Baked Gnocchi with Sausage

Gnocchi, pronounced "nyoh-kee," refers to a type of Italian dumpling made primarily from potatoes, though they can also be made from other ingredients like ricotta cheese or semolina. Originating from Italy, gnocchi has become a beloved staple across the globe, known for its soft texture and ability to absorb sauces beautifully. Traditionally, the dough is crafted from a simple mixture of mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs, rolled into small pieces, and then shaped with a fork or gnocchi board to create the signature ridges that hold sauce.

Indulge in the comforting goodness of Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Savory Sausage, a delicious Italian dish that combines tender gnocchi, flavorful Italian sausage, and a rich marinara sauce topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both home cooks and culinary enthusiasts. Discover tips, variations, and the joy of creating a heartwarming meal that brings everyone together. Enjoy the warmth of home-cooked comfort food!

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Ingredients

1 lb potato gnocchi

1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, based on preference)

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh spinach

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Sauté the Spinach and Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi, sausage mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Prep for Baking: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Transfer the gnocchi mixture to the dish and spread it evenly.

Add Cheese: Top the gnocchi with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it's evenly distributed.

Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously cheesy and comforting Baked Gnocchi with Sausage!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | 6 servings