Let's Cook

One-Pan Cheesy Baked Gnocchi

Cuisine

Italian

Course

Dinner

Servings

4 People

Difficulty

Easy

Cooking Time

25 min

Total Time

35 min

Pillowy gnocchi. A bubbling tomato bath. Cheese pulls for days.This cozy one-pan dish brings tender gnocchi, melty mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce together in the oven. No boiling. No mess. Just straight-up comfort.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
½ cup heavy cream
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 package gnocchi (about 16 oz, shelf-stable or refrigerated)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Start with the sauce. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, mix 2 cups marinara, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic for that deep flavor base.
Add the gnocchi. Toss 1 package of gnocchi straight into the sauce. No need to boil first — it cooks right in the sauce and soaks up all that goodness. Stir gently to coat every pillow.
Top with cheese. prinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover with foil.
Bake until bubbly. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 5 minutes to brown the cheese.
Garnish and serve. Take it out, sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped basil, and serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Cooking Moments

Tips & Variations

💡 Add veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini before baking.
🌿 Make it meaty: Stir in cooked Italian sausage or ground beef.
🧀 Cheese swap: Try fontina, provolone, or even a dollop of ricotta on top.

The Chefta

Fonder & Ceo

Chefta’s Notes

📖 This came from a weeknight “what do I even cook” meltdown — and it turned into one of my go-to’s. The gnocchi gets perfectly tender, the sauce thickens, and that cheesy top? Unreal.