Weeknight • Pasta
Cozy Sausage Gnocchi Bake
A comforting casserole featuring pillowy gnocchi, savory sausage, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked with gooey melted cheese.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Sometimes you just need a big hug in a bowl, and this Cozy Sausage Gnocchi Bake delivers just that! Imagine tender potato gnocchi nestled with flavorful Italian sausage in a rich, herby tomato sauce, all topped with a blanket of bubbly melted cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food that's surprisingly easy to assemble, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lb shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish (or similar size).
Step 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease and transfer sausage to a plate, leaving a little rendered fat in the pan.
Step 3
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it gently bubble for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5
Stir the cooked sausage and the uncooked gnocchi directly into the sauce. Mix well to ensure the gnocchi is fully coated.
Step 6
Pour the gnocchi mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 7
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Step 8
Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot with a side salad or crusty bread.
Tips
- Using shelf-stable gnocchi means no boiling required, making this recipe even faster! If using fresh refrigerated gnocchi, you can still add it directly to the sauce.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables! Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or a handful of fresh spinach can be added with the onions.
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