Irresistibly Creamy Baked Gnocchi Recipe For Pasta Lovers

A humble Italian potato gnocchi that melts into a luscious, creamy embrace right before you.

Soft pillows of dough nestle beneath a golden, bubbling cheese blanket that promises comfort in every bite.

My grandmother’s secret was always using fresh ingredients with love and care.

Kitchen experiments sometimes lead to unexpected magic, and this recipe proves that simple can be spectacular.

Delicate pasta pockets absorb rich flavors while baking to perfection in a velvety sauce.

Weeknight dinners demand something both impressive and easy, and this dish delivers exactly that.

You’ll want to savor each incredible forkful and share the joy with everyone around your table.

Why Creamy Baked Gnocchi Is Cheesy, Cozy, And Comforting

• Effortless Comfort Cooking: Whip up a delightfully creamy gnocchi dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals.
• Texture Explosion: Experience the magical combination of pillowy soft gnocchi bathed in a velvety smooth cream sauce, topped with golden, bubbling cheese that creates a crispy, irresistible crust.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and maximum flavor make this recipe a dream for home cooks seeking delicious meals without complicated cleanup, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to adapt with different cheeses, herbs, or even added proteins, this gnocchi bake brings everyone to the table with its universal appeal and comforting flavors.

Ingredients Needed For Creamy Baked Gnocchi

Main Ingredients:

Fresh Gnocchi: – Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that form the hearty base of the dish. Best when fresh or vacuum-sealed, not frozen.

Cheese Blend: – Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty cheeses that add rich flavor and perfect golden topping. Choose high-quality, freshly grated options for best results.

Sauce Components:

Dairy Base: – Butter, Milk, Heavy Cream: Smooth, rich foundation for creating a luxurious cream sauce. Whole milk provides better texture and flavor compared to low-fat alternatives.

Seasoning Enhancers: – Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic flavor boosters that provide depth and aromatic complexity. Fresh garlic cloves offer more intense taste than pre-minced versions.

Finishing Touches:

Optional Herbs: – Italian Seasoning, Fresh Parsley, Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic garnishes that add color and fresh herbal notes. Dried herbs work well, but fresh herbs provide more vibrant flavor.

How To Prepare Creamy Baked Gnocchi

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 400F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil Gnocchi

Fill a big pot with water and sprinkle in some salt. When the water bubbles wildly, drop in the gnocchi. Let them dance around until they float to the surface, which usually takes a couple of minutes. Scoop them out and set aside.

Step 3: Craft The Creamy Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Flour

• Milk
• Heavy cream

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely.

Step 4: Combine And Layer

• Mozzarella cheese
• Italian seasoning

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven. Let it bubble and brown for 15-20 minutes. For an extra golden crust, blast it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and let it rest for a moment. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips For A Creamier Creamy Baked Gnocchi

• Prevent Gnocchi Sticking: Rinse cooked gnocchi with cold water immediately after boiling to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy or clumping together.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina, gruyere, or pecorino to add depth and unique flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Create Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when making the roux to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
• Boost Vegetable Content: Fold in roasted vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes before baking to increase nutrition and add extra texture to the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing for easy meal prep and convenient entertaining.

How To Store And Reheat Creamy Baked Gnocchi

• Refrigerate: Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions by placing in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel, and heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
• Oven Reheat: Restore the dish's crispy top by warming in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain moisture.
• Freeze Option: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Perfect Pairings With Creamy Baked Gnocchi

• Sip Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy gnocchi with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness and complement the cheesy sauce with its bright, acidic notes.
• Elevate with Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, creamy texture of the baked gnocchi and add a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Rustic Bread: Grab a crusty Italian bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious cream sauce, creating the perfect vehicle for capturing every last drop of the cheesy goodness.
• Complement with Crisp Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top to bring a burst of fresh, green flavor that lightens the dish and adds a vibrant touch to the creamy presentation.

Ways To Switch Up Creamy Baked Gnocchi

• Spicy Chorizo Fusion: Swap Parmesan for crumbled chorizo, adding a smoky kick and extra protein to the creamy gnocchi. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat and depth of flavor.
• Mediterranean Garden Blend: Mix in roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach, and crumbled feta cheese. Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce that brings Mediterranean freshness.
• Mushroom Forest Version: Sauté mixed wild mushrooms like shiitake and porcini before adding to the cream sauce. Incorporate thyme and a splash of white wine to enhance the earthy mushroom profile.
• Seafood Coastal Style: Fold in succulent shrimp or crab meat into the sauce. Top with a sprinkle of fresh dill and lemon zest for a bright, oceanic transformation of the classic recipe.

FAQs For Creamy Baked Gnocchi

• What are gnocchi, and where do they come from?

Gnocchi are soft, pillowy Italian dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. They originated in Northern Italy and have been a beloved pasta alternative for centuries, known for their delicate texture and ability to absorb delicious sauces.

• Can I use store-bought or frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with store-bought or frozen gnocchi. Just follow the package instructions for cooking, and you’ll get the same creamy, cheesy result without the hassle of making gnocchi from scratch.

• Is there a way to make this dish more protein-rich?

Yes! You can easily add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or ground Italian sausage to the gnocchi before baking. These protein additions will make the dish more filling and add extra flavor to the creamy sauce.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegetarian Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra depth and nutrition.

Creamy Baked Gnocchi Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy baked gnocchi recipe, where pillowy potato dumplings swim in a luscious sauce. Golden edges and rich flavors promise a delightful meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Cream Components:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a baking dish with a light layer of oil, then position the oven rack to ensure even heating at 400F (200C).
2. Bring a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil, carefully lowering the gnocchi into the bubbling liquid and allowing them to cook until they gracefully float to the surface, typically within 2-3 minutes.
3. Craft the velvety sauce by melting butter in a spacious skillet, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until its aromatic essence permeates the pan, then dust with flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth base.
4. Gradually stream milk and cream into the roux, stirring methodically to prevent any lumpy formations, cooking until the mixture thickens and develops a luxurious consistency.
5. Incorporate Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until it melts completely and creates a silky texture, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
6. Gently fold the drained gnocchi into the cream sauce, ensuring each pillow is thoroughly coated with the rich mixture.
7. Transfer the sauced gnocchi into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer and generously scattering mozzarella cheese across the top, with a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning for added complexity.
8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt and become gloriously golden and bubbly for approximately 15-20 minutes.
9. For an extra crisp and bronzed surface, activate the broiler for a brief 2-3 minute finale, watching carefully to prevent burning.
10. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest momentarily, then garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a vibrant, fresh note before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Choose gnocchi with a firm texture to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring each bite remains delightfully tender and holds its shape perfectly.
• Drain gnocchi thoroughly after boiling to prevent excess water from thinning out the creamy sauce, maintaining a rich and velvety consistency.
• Experiment with cheese variations like gruyère or fontina for deeper flavor profiles, adding complexity to the traditional Parmesan and mozzarella combination.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, making this comforting dish accessible to more dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg