Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines soft, pillowy gnocchi with a flavorful creamy tomato sauce and gooey cheese, creating a deliciously satisfying meal. The addition of spinach not only adds a pop of color but also a healthy boost to this indulgent recipe. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 onion, minced
- 1 large clove garlic, minced or thinly sliced
- 12 ounces passata tomato purée
- 1/2 cup broth or water
- Torn basil
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces shelf-stable gnocchi (or frozen, thawed)
- A handful of baby spinach
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese slices
- Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Make the sauce: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant. Add the passata, broth (or water), torn basil, mascarpone, and salt, and bring to a simmer.
- Bake it up: Stir in the gnocchi and spinach, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the sauce. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with mozzarella slices, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 5–6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Protein addition: Add cooked Italian sausage or white beans to make the dish heartier.
- Different cheese: Swap mascarpone with ricotta or cream cheese for a different creamy texture.
- Spinach substitute: Use kale or arugula in place of spinach for a twist on the flavor.
- Gnocchi alternatives: You can use homemade gnocchi or another variety if preferred.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in a microwave, covered, in 1-minute intervals.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Just thaw the gnocchi before using it in the recipe.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While fresh mozzarella and Parmesan are ideal, you can substitute with other cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or Gruyère.
Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese?
You can use ricotta as a substitute, although the texture will be a bit grainier.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, you can add cooked Italian sausage or ground meat for extra protein.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking step, refrigerate it, and bake when you’re ready to serve.
What should I serve with this gnocchi?
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for dipping.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi as a substitute for regular gnocchi.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the baked gnocchi. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
How long should I bake the gnocchi?
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would make excellent additions.
Conclusion
Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach is an easy-to-make, comforting dish that’s perfect for both busy nights and special occasions. The combination of creamy tomato sauce, tender gnocchi, and melted cheese is irresistible. Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite meal!
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Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach is a comforting, cheesy, and delicious dish, perfect for any meal. With a creamy tomato sauce, tender gnocchi, and a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and mascarpone cheeses, it’s a meal that’s sure to please. The addition of fresh spinach gives it a healthy twist. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 onion, minced
1 large clove garlic, minced or thinly sliced
12 ounces passata tomato purée
1/2 cup broth or water
Torn basil
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
16 ounces shelf-stable gnocchi (or frozen, thawed)
A handful of baby spinach
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese slices
Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
-
Add the passata, broth (or water), torn basil, mascarpone, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
-
Stir in the gnocchi and spinach, making sure they’re evenly coated with the sauce. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
-
Top with mozzarella slices and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
Protein addition: Add cooked Italian sausage or white beans for a heartier dish.
Different cheese: Swap mascarpone with ricotta or cream cheese.
Spinach substitute: Kale or arugula can be used instead of spinach.
Gnocchi alternatives: Use homemade gnocchi or another variety of your choice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
