Easy, tasty, and filling, this Baked Gnocchi will earn you plenty of praise at the dinner table.
Gnocchi might seem like pasta at first glance. But it’s not! Gnocchi (pronounced “nYOH-kee”) is a potato dumpling, and the word itself is a reference to its appearance. The word gnocchi comes from the Italian nocchio, meaning a “wood knot.” It’s easy to imagine these little dumplings as gnarled knots. However, there’s nothing wooden about their texture.
Gnocchi are typically pillowy soft when boiled, sautéed, or baked. They can be made from scratch from simple ingredients, or you can purchase them frozen or packaged at room temperature (usually shrink-wrapped and boxed so they stay soft).
You will love baked gnocchi because it is an easy way to enjoy these delicious dumplings and makes for a beautiful and filling meatless main dish. Baked gnocchi can be a warm, tasty meal on a weeknight, or it can be a lovely main course for a bigger gathering. It goes well with the usual trappings of an Italian meal: think warm, crusty garlic bread, a side salad, and a glass of red wine. Perfection.
A heartier baked gnocchi
Though this simple recipe is delicious as is, sometimes I like to bulk it up just a little by adding some sautéed Italian sausage or ground beef. I’ve even made a version with leftover shredded chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and a dash of heavy cream or mascarpone. So delicious! If you’re looking to create a stick-to-the-ribs meal but want to keep things vegetarian, try adding some tofu crumbles or a mixture of mushrooms and walnuts blitzed in a food processor.
How do I store leftovers?
Cooled leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the gnocchi in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. The (thawed) gnocchi can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Serving suggestions
Simple is best with this dish. Warm up some crusty garlic bread or Focaccia (hint: focaccia tastes amazing with Bread Dipping Oil). If you need gluten-free, try Gluten-Free Focaccia. For something fresh and healthy, a Caesar Salad or even Easy Caprese Skewers provide a nice crunchy contrast to the baked dish. If you prefer a warm side, consider serving baked gnocchi with a side of Parmesan-Roasted Asparagus.
Baked Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 1/4 cups marinara sauce
- 1/3 cup fresh basil finely chopped, divided
- 2 pinches red pepper flakes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Freshly grated Parmesan for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cook gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the top, then drain.
- In a baking dish, layer the cooked gnocchi, marinara sauce, and half of the chopped basil. Sprinkle a small amount of red pepper flakes on top.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with the remaining fresh basil and optional Parmesan before serving.
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