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Creamy Baked Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

This creamy baked gnocchi recipe combines pillowy potato gnocchi with a rich marinara sauce, fresh basil, and melted mozzarella cheese, all finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden top. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds potato gnocchi (two packages)
  • 16 ounces marinara sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup baby mozzarella balls or pearls
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the gnocchi.
  2. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil or butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add Sauce and Herbs: Stir in the marinara sauce, chopped fresh basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
  4. Combine Cream and Gnocchi: Turn off the heat and add the heavy cream, cooked gnocchi, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Mix everything together until the cream is fully incorporated and the gnocchi are evenly coated.
  5. Broil with Cheese: Top the gnocchi mixture with baby mozzarella balls and some extra grated Parmesan cheese. Place the skillet under the oven’s high broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and begins to brown.
  6. Serve Immediately: Remove from the oven and serve the creamy baked gnocchi hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Be sure to use an oven-safe skillet for the broiling step to avoid transferring the dish to another dish.
  • Reserving pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency and adds some starch to help thicken the sauce.
  • For a vegetarian version, ensure the marinara sauce contains no meat or animal-based ingredients.
  • Keep a close eye on the dish when broiling to prevent burning the cheese.
  • Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal flavor, but you can substitute with dried basil if fresh is not available, adjusting quantity accordingly.

Keywords: creamy baked gnocchi, baked gnocchi recipe, Italian gnocchi, mozzarella gnocchi, easy gnocchi dinner, comfort food, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/creamy-baked-gnocchi-recipe/