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Creamy Baked Gnocchi Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, this Creamy Baked Gnocchi is guaranteed to hit the spot. Tender, pillowy potato gnocchi are coated in a rich, cheesy cream sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden on top. It’s cozy, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make—perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or whenever you need a little indulgence.

The best part? This recipe is endlessly customizable. Add spinach, mushrooms, chicken, or even crispy bacon to make it your own. Whether served as a hearty main or a side dish, this baked gnocchi is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich & Creamy – The sauce is velvety smooth and full of flavor.
  • Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
  • Customizable – Add proteins, veggies, or extra herbs to suit your taste.
  • Comforting & Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) 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 shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Gnocchi

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add gnocchi and cook for 2–3 minutes, until they float to the surface.
  • Drain well and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
  • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Add Cream & Cheese

  • Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine.
  • Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Stir in Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, and spinach (if using) until creamy and smooth.

4. Combine & Bake

  • Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi until well coated in sauce.
  • Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
  • Sprinkle remaining mozzarella evenly on top.
  • Bake for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

5. Serve

  • Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley.
  • Serve hot with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

Tips for the Best Creamy Baked Gnocchi

  • Don’t overcook gnocchi – they’re done as soon as they float.
  • Thin sauce is okay – it thickens while baking.
  • Watch the cheese topping – broil for 2–3 minutes for a crisp golden crust (but keep a close eye to prevent burning).
  • Make ahead – assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Variations & Add-Ons

  • Spinach & Artichoke – stir in chopped artichoke hearts and fresh spinach.
  • Chicken & Bacon – fold in cooked chicken and crumbled bacon for a protein boost.
  • Mushrooms & Herbs – sauté mushrooms with thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
  • Truffle Twist – drizzle with truffle oil before serving for a gourmet touch.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze before baking (up to 2 months). Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake.
  • Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes! Swap the homemade sauce for Alfredo to save time, but adjust seasonings as needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free gnocchi and a GF flour blend if thickening the sauce.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free cream (like coconut or almond) and vegan cheese substitutes.

Can I use other pasta instead of gnocchi?
Yes, try penne, shells, or rigatoni—just cook until al dente before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Gnocchi is the definition of comfort food: rich, cheesy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining. Pair it with a crisp salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal everyone will rave about.

One bite and you’ll see why this dish is destined to become a go-to in your recipe collection!