I Need a Recipe

Weeknight • Pork

Hearty Sausage & Gnocchi Bake

Pillowy gnocchi and savory sausage baked in a rich tomato sauce with melty cheese – pure comfort in every bite!

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
6
Level
Weeknight
Hearty Sausage & Gnocchi Bake

Imagine tender, pillowy gnocchi tossed with flavorful sausage and a rich tomato sauce, all smothered in gooey cheese and baked until bubbly. Sound like heaven? It is! This Hearty Sausage & Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying cozy leftovers. Let's get baking!

Ingredients

Yield: 6 servings

Main

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

  2. Step 2

    In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease and set sausage aside.

  3. Step 3

    Add olive oil to the same skillet. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it gently cook for 5 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Add the cooked sausage and uncooked gnocchi to the sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring gnocchi is coated.

  6. Step 6

    Pour the gnocchi mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

  7. Step 7

    Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the gnocchi is tender. If desired, broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a golden-brown top.

  8. Step 8

    Let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips

  • For a richer sauce, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or heavy cream before adding the gnocchi.
  • Don't worry about cooking the gnocchi first – it cooks perfectly in the sauce as it bakes!

More recipes you'll love

Speedy Saucy Pork Noodles
Weeknight•30 min
Speedy Saucy Pork Noodles

This dish brings together tender ground pork with a savory-sweet sauce and bouncy noodles for a quick, satisfying meal.