Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 200  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Baked Gnocchi with Spinach & Marinara is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty weeknight dinner that comes together in just one baking dish. Featuring pillowy gnocchi, a rich tomato marinara, fresh spinach, and melty mozzarella cheese, this dish is both simple to prepare and full of flavor. Perfect for busy evenings, meatless Mondays, or when you need a cozy meal that satisfies the whole family.

Ingredients
    For the Gnocchi Bake:
  • 500 g gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
    • For the Cheese Topping:
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
    Preheat and Prepare Ingredients
  1. 1
    Preheat your oven to 200°C. Gather all ingredients and chop the onion, garlic, and spinach.
    2. Sauté the Aromatics
  2. 2
    In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
    3. Wilt the Spinach
  3. 3
    Add the spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
    4. Add Marinara and Seasonings
  4. 4
    Pour in the marinara sauce. Stir in oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
    5. Stir in Gnocchi
  5. 5
    Add the uncooked gnocchi directly into the skillet. Stir well to coat the gnocchi with the sauce. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
    6. Add Cheese and Bake
  6. 6
    Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
    7. Cool and Serve
  7. 7
    Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Note

Make It Creamy: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or ricotta cheese into the sauce before baking for a richer taste.

Add Protein: Stir in cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or white beans to make it heartier.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Freezing Tip: You can freeze the unbaked assembled dish. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

Keywords: Easy baked gnocchi, vegetarian dinner, one-pan meal, quick weeknight dinner, cheesy gnocchi bake
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/baked-gnocchi-with-spinach-marinara-recipe/