Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Tomato and Sausage Gnocchi Bake
Pillowy gnocchi baked in a rich tomato-cream sauce with savory sausage and cheese for a truly comforting dish.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Some nights just call for a dish that feels like a warm hug, and this Creamy Tomato and Sausage Gnocchi Bake is exactly that! Pillowy soft gnocchi, hearty sausage, and a luscious tomato-cream sauce all baked together with a cheesy topping? Yes, please! It's comfort food at its finest, yet surprisingly simple to pull off.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and remove sausage from the skillet, setting aside.
Step 3
Add chopped onion to the same skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5
Stir in the uncooked gnocchi and the cooked sausage. Ensure the gnocchi are submerged in the sauce.
Step 6
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Step 7
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden. If desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra browning on top.
Step 8
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if using, and enjoy!
Tips
- Using shelf-stable gnocchi means no pre-boiling! The gnocchi cook directly in the sauce, soaking up all that delicious flavor.
- Customize the spice level by choosing mild or hot Italian sausage.
- Serve with a simple side salad and crusty bread to sop up the sauce.
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