One Pan Recipe: Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Italian Sausage

This delicious baked gnocchi recipe is a time-saving one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made with store-bought or homemade gnocchi, flavorful Italian sausage, simple sauce, and topped with fresh mozzarella. Gluten-free option included. Pin this simple dinner recipe card now for a stress-free easy meal!

Finding time to cook a wholesome meal on busy weeknights can be a challenge. That’s why this one-pan baked gnocchi recipe is a game-changer, and all you need is a few simple ingredients. Whether you choose store-bought or homemade gnocchi, the result is a flavorful dish that will satisfy your Italian food cravings. With the combination of Italian sausage, easy cherry tomato sauce, and gooey fresh mozzarella, this easy delicious weeknight meal will become a new favourite recipe the whole family will love. Plus, it can be made gluten-free! Save time and effort with this delicious baked gnocchi that requires minimal prep and cleanup.

What is Gnocchi

Gnocchi (pronounced nyoh-kee) is a type of Italian pasta that is typically made with potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs. It has a small, dumpling-like shape and a soft, doughy texture. Gnocchi is known for its pillowy and delicate consistency.

Traditionally, homemade gnocchis is made by boiling potatoes, mashing them, and then combining them with flour to form a dough. The dough is then rolled into long ropes and cut into small pieces. These pieces are often pressed with the tines of a fork to create ridges, which help the sauce cling to the gnocchi.

Potato Gnocchi can be enjoyed with a variety of sauces as a hearty meal, such as marinara, pesto, Alfredo, or a butter and sage sauce. It is a versatile dish and can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Gnocchi is popular in Italian cuisine and is loved for its comforting and satisfying nature. You can usually find them in the pasta aisle of your local grocery store.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe

With its time-saving nature, delicious flavours, and convenience, this one-pan baked gnocchi recipe is sure to become a go-to favourite for busy weeknights. Here is why I love this one-pan baked gnocchi recipe, especially for busy weeknights:

1. Time-saving: With minimal prep and cleanup, this recipe is designed to save time and effort. It’s a convenient option when you’re short on time but still want a delicious homemade meal.
2. Easy and hassle-free: The simplicity of this one-pan recipe makes it beginner-friendly and suitable for cooks of all skill levels. You don’t need to be an expert chef to whip up a satisfying meal.
3. Minimal dishes: The beauty of a one-pan meal is the reduced number of dishes to clean up afterward. With this baked gnocchi recipe, you can enjoy a delicious dinner without a sink full of dirty pots and pans.
4. Family-friendly: The combination of gnocchi, Italian sausage, easy tomato sauce, and melted fresh mozzarella creates a comforting and family-friendly dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy both kids and adults alike.
5. Versatile: This recipe can accommodate different dietary preferences. Whether you use store-bought or homemade gnocchi and opt for gluten-free ingredients, you can adapt the recipe to suit your specific needs.
6. Italian flavours: The savoury combination of Italian sausage, cherry tomato-based sauce, and melted cheese evokes the delicious flavours of traditional Italian cuisine. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that will leave you craving more.
7. All-in-one: This recipe provides a complete meal in a single pan, combining protein, starch, and vegetables. It’s a balanced dish that saves you from cooking multiple components separately.
8. Leftover-friendly: If you have any leftovers, this baked gnocchi dish reheats well, making it an ideal option for meal prepping or enjoying the next day for lunch or dinner.
9. Customizable: While the recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it by adding your favourite vegetables or herbs to make it your own. Feel free to experiment and tailor the flavours to your taste preferences.
10. Comforting and delicious: At the end of a busy day, nothing beats a comforting and flavorful meal. This one-pan baked gnocchi dish provides just that, combining the satisfaction of Italian flavours with the convenience of a quick and easy recipe.

Other Easy Dinners for Busy Weeknights:

• Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
• Baked Cheesy White Bean Tomato Skillet
• Black Bean & Roasted Sweet Potato Burrito Bowls
• Easy Pink Sauce Recipe
• Grilled Spicy Turkey Breast with Veggies

How to Serve This Cheesy Gnocchi Bake

When serving this cheesy gnocchi bake, here are a few tips to enhance the presentation…whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or family-style weekend dinner!

1. Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or basil, on top of the cheesy gnocchi and sausage bake. This adds a pop of colour and freshness to the dish.
2. Serve as a main course: Cheesy gnocchi bake can be a satisfying main course on its own. Plate a generous portion onto each individual serving dish or bowl.
3. Side salad: Pair the cheesy gnocchi bake with a crisp and refreshing side salad, just like this Kale and Chickpea Salad or this bright and flavorful Orange and Halloumi Kale Salad. The acidity and crunch of the salad can help balance the richness of the dish. A simple green salad or a Tomato and Cucumber
   Salad would complement the flavours well.
4. Bread or garlic bread: Serve the cheesy gnocchi bake with some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. This allows diners to soak up the cheesy sauce and add extra texture to their bites.
5. Shareable dish: If you’re hosting a gathering or potluck, present the cheesy gnocchi bake in a large baking dish or casserole and let guests serve themselves. Provide a serving spoon and allow everyone to portion out their desired amount.
6. Accompaniments: Offer additional toppings or condiments for customization. Grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can be provided on the side for guests to add to their own serving, based on their preferences.
7. Serve immediately: Cheesy gnocchi bake is best enjoyed when it’s hot and the cheese is gooey and melted. Serve it right after removing it from the oven to ensure optimal texture and flavour.

