Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Bake
Introduction
Few dishes scream comfort like a bubbling, golden Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Bake.This recipe brings together soft pillowy gnocchi, flavorful Italian sausage, and a luscious tomato sauce all blanketed under a gooey layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan.It’s quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to serve guests. The gnocchi absorb the sauce while baking, becoming tender and rich — every bite bursting with flavor.Perfect with a crisp green salad and garlic bread, this dish will have everyone at the table saying, “Delizioso!”
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–5
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
1 package (16 oz / 450 g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups marinara sauce (or any good-quality tomato pasta sauce)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Optional Creamy Twist
¼ cup heavy cream or ricotta cheese (for a creamy tomato sauce version)
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a medium baking dish (about 9×9-inch or similar).
Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Italian sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the Sauce
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
If using, stir in heavy cream or ricotta for a creamy texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Let simmer for 2–3 minutes on low heat.
Add the Gnocchi
Stir the uncooked gnocchi directly into the sausage sauce mixture. (No need to pre-boil; they’ll cook in the sauce while baking.)
Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
Assemble the Bake
Transfer the sausage-gnocchi mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
Cover loosely with foil.
Bake
Bake covered for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 8–10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
Rest and Serve
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips for the Perfect Gnocchi Bake
Use spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor — or a mix of spicy and sweet.
Make it vegetarian: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Add veggies: Toss in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
A glass of Chianti or Pinot Noir pairs beautifully.
Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving for that restaurant-style finish.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, cheesy, and full of Italian soul. The gnocchi soak up all the savory flavors from the sausage and sauce, while the melted cheese ties it all together in one cozy, irresistible bite.It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to please every pasta lover at the table. A perfect weeknight winner or weekend indulgence — straight from your oven to your heart.