Name: Baked Gnocchi with Sausage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 500g potato gnocchi; 300g Italian sausage, casings removed; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a super satisfying comfort food dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests, this Baked Gnocchi with Sausage is sure to hit the spot. With tender pillowy gnocchi, flavorful Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey, golden cheese, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want something seriously delicious. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Gnocchi with Sausage

Hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor for ultimate comfort.
Quick prep and simple ingredients make it weeknight-friendly.
Great for feeding a crowd or making ahead for meal prep.
Customizable with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or sausage types.
Perfect as a complete, one-pan meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1 pound (16 oz) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or a blend)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Prep & Cook the Sausage

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
Add onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft, then stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 2: Assemble the Sauce

Add marinara sauce, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add gnocchi and cook according to package directions—usually 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
Drain gnocchi and gently fold them into the sausage sauce.

Step 4: Bake

Stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Top with remaining cheese.
Transfer skillet to the oven (or use a greased 9×13-inch baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe).
Bake for 18-20 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and golden.
Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

Use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi for fastest results—no pre-boiling needed for some brands.
Pre-shredded cheese saves time, but freshly shredded melts more smoothly.
Make it ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Variations

Veggie Lover’s: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Chicken Sausage: Swap in Chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Four Cheese: Replace mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or ricotta for ultra-creamy texture.

Required Equipment

Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven (or a 9×13-inch baking dish)
Large saucepan or pot (for boiling gnocchi)
Slotted spoon
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake or microwave portions until hot and bubbly. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
A glass of Italian red wine (like Chianti) pairs perfectly with the rich flavors.
Finish with a light lemon sorbet for dessert to balance the hearty main course.

Pro Tips

Bake uncovered for maximum cheesy, golden brown goodness.
Fold the gnocchi in gently—over-mixing can break them apart and make the dish less fluffy.
For best results, let the baked gnocchi rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.

FAQ

Can I use frozen gnocchi?: Yes, thaw frozen gnocchi before boiling according to package instructions for best texture.
What sausage works best?: Italian pork sausage is classic, but chicken or turkey sausage are great lighter options.
Can I make this dish ahead?: Absolutely! Assemble up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes if baking from cold.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes