Baked Gnocchi with Sausage

The roots of gnocchi trace back to ancient Italy, where this simple yet satisfying dish was crafted from basic ingredients like potatoes and flour. Over the centuries, gnocchi evolved into various forms, each region of Italy adding its own twist. This dish, Savory Sausage Baked Gnocchi Delight, takes inspiration from traditional Italian cooking while incorporating the robust flavors of Italian sausage, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

Warm up your evenings with the delicious Savory Sausage Baked Gnocchi Delight, a perfect blend of pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a melty cheese topping. This hearty dish is great for family gatherings or cozy nights in, embodying true Italian comfort food. Discover its rich flavors, comforting textures, and tips for preparation that make each bite a delight. Elevate your dinner experience with this satisfying recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.

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Ingredients

16 oz (about 450 g) potato gnocchi

1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference), casings removed

2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 cup (100 g) diced bell peppers (red and yellow for sweetness)

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup (100 g) ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Brown the Sausage:

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté Vegetables:

Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine with Marinara Sauce:

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine everything. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare Gnocchi:

If using store-bought gnocchi, you can add them directly to the sauce mixture. If desired, you can lightly boil them in salted water for 2-3 minutes until they float, then combine with the meat sauce.

Layer in Baking Dish:

In a large baking dish, spread half of the sausage and gnocchi mixture on the bottom. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the mixture, followed by the remaining gnocchi and sauce.

Top with Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the dish.

Bake:

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | Serves 4-6