Cheesy Marina Gnocchi Bake

Cheesy Marina Gnocchi Bake

Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a dish that’s cozy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make, you’ve come to the right place.

This Loaded Baked Gnocchi with Marinara & Mozzarella is like a hug on a plate—soft, pillowy gnocchi smothered in rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella, and baked to golden perfection.

It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Plus, it’s totally customizable—add your favorite toppings like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh basil.

How to Make It

Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of nonstick spray or a drizzle of olive oil. This will keep your gnocchi from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the top—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain them well and set aside.

3. Layer the Goodness
In your prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add the cooked gnocchi, then pour the remaining marinara over the top. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi evenly.

4. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the gnocchi. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.

5. Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If you want an extra crispy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

6. Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes. Top with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Shortcut Alert: Use store-bought marinara sauce to save time, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Extra Flavor: Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil before adding the marinara for a deeper flavor.
• Customize It: Add cooked Italian sausage, spinach, or roasted veggies for a heartier meal.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix in some ricotta or cream cheese with the marinara for an extra creamy texture.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: This dish freezes well! Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
  

Cheesy Marina Gnocchi Bake

Cooking Method: Baking, Boiling Cuisine: Italian Delights Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 450

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary:

Nut Free Vegetarian

Description

This Loaded Baked Gnocchi with Marinara & Mozzarella is a quick and easy comfort food dish featuring tender gnocchi, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb potato gnocchi

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the dish)

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

• Red pepper flakes, for a spicy kick (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

2. Cook the Gnocchi:

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top (about 2-3 minutes). Drain well.

3. Layer the Dish:

   Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add the cooked gnocchi and pour the remaining marinara over the top. Toss gently to coat.

4. Add Cheese:

   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the gnocchi, followed by the grated Parmesan.

5. Bake:

   Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 18g28%

Total Carbohydrate 50g17%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 6g

Protein 20g40%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi if needed.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.

Keywords: Loaded Baked Gnocchi, Gnocchi Bake, Easy Gnocchi Recipe, Cheesy Gnocchi, Marinara Gnocchi