It feels like a fancy, restaurant-quality dish but comes together in under 30 minutes, which is a huge win in my book. The cheesy, bubbly top and the soft, pillowy gnocchi in a luscious tomato cream sauce are pure comfort, similar to the satisfying flavors of the Cheesy Hot Beef Sandwich Recipe.I’m excited to share how you can easily make this masterpiece at home.

Ingredients for Creamy Baked Gnocchi

This recipe relies on a few key ingredients to create its signature creamy and cheesy texture. Using high-quality components will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.

2 pounds potato gnocchi – Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe. You’ll typically need two standard packages to get to two pounds.
16 ounces marinara sauce – A good quality jarred marinara sauce saves time without sacrificing flavor. I find that simple, classic tomato and basil sauces work best.
2 garlic cloves, minced – Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic base. For a finer texture that melts into the sauce, try grating it with a microplane.
1/2 cup baby mozzarella balls or pearls – Fresh mozzarella is key for that perfect cheese pull. It’s much creamier and melts better than low-moisture, pre-shredded varieties.
1/3 cup heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce so luxurious. Heavy cream can be simmered without separating, ensuring a smooth and velvety consistency.
1/2 cup reserved pasta water – Don’t discard the water after boiling the gnocchi! The starches in it help to bind the sauce and give it the perfect consistency.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For the best flavor and melt, buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself. The pre-grated kind often has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil – Fresh basil adds a bright, peppery note that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese.
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter – Either option works well to sauté the garlic and start building the layers of flavor.
Salt to taste – Use it for the gnocchi water and to adjust the sauce seasoning at the end.

Note: The ingredient quantities provided will yield approximately 4 servings.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. You can tweak the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or simply to use what you have on hand.

Add Protein: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken, browned Italian sausage, or sautéed shrimp for a more substantial meal, similar to incorporating leftover chicken dishes like the Turkey Pot Pie Recipe.
Vegetable Boost: Add a cup of fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce just before adding the gnocchi. Sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers also make delicious additions.
Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream for a similar richness. Use your favorite dairy-free mozzarella and parmesan alternatives.
Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to experiment. A sprinkle of smoked provolone or fontina cheese on top can add a new dimension of flavor.

Creamy Baked Gnocchi Recipe — Credit [Pinterest]

Cooking Time

This dish comes together surprisingly fast, making it ideal for a weeknight.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just a few kitchen basics.

Large Pot: For boiling the gnocchi until they are perfectly plump.
Large Oven-Safe Skillet: This allows you to go from stovetop to broiler without dirtying another dish. A 10- or 12-inch cast-iron skillet is perfect.
Cutting Board and Knife: For mincing the garlic and chopping the fresh basil.
Microplane or Grater: Ideal for grating fresh Parmesan cheese for the smoothest melt.
Strainer or Slotted Spoon: To easily remove the cooked gnocchi from the boiling water.

How to Make Creamy Baked Gnocchi

This recipe is simple to follow and involves just a few key stages. The process moves quickly, so it’s helpful to have your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

First, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the little pillows float to the surface. Before draining, be sure to reserve about a half cup of the starchy pasta water for the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

While the gnocchi is cooking, heat the olive oil or butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as that can make the sauce taste bitter.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the garlic. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine all the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Turn off the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked gnocchi and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Mix everything together until the cream is fully incorporated and the gnocchi are evenly coated in the beautiful, glossy sauce.

Step 5: Broil and Serve

Top the gnocchi evenly with the fresh mozzarella balls and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Place the skillet in the oven on a high broil setting for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and just beginning to turn golden brown in spots. Serve immediately while it’s hot and cheesy.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Over time, I’ve discovered a few small tricks that elevate this dish from great to absolutely unforgettable. These simple adjustments can make a big difference.

I always recommend using a high-quality marinara sauce as the base. Since it’s a core component, a sauce with deep, rich flavor will really shine through. My personal favorites are those with simple, natural ingredients.
Don’t be shy with the fresh basil. I find that the amount in the recipe is a good starting point, but adding extra fresh basil right before serving adds a wonderful burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
When I want an even richer flavor, I sometimes add a small splash of dry white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic and let it cook down for a minute before adding the marinara. It adds a subtle complexity to the sauce.
If your sauce seems a little too thick after adding the gnocchi, don’t hesitate to add a bit more of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. I’ve found this starchy water is the secret to a perfect sauce texture.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Gnocchi

This dish is a showstopper on its own, but the right presentation can make it even more special. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style feel, placing a trivet on the table. For individual servings, spoon the gnocchi into shallow bowls.

A final garnish of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a touch of color and freshness. A crack of black pepper over the top also enhances the flavors. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping into that incredible sauce.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving. Keep in mind that this can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

Calories: 580 kcal
Protein: 29.4 g
Carbohydrates: 43.1 g
Fat: 32.3 g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy it again without losing too much quality.

Storing: Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken slightly in the fridge.

Freezing: I generally don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cream-based sauce can separate upon reheating, and the texture of the gnocchi can become a bit mushy.

Reheating: For best results, gently reheat the gnocchi in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this creamy baked gnocchi will become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Incredibly Fast and Easy: This dish is perfect for busy weeknights because it goes from pantry to table in just 25 minutes. The steps are straightforward, making it achievable for cooks of all skill levels.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of a creamy tomato sauce, fresh basil, and perfectly melted mozzarella creates a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant. It’s an easy way to impress family or guests.
Highly Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables. It’s a great base for using up whatever you have in your fridge, allowing for endless delicious variations.
Ultimate Comfort Food: The soft, pillowy gnocchi smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce is the definition of comfort food. It’s a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.