for the sauce, and there are great dairy-free Parmesan substitutes available.
4. Can I use other types of pasta?
   • If you don’t have gnocchi, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like penne, shells, or rigatoni. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
5. How do I make it extra cheesy?
   • Add 1/2 cup more Parmesan to the sauce, or sprinkle extra cheese between layers.

Variations and Add-Ons

1. Spinach and Artichoke Baked Gnocchi: Mix in a can of artichoke hearts (drained and chopped) and 2 cups fresh spinach for a spinach-artichoke-inspired flavor.
2. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to the sauce for a burst of flavor and color.
3. Truffle Gnocchi: Drizzle truffle oil over the top just before serving for a touch of gourmet flavor.
4. Garlic Bread Topping: Top the casserole with garlic butter breadcrumbs for an extra-crunchy, garlic-flavored crust.

Conclusion

This Creamy Baked Gnocchi recipe brings together soft, pillowy gnocchi and a rich, cheesy sauce in a way that’s sure to satisfy any craving. With its golden, bubbly top and comforting flavor, this dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you’re looking to indulge in a warm, comforting meal.

Serve it as a main dish, paired with a simple salad or garlic bread, and enjoy the compliments. This creamy, cheesy casserole is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen!

Yield: 4

Creamy Baked Gnocchi Recipe

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Creamy Baked Gnocchi combines pillowy potato gnocchi with a rich, creamy sauce and a golden-baked cheese topping. This dish is a fantastic option for a cozy family meal or any gathering, bringing together Italian-inspired flavors in a satisfying, comforting way. Plus, it’s simple to customize with veggies, proteins, or extra herbs to make it your own.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Gnocchi:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until just tender, then drain and set aside.
   
2. Make the Sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
   
3. Add Cream and Seasoning:
   Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
   
4. Add Cheeses and Spinach:
   Stir in ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and spinach (if using), stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
   
5. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce:
   Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the gnocchi in the sauce.
   
6. Bake the Gnocchi:
   Transfer the gnocchi mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
   
7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy this creamy, comforting baked gnocchi as a main dish or side.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick.
• Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, cooked bacon, or grilled chicken for added heartiness.