Name: Gnocchi Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1½ lbs gnocchi; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves; ½ onion; 24 oz marinara sauce; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Italian Seasoning; 1 cup Mozzarella cheese; ½ cup basil leaves

Gnocchi casserole delight is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines soft, pillowy gnocchi with a rich marinara sauce, creamy texture, and melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Photos of Gnocchi Casserole Recipe

For this recipe, the key ingredients you may need to be aware of are gnocchi, marinara sauce, heavy cream, and mozzarella cheese. Gnocchi can often be found in the pasta aisle, while marinara sauce and heavy cream are usually located in the sauces and dairy sections respectively. Make sure to get fresh basil leaves for the garnish, which can typically be found in the produce section.

Ingredients For Gnocchi Casserole Delight

gnocchi: Soft, pillowy pasta made from potatoes, often found in the pasta aisle.

olive oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and onion, adding a rich depth of flavor.

garlic cloves: Provides a robust and aromatic base for the sauce.

onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor when cooked.

marinara sauce: A rich tomato-based sauce that forms the base of the casserole.

heavy cream: Adds a luscious, creamy texture to the sauce.

italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top of the casserole, adding a gooey, cheesy layer.

basil leaves: Fresh, aromatic leaves that garnish the dish, adding a burst of color and flavor.

One reader, Karlen Wahl says:

Gnocchi casserole delight is a true comfort food masterpiece! The creamy marinara sauce and melted mozzarella create a perfect harmony of flavors. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, it’s a hit with the whole family. Highly recommend!

Karlen Wahl

Techniques Required for Making Gnocchi Casserole Delight

How to cook gnocchi: Follow the packet directions to cook the gnocchi until they are tender. How to heat oil: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot but not smoking. How to cook garlic and onion: Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the heated oil and cook for about 1½ minutes until they are fragrant and slightly softened. How to simmer sauce: After adding marinara sauce to the skillet, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. How to stir through cream and seasoning: Mix the heavy cream and Italian seasoning into the simmering marinara sauce until well combined. How to bake casserole: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, then bake the assembled casserole for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.

How To Make Gnocchi Casserole

This gnocchi casserole comes with a flavorful creamy tomato sauce and is baked to perfection. Cook up a tasty batch of this in just under an hour.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 22 minutes

Total: 37 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½lbsgnocchi
1tbspolive oil
2garlic cloves,minced
½onion,finely chopped
24ozmarinara sauce
½cupheavy cream
1tspItalian seasoning,optional
1cupmozzarella cheese,grated
½cupbasil leaves,torn or chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Cook the gnocchi according to packet directions.
Drain the gnocchi, then transfer them to a 1.5-quart baking dish.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the garlic and onion, then cook for 1½ minutes.
Add the marinara sauce, then turn the heat down and bring to simmer.
Stir through the cream and Italian seasoning.
Pour over the gnocchi, then stir to spread out.
Top with the cheese, then bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.
Garnish with basil leaves, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 546.89kcal
Fat: 27.45g
Saturated Fat: 14.47g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.68g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.72g
Carbohydrates: 55.31g
Fiber: 5.78g
Sugar: 10.09g
Protein: 20.09g
Cholesterol: 107.90mg
Sodium: 1211.67mg
Calcium: 384.65mg
Potassium: 972.19mg
Iron: 3.92mg
Vitamin A: 263.15µg
Vitamin C: 23.66mg

Helpful Technique for Preparing Gnocchi Casserole Delight

To enhance the flavor of the garlic and onion, cook them until they are golden brown before adding the marinara sauce. This caramelization process will bring out a deeper, richer taste in your gnocchi casserole.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Casserole

Pre-cook the gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can skip the boiling step when assembling the casserole.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of peeling and chopping fresh cloves.

Ready-made marinara: Opt for a high-quality, store-bought marinara sauce to cut down on preparation time.

Shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to avoid the hassle of grating it yourself.

Chopped onions: Use pre-chopped onions available in the produce section to save chopping time.

Substitute Ingredients For Gnocchi Casserole Recipe

gnocchi - Substitute with mini potato dumplings: They have a similar texture and can absorb the flavors of the casserole well.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a similar smoke point, making it a good alternative for sautéing.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove to maintain the garlic flavor.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be seasoned to taste with herbs and spices to mimic marinara sauce.
heavy cream - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half provides a similar creaminess with less fat.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: This blend includes similar herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano, providing a comparable flavor profile.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the casserole.
basil leaves - Substitute with spinach leaves: Fresh spinach can add a similar color and a mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Presenting Your Gnocchi Casserole Delight

Use a shallow, wide-rimmed plate: This allows the gnocchi to be spread out evenly, showcasing the sauce and toppings beautifully.
Layer the gnocchi carefully: Place the gnocchi in a single layer, ensuring each piece is visible and not piled on top of each other.
Drizzle extra marinara sauce artistically: Use a spoon to create a few artistic swirls of marinara sauce around the plate for added visual appeal.
Top with freshly grated mozzarella cheese: Instead of just melting the cheese, grate some fresh mozzarella on top right before serving to add texture and a gourmet touch.
Garnish with whole basil leaves: Place whole basil leaves strategically around the plate to add a pop of color and freshness.
Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning: Lightly dust the dish with Italian seasoning to enhance the aroma and presentation.
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil: Use high-quality olive oil to add a final touch of elegance and shine to the dish.
Serve with a side of garlic bread: Pair the casserole with a small piece of garlic bread on the side to complement the flavors and provide a complete dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Gnocchi Casserole

Oven: Used to bake the casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is melted and golden.
Pot: Necessary for cooking the gnocchi according to the packet directions.
Colander: Utilized to drain the gnocchi after cooking.
1.5-quart baking dish: The dish where you will transfer the cooked gnocchi and bake the casserole.
Skillet: Used to heat the olive oil and cook the garlic and onion before adding the marinara sauce.
Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the garlic, onion, marinara sauce, cream, and Italian seasoning.
Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring the olive oil and Italian seasoning accurately.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the heavy cream and mozzarella cheese.
Knife: Needed to chop the garlic and onion.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the garlic and onion.
Grater: If you are using a block of mozzarella, this will be used to grate the cheese.
Spatula: Useful for spreading out the sauce over the gnocchi in the baking dish.
Serving spoon: For serving the gnocchi casserole once it is baked.
Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Storing and Freezing Gnocchi Casserole

Allow the gnocchi casserole to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For freezing, portion the cooled casserole into individual servings or freeze the entire dish. Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents. The gnocchi casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated leftovers, place the desired portion in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
For frozen casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If reheating from frozen, increase the baking time to 30-40 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and become golden.
If the casserole appears dry after reheating, you can add a splash of marinara sauce or heavy cream to restore moisture and enhance the flavor.

How To Reheat Gnocchi Casserole Leftovers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover gnocchi casserole to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and become golden brown.
For a quicker reheating method, use your microwave. Place a portion of the leftover casserole in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the gnocchi is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. Stir the casserole halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you prefer a crispy texture, reheat the gnocchi casserole in a skillet. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the leftover casserole and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is heated through and the edges become crispy. This method works best for smaller portions.
For a more flavorful reheating experience, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the casserole before reheating. This will help to revive the sauce and keep the gnocchi moist. You can also sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese on top for added flavor and texture.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the gnocchi casserole. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a portion of the leftover casserole in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method works best for smaller portions and results in a crispy exterior.

Interesting Fact About Gnocchi Casserole Delight

A fun fact about this gnocchi casserole is that gnocchi has been a staple in Italian cuisine since Roman times, traditionally made with semolina or flour, and later with potatoes after their introduction to Europe.

Is Making Gnocchi Casserole at Home Cost-Effective?

This gnocchi casserole delight is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like gnocchi, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese are affordable and easily accessible. The use of heavy cream and basil leaves adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD.

Is This Gnocchi Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?

The gnocchi casserole delight recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:

The heavy cream and mozzarella cheese add significant amounts of saturated fat and calories to the dish.
The marinara sauce, depending on the brand or recipe used, may contain added sugars and sodium.
The recipe lacks a significant source of protein, which could lead to feeling unsatisfied and potentially overeating.
There is a notable absence of vegetables, which are essential for providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be transformed into a healthier option without compromising on taste:

Swap the heavy cream for a lighter alternative like evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt, which will reduce the fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.
Opt for a low-sodium, sugar-free marinara sauce, or better yet, make your own using fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
Incorporate lean protein sources such as ground turkey, chicken, or tofu to make the dish more satiating and balanced.
Add a variety of vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce or as a side dish, boosting the nutrient content and fiber.
Use a reduced amount of mozzarella cheese, or select a low-fat version to minimize the saturated fat content without sacrificing the cheesy goodness.

Editor's Opinion on This Gnocchi Casserole Recipe

This gnocchi casserole delight is a comforting and flavorful dish. The combination of marinara sauce and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety base that pairs beautifully with the tender gnocchi. The addition of garlic and onion enhances the depth of flavor, while the Italian seasoning adds a touch of aromatic herbs. Topping it with mozzarella cheese ensures a gooey, golden finish. Fresh basil leaves provide a refreshing contrast. Overall, it's a well-balanced, satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Enhance Your Gnocchi Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Imagine the earthy goodness of Brussels sprouts roasted to a perfect crisp, then drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. This side dish adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that complements the creamy gnocchi casserole delight.

Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with a generous sprinkle of garlic and Parmesan cheese. The savory notes and slight crispiness of this dish create a harmonious balance with the rich and cheesy gnocchi casserole delight.

Caprese Salad: A refreshing Caprese salad featuring juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a touch of balsamic reduction, this vibrant salad adds a burst of freshness to your meal.

Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery breadsticks infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic. Perfect for dipping into the luscious marinara sauce of the gnocchi casserole delight, these breadsticks are a comforting and satisfying addition to your dinner table.

Lemon Herb Quinoa: Light and fluffy quinoa cooked with a zesty blend of lemon and herbs. This side dish offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the gnocchi casserole delight, making it a perfect accompaniment for a well-rounded meal.

Similar Recipes to Gnocchi Casserole Delight

Creamy Spinach And Artichoke Pasta Bake: Dive into this luscious pasta bake, where spinach and artichokes meld with a creamy sauce, topped with bubbling mozzarella for a comforting meal.

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells: Indulge in these jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a rich chicken Alfredo mixture, baked to perfection with a golden cheese crust.

Eggplant Parmesan Casserole: Experience layers of breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella, baked until bubbly and golden, perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal.

Sausage And Pepperoni Pizza Casserole: Enjoy the flavors of a classic pizza in casserole form, with spicy sausage, zesty pepperoni, and a melty cheese topping.

Baked Ziti With Ricotta And Spinach: Savor this comforting baked ziti dish, featuring creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella.

Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Gnocchi Casserole Delight

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Transform your gathering with these delightful stuffed mushrooms. Start by selecting large, firm mushrooms and remove the stems. Sauté a mixture of garlic, onion, and finely chopped mushroom stems in olive oil. Add a blend of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. Stuff the mushroom caps generously with this mixture. Bake until golden and fragrant, then garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with classic bruschetta. Begin with a fresh baguette, sliced and toasted to perfection. Rub each slice with a clove of garlic for an aromatic base. Top with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and red onion, all tossed in extra virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.

Desserts:

Tiramisu: Indulge in the classic Italian dessert that layers espresso-soaked ladyfingers with a rich mascarpone cream. This decadent treat is finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, offering a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. Serve chilled for a refreshing end to your meal.

Pavlova: Delight your guests with this elegant meringue-based dessert, featuring a crisp crust and a soft, light interior. Top it with whipped cream and a medley of fresh fruits like berries and kiwi. The contrast of textures and flavors makes it a show-stopping finale to any meal.

Why trust this Gnocchi Casserole Recipe:

This gnocchi casserole delight recipe is a surefire hit, combining the comforting texture of gnocchi with a rich, creamy marinara sauce. The addition of mozzarella cheese ensures a gooey, golden topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Fresh basil leaves add a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance. With easy-to-follow steps and readily available ingredients, this dish is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Trust this recipe for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.

Share your thoughts and experiences with the Gnocchi Casserole Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly fine and saves you a lot of time. Just follow the cooking instructions on the packet.

Can I add other vegetables or proteins to the casserole?

Yes, you can definitely add your favorite veggies or proteins. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked chicken would be great additions.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You sure can. Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When you're ready to eat, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce might be a bit less rich and creamy.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be good for about 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.