Expert Tip

Remember, the presentation and serving style can vary depending on the occasion and personal preference. Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a social gathering, these suggestions will help you serve your cheesy gnocchi bake in an appetizing and enjoyable manner.

Ingredients for This Cheesy Gnocchi Bake

• 1 package of fresh or frozen gnocchi (18 oz)
• 1 lbs (454 g) of ground pork sausage, hot Italian sausage or ground chorizo
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• 3 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup of water or chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp of red chilli flakes, optional
• salt and black pepper to taste

How to make Baked Gnocchi with Sausage

1. In a large oven-safe skillet, cast iron skillet or pan, cook the ground sausage or chorizo over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Break it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the pan by adding the chicken broth, or water. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the sausage mixture. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and a sauce begins to form.
5. Place gnocchi into the skillet and toss everything together until the gnocchi is evenly coated with the sausage, tomatoes, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 additional minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the gnocchi mixture.
8. Transfer the skillet or pan to the oven and broil on low for about 4-5 minutes or on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ends of the cooked gnocchi turn golden brown. Make sure to watch
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

What else can I mix in my cheesy gnocchi bake?

When it comes to a cheesy tender gnocchi bake, there are various ingredients you can mix in to add more flavour and texture. Besides using alternate protein instead of spicy Italian sausage, like chicken sausage or sweet Italian sausage, here are some delicious options:

1. Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables to add freshness and colour to your gnocchi bake. Some great choices include sautéed baby spinach, red or green bell pepper, caramelized onions, green beans, black beans, red onions or sliced zucchini.
2. Fresh herbs: Sprinkle in some chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, spring onions, or oregano for an extra burst of flavour and aroma.
3. Sun-dried tomatoes: Add a tangy and slightly sweet flavour by mixing in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes. They pair well with creamy cheese and gnocchi.
4. Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, can lend an earthy flavour and meaty texture to your dish.
5. Italian seasoning: Enhance the Italian flavours by adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or a combination of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
6. Cooked bacon or pancetta: Crumbled cooked bacon or crispy pancetta can provide a salty and savoury element to your gnocchi bake.
7. Ricotta Cheese or cream cheese: Incorporate a creamy element by adding dollops of ricotta or cream cheese throughout the gnocchi bake. It creates pockets of creaminess that balance the other flavours.
8. Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano: Along with the shredded mozzarella, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top of the bake for an added layer of cheesy goodness. You can even make a creamy sauce by adding a little heavy cream when adding the water to this recipe.

Expert Tip

Remember to adjust the quantities and cooking times accordingly when adding extra ingredients to ensure they cook properly and the flavors harmonize well with the overall dish. Enjoy experimenting with different mix-ins to create a personalized and delectable cheesy gnocchi bake!

How to store leftover Gnocchi Bake

To store leftover gnocchi and sausage bake, follow these steps:

1. Cool the bake: Allow the gnocchi and sausage bake to cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and maintain the texture of the ingredients.
2. Transfer to an airtight container: Place the leftover bake in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure the container is clean and dry.
3. Refrigerate promptly: Put the container with the bake in the refrigerator and store it for up to 2-3 days. This timeframe ensures the freshness and quality of the dish.
4. Reheat before serving: When you want to enjoy the leftover gnocchi and sausage bake, reheat it in the oven or microwave. Reheating in the oven will help retain the crispy texture of the gnocchi and sausage. If using the microwave, heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Can I Freeze Leftover Gnocchi?

Yes, you can freeze leftover gnocchi and sausage bake for future consumption. Here’s how:

1. Cool the bake: Allow the bake to cool completely before freezing. Make sure it is at room temperature to prevent condensation and freezer burn.
2. Portion and pack: Divide the leftover bake into individual or family-sized portions. This allows for easier thawing and reheating later. Place each portion in a freezer-safe container or airtight freezer bag.
3. Label and date: Label each container or bag with the date and contents. This helps with organization and ensures you can identify the dish easily later on.
4. Freeze for up to 2-3 months: Place the containers or bags in the freezer and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Beyond this time, the quality may decline, but they should still be safe to eat.
5. Thaw and reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen gnocchi and sausage bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat it in the oven at a low to medium temperature until heated through. This will help retain the texture and flavours of the bake.

It’s important to note that while freezing helps preserve the dish, the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. Nevertheless, freezing leftovers is a great way to minimize waste and have a quick and delicious meal ready for future occasions.