Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Bake

Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Intensity: Easy. This is a straightforward recipe perfect for cooks of any skill level. The most complex step is browning the sausage, and the oven does the rest of the work.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce

• 1 cup water or chicken broth

• 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi (do not use frozen, unless thawed)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:

• Sausage: Using Italian sausage with the casings removed is key for that classic flavor. You can use sweet, mild, or hot based on your preference. For a lighter version, try Italian turkey sausage.

• Gnocchi: Shelf-stable potato gnocchi works best here as it holds its shape well. You can substitute with cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option, but note the texture will be different.

• Marinara: Choose a high-quality marinara sauce you love, as it forms the base of the dish. A tomato-basil or arrabbiata sauce would work wonderfully.

• Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, shred your own mozzarella from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Freshly grated Parmesan is always superior in flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

• A large, oven-safe skillet (at least 10-12 inches) OR a 9×13 inch baking dish and a separate skillet for the stovetop part.

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to go once your skillet mixture is prepared. While it heats, chop your onion, mince the garlic, and grate your cheeses.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in your large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into bite-sized crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. If there is an excess amount of grease (more than a tablespoon), you can drain it off.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the onion has softened and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce into the skillet. To the now-empty jar, add one cup of water or chicken broth, swirl it around to capture all the remaining sauce, and then pour that into the skillet as well. This ensures you get every bit of flavor and thins the sauce perfectly for the gnocchi to cook in. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add the Gnocchi

Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the entire package of gnocchi. Ensure all the gnocchi are submerged in the sauce. Let the mixture come back to a simmer for just 2-3 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat.

No Oven-Safe Skillet? No Problem! If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, simply transfer the sausage, sauce, and gnocchi mixture at this point into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the gnocchi and sauce mixture.

Carefully transfer the skillet (or baking dish) to the preheated oven. Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling vigorously around the edges and the cheese is completely melted, golden, and spotty brown in places.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Using oven mitts, remove the hot skillet from the oven. For the best results and to allow the sauce to thicken slightly, let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. This rest period is crucial—it allows the molten-hot sauce to cool to an edible temperature and lets the components set.

Garnish with the chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Bake is a complete meal in itself, but you can elevate it with a few simple sides:

• A Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, cheesy bake.

• Garlic Bread: No explanation needed. It’s essential for sopping up every last bit of sauce.

• Steamed Vegetables: A side of broccoli or green beans can add a healthy and colorful touch to the plate.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Allow the bake to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: This dish freezes quite well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil, until warmed through. You may want to add a small splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Information

(Please note: The following nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients used and standard calculations. Actual values may vary.)

Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
Calories: ~520
Total Fat: 28g

• Saturated Fat: 11g
  Cholesterol: 70mg
  Sodium: 1350mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 40g

• Dietary Fiber: 4g

• Sugars: 8g
  Protein: 26g

This Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm, hearty hug in a dish. It’s the kind of simple, flavorful, and deeply satisfying meal that becomes a regular in your dinner rotation. The combination of textures and flavors—from the savory sausage and tender gnocchi to the rich sauce and gooey cheese—is simply irresistible. So, preheat your oven, grab your skillet, and get ready to make a new family favorite. Buon Appetito