The Perfect Baked Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe for Cozy Nights

Baked gnocchi with sausage elevates a classic potato dumpling into a mouthwatering culinary experience that warms your soul.

Soft, pillowy morsels nestle alongside robust meat, creating a symphony of textures and flavors in one delightful casserole.

Mediterranean comfort meets rustic home cooking with this hearty preparation that promises pure satisfaction.

Melted cheese blankets each ingredient, elevating the entire dish to new gastronomic heights.

Hearty and filling, this recipe speaks directly to those craving a substantial meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Rich protein and tender dumplings combine in a one-pan wonder that simplifies weeknight cooking while delivering maximum deliciousness.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors.

Why Baked Gnocchi with Sausage Is a Must-Try Meal

• Savor One-Pan Comfort: This baked gnocchi dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, combining hearty sausage, tender gnocchi, and melted cheeses in a single oven-safe pan.
• Creamy Texture Explosion: Rich chicken broth and heavy cream create a luxurious sauce that coats each gnocchi perfectly, while mozzarella and Parmesan add a decadent, velvety finish.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Ready in under 45 minutes, this recipe offers a satisfying meal packed with protein and nutrients, making it ideal for busy families seeking delicious, hassle-free dining.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients like spinach for kale or use different cheese varieties to match your taste preferences, transforming this versatile dish into a personalized dinner experience.

Key Ingredients for Baked Gnocchi with Sausage

• Italian Sausage: Hearty meat that provides rich flavor and serves as the main protein in the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Essential liquid base that adds depth and enhances overall savory taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, crispy topping with delicious creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the primary starch and absorb the delicious sauce.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that provides foundational flavor and sweetness to the dish.
• Garlic: Intense flavor booster that adds depth and complexity to the overall taste.
• Spinach: Fresh green that introduces nutrition and vibrant color to the baked dish.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth, consistent sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that infuses the dish with traditional Italian flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance all other ingredients.

Baked Gnocchi with Sausage: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a delicious meal.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage and Onions

Grab a large oven-safe pan and brown the Italian sausage with onions over medium-high heat until they’re golden and fragrant.

Step 3: Boost the Flavor

• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Sauté for 1 minute to wake up all those amazing flavors.

Step 4: Create a Smooth Base

Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute, making sure no white streaks are left behind.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Let it simmer and thicken over medium heat, creating a luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Mix in the Goodies

Gently stir in uncooked gnocchi and fresh spinach until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Goodness

Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the pan and slide it into the oven for 20 minutes.

Step 9: Get a Golden Crisp

For extra browning, remove the cover and broil until the top turns a beautiful golden color.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Let the dish sit for 10 minutes to settle, then serve up this mouthwatering meal.

Tips for Perfect Baked Gnocchi with Sausage

• Perfect Sausage Browning: Cook sausage until deep golden color develops, breaking it into small crumbles for maximum flavor distribution.
• Gnocchi Texture Trick: Use uncooked gnocchi to absorb the creamy sauce and prevent mushiness during baking.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Shred fresh mozzarella and Parmesan for superior melting and richer taste compared to pre-shredded options.
• Seasoning Balance: Adjust Italian seasoning and salt gradually, tasting as you cook to ensure perfect flavor intensity.
• Sauce Consistency Secret: Stir flour thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats gnocchi evenly.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Gnocchi with Sausage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, this baked gnocchi dish will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Reheating Method: Transfer refrigerated gnocchi to an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, then warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Freezing Option: Wrap the cooled dish securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid microwaving to maintain the dish's creamy texture and prevent gnocchi from becoming tough or rubbery.

Pairing Baked Gnocchi with Sausage for the Perfect Meal

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich sausage and creamy sauce, cutting through the dish's heaviness while enhancing its savory flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, providing a fresh contrast and adding brightness to the hearty gnocchi.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, offering a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the soft gnocchi and provides an additional layer of flavor.
• Recommend Sparkling Water: Choose a sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites, helping to refresh the taste buds and prevent the meal from feeling too heavy.

Fun Variations of Baked Gnocchi with Sausage

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Bake: Replace sausage with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain rich flavor.
• Spicy Mediterranean Gnocchi: Add red pepper flakes, chopped kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for an extra Mediterranean kick.
• Creamy Seafood Gnocchi Casserole: Swap sausage with shrimp or crab meat. Include fresh dill and swap part of the cream with white wine for a luxurious seafood-inspired dish.
• Herb-Infused Green Gnocchi: Mix in fresh basil, parsley, and chives. Use green spinach gnocchi for a vibrant, herbaceous take on the original recipe.

Baked Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Baked gnocchi with sausage emerges as a comforting Italian-inspired dish that brings hearty flavors to your dinner table. Melted cheese, tender potato dumplings, and spicy sausage create a rich, satisfying meal that welcomes you home with warmth and deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (500g) gnocchi
• 0.75 lb (380g) Italian sausage
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 tablespoon (3 cloves) chopped garlic

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center of the oven.
2. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles.
3. Add finely chopped onions to the sausage and cook until the onions become translucent and slightly caramelized.
4. Mince the garlic and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet, stirring to distribute the flavors evenly.
5. Dust the meat and vegetable mixture with all-purpose flour, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and cook out the raw flour taste.
6. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce that begins to thicken.
7. Gently fold in the uncooked potato gnocchi and fresh spinach leaves, ensuring they are fully coated with the sauce.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the entire surface of the dish.
9. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce is bubbling.
10. Remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping.
11. Allow the baked gnocchi to rest and set for 5-7 minutes before serving to enhance the sauce’s consistency.

Notes

• Swap traditional pasta for pillowy potato gnocchi that absorbs rich, creamy sauce beautifully.
• Create a one-pan wonder with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor punch from Italian sausage and aromatic herbs.
• Freezer-friendly meal that transforms leftovers into a delectable dinner without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Customize cheese blend by mixing different varieties like sharp provolone or tangy fontina for personalized depth.
• Perfect weeknight solution that requires just 30 minutes from start to golden, bubbling finish.
• Gluten-sensitive friends can easily substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free alternatives without compromising dish integrity.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 670 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 48g
• Saturated Fat: 26g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 120mg