Name: Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Marinara and Fresh Basil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; ½ medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara sauce; 1 handful fresh basil leaves, torn; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 1 lb (0.45 kg) uncooked potato gnocchi; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

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Introduction

Enjoy a comforting dish of cheesy baked gnocchi that’s perfect for cozy nights. Soft potato dumplings are nestled in a rich marinara sauce, topped with fresh basil and melted mozzarella for a satisfying meal that feels like a warm Italian hug.

A round black pan filled with a baked dish that has a top layer of melted golden-brown cheese scattered with small green herb pieces, beneath which there are visible layers of a thick tomato sauce and browned meat chunks, showing some texture and bubbling cheese edges. A spoon rests inside the pan on a white marbled surface. The cheese looks gooey and slightly crispy in some spots, covering the entire surface evenly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (0.45 kg) uncooked potato gnocchi
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (24 oz / 680 g) jar marinara sauce
2 tbsp butter
½ medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 handful fresh basil, torn
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the upper third of the oven.
Step 2: In a large oven-proof skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and golden.
Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet and gently nestle the uncooked gnocchi into the sauce, coating them evenly.
Step 5: Scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the sauce, then top generously with shredded mozzarella.
Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to bubble and the cheese to melt.
Step 7: For a crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil and watch carefully for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
Step 8: Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with grated Parmesan and extra basil if desired, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Use starchy potatoes like Russet for light, fluffy gnocchi texture.
Swap mozzarella with fontina or provolone for a richer cheese flavor.
Add roasted zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
Include crispy pancetta, cooked Italian sausage, or shredded chicken for added protein.
Serve with a crisp arugula salad or roasted green vegetables for balance.
Use a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet for even cooking and easy stovetop-to-oven transition.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to preserve the crispy cheese topping. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. You can freeze the baked gnocchi wrapped tightly for up to 2 months—thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a round black pan filled with a baked pasta dish that has multiple layers: the bottom layer is a rich red tomato sauce visible around the edges, topped with golden browned melted cheese that is bubbly and creamy, scattered with small bits of green herbs for color. A spoon with a dark handle is lifting some cheesy pasta from the pan, showing soft textured pasta beneath the cheese layer. The pan rests on a white marbled textured surface, creating a clean background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook the gnocchi before baking?

There’s no need to pre-cook the gnocchi as they will cook perfectly while baking in the sauce, absorbing all its flavors.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?

Keep a close eye on the dish while broiling, as cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly. Broil for just 2-3 minutes and remove as soon as the cheese starts to brown.