Cheesy Baked Gnocchi with Marinara and Fresh Basil Recipe
This Irresistible Cheesy Baked Gnocchi recipe combines soft potato gnocchi with a rich marinara sauce, fresh basil, and a golden, melty mozzarella cheese topping. Baked to perfection for cozy nights, this classic Italian-inspired dish offers a comforting, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or a delicious weeknight treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Flavor Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Texture
- 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara sauce
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Protein and Melting Layer
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) uncooked potato gnocchi
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Oven Warmup: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the upper third to ensure perfect golden cheese topping during baking.
- Flavor Foundation: In a large oven-proof skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and golden with caramelized undertones. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.
- Sauce Magic: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, then nestle the uncooked potato gnocchi evenly into the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated and submerged.
- Cheese Blanket: Scatter the torn fresh basil leaves across the surface of the sauce and gnocchi. Generously cover everything with the shredded mozzarella cheese to create a rich cheese layer.
- Baking Brilliance: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese begins to melt. Then switch the oven to broil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese topping is perfectly golden and slightly crisp.
- Serving Delight: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the baked gnocchi rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and stabilize. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use a cast-iron or any oven-safe skillet for even heat distribution and easy stovetop-to-oven transition.
- Sauté onions slowly to develop deep, sweet caramelized flavors without burning them.
- Watch the dish carefully during broiling to achieve a perfect golden-brown cheese topping without burning.
- Allow the dish to rest 2-3 minutes after baking for better flavor melding and to avoid burning your mouth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat refrigerated leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to preserve crispy cheese texture; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
- The dish can be prepared up to the baking step a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
Keywords: baked gnocchi, cheesy gnocchi, Italian comfort food, easy baked pasta, mozzarella gnocchi, cozy dinner
