Description
This Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Casserole is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender potato gnocchi baked in a creamy marinara and heavy cream sauce, layered with sautéed Italian sausage, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, then topped with fresh basil for a fragrant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed (optional)
- 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Gnocchi: If using shelf-stable gnocchi, they can be used directly. If frozen, boil according to package instructions until tender, then drain.
- Sauté Garlic and Sausage: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned thoroughly. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce Mixture: In the same skillet, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, and dried oregano, stirring to integrate all flavors.
- Layer Casserole: Begin layering the casserole by spreading some of the sauce mixture on the skillet bottom, followed by a layer of gnocchi, spinach, cherry tomatoes, cooked sausage, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers as needed, finishing near the top of the skillet.
- Add Cheese Topping: Top the final layer generously with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to ensure a golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. For an extra crisp top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add Fresh Basil: Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the top for herbal freshness and aroma.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and develop the best consistency.
Notes
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Fresh basil added at the end enhances flavor but avoid cooking it to preserve its bright aroma.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a crispy cheese topping.
- This casserole reheats well in the oven or microwave for leftovers.
