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To create a creamy Parmesan gnocchi bake, you need a few key ingredients. This dish is rich, tasty, and easy to make. Here’s what you will need: - 2 packages (16 oz each) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) These ingredients come together to make a delightful meal. The gnocchi serves as the base, while the heavy cream and cheeses create a rich sauce. Spinach and tomatoes add color and nutrition. Garlic and Italian seasoning bring great flavor. Using fresh basil as a garnish adds a nice touch. It makes the dish look and taste even better. Enjoy gathering these ingredients, and let’s get cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Boil and cook the gnocchi: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook them according to the package instructions. They usually float when done, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain them and set aside. 2. Prepare the creamy sauce: In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute. Next, pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. 3. Combine gnocchi with sauce and vegetables: Add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi, making sure they are fully coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. 1. Transfer to baking dish and cheese topping: Take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour in the gnocchi mixture, spreading it evenly. Top it with shredded mozzarella cheese for a delicious, bubbly finish. 2. Bake until golden brown: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and bubbly cheese. 3. Rest before serving: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve. If you like, add fresh basil leaves on top for a nice touch. To get the best texture from your gnocchi, cook them until they float. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If you overcook them, they can become mushy. Be gentle when folding them into the sauce. This keeps them intact and ensures a nice bite. For creaminess in your sauce, start by heating the heavy cream slowly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts completely. This creates a smooth and rich base. Adding spinach and tomatoes helps to balance the dish with freshness. Season well with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors. To make your dish look great, sprinkle some fresh basil on top before serving. It adds color and a nice aroma. Use a nice baking dish to show off your creation. For a complete meal, serve this gnocchi bake with a simple salad. A green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely. You can also add garlic bread on the side for a comforting touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your bake. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like fontina or gouda for a unique flavor profile. Add Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas to the gnocchi mixture. Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking to help it set, making it easier to serve. {{image_2}} You can swap out heavy cream for a lighter option. Consider using half-and-half or whole milk. These alternatives reduce the fat but still offer good creaminess. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Both give a rich taste while keeping it light. You can also change the cheeses in this bake. Instead of just Parmesan and mozzarella, try using Gruyère or Fontina cheese. These cheeses melt well and add a unique flavor. Mixing different cheeses can really enhance the dish. Adding protein can make this dish heartier. You can toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for extra flavor. Just make sure to cook the protein beforehand and mix it in with the gnocchi. Feel free to swap vegetables based on what’s in season. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms work great in this bake. You can even use frozen veggies if fresh ones aren’t available. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything cooks evenly. After you enjoy your creamy Parmesan gnocchi bake, you may have some left. I recommend letting it cool to room temperature. Once it cools, transfer the bake to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is key. You want to keep the gnocchi moist and creamy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture. Heat for about 20 minutes. Check if it’s hot all the way through. If you prefer using a microwave, place a portion in a bowl. Add a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. Enjoy your comforting dish again! Can I use homemade gnocchi? Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi adds a nice touch to the dish. Just follow the same cooking steps. Ensure they float in boiling water, which means they are ready. Cooking time may vary slightly, but aim for about 2-3 minutes. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! This dish is already vegetarian with just a few tweaks. Ensure your cheeses contain no animal rennet. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor. Cooking time adjustments for different oven types If you have a convection oven, you might need less time. Start checking at 15 minutes. For a toaster oven, keep an eye on it as they can cook faster. The key is to look for bubbling cheese and a golden top. Serving suggestions for larger gatherings For bigger groups, double the recipe. Use a larger baking dish. You can serve this with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone happy and full! You learned how to make a creamy baked gnocchi dish with simple steps. We covered the key ingredients and the importance of texture. You can customize this meal to fit your taste. Remember to store any leftovers properly so they stay tasty. With these tips, you’ll create a dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful meal!

Creamy Parmesan Gnocchi Bake

A delicious and creamy baked gnocchi dish with Parmesan, mozzarella, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 32 oz gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float (typically about 2-3 minutes for store-bought). Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until melted and creamy.
  • Add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
  • Carefully fold in the cooked gnocchi, ensuring they are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Transfer the gnocchi mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top it with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor.
Keyword bake, creamy, gnocchi, Parmesan, vegetarian