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Weeknight • Pasta

Spicy Sausage Gnocchi Bake

This hearty, bubbly bake combines pillowy gnocchi with savory sausage and a zesty tomato sauce, all topped with melty cheese.

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Spicy Sausage Gnocchi Bake

Craving a comforting casserole that's bursting with flavor? This Spicy Sausage Gnocchi Bake is exactly what you need! It takes all the best parts of a cozy pasta dish – tender gnocchi, rich tomato sauce, and spicy sausage – and bakes it into a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

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

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). 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, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onion to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using); cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add the gnocchi and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to warm through and absorb some sauce.

  4. Step 4

    Remove from heat. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the gnocchi and sauce.

  5. Step 5

    Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is simmering. If you want more browning, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch carefully!).

  6. Step 6

    Remove from oven, let stand for a few minutes, then serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

Tips

  • If you don't have spicy sausage, use regular Italian sausage and add an extra 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes.
  • Add a handful of fresh spinach when you add the gnocchi for extra greens.

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