Description
Indulge in this creamy Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Casserole, where tender gnocchi is enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce and baked to perfection. This dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: Add the drained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
- Cook Gnocchi: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions until they float, then drain.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the sauce in the skillet, mixing well.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the gnocchi mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for more nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g