Description
Hearty Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens, melding pillowy potato dumplings with rich, melted cheese. Creamy layers and golden-brown edges promise a soul-warming meal that welcomes you to savor each delightful, indulgent bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for a bubbling, golden casserole.
- In a large skillet, sauté onions in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and bell peppers to the skillet, continuing to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Pour diced tomatoes into the vegetable mixture, introducing heavy cream and stirring to create a rich, creamy base.
- Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, allowing it to simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to develop deep flavors.
- Simultaneously, bring a separate pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook gnocchi until they float to the surface, indicating they are perfectly tender.
- Drain the gnocchi and gently fold them into the prepared sauce, ensuring each pillow-like dumpling is evenly coated.
- Transfer the gnocchi and sauce mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an inviting base for the casserole.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a tempting golden-brown crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a bubbly, slightly crispy texture.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, helping the dish set and cool slightly.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs to add a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- Choose firmer gnocchi varieties to prevent turning mushy during baking, ensuring a perfect texture that holds its shape throughout cooking.
- Opt for fresh mozzarella to create a creamier, more luxurious cheese topping that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor complexity.
- Consider adding protein like cooked chicken or crispy pancetta for extra substance, transforming this dish into a more substantial meal.
- For gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free gnocchi and verify all ingredient labels to maintain dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 564
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 645 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg