Cheesy Baked Gnocchi

This cheesy baked gnocchi is the perfect date night gnocchi recipe! It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s rich and savory yet super easy to make.

Hands-down, gnocchi is my all-time favorite food. Gnocchi is like a little dumpling pasta, and it wins over my pasta + bread loving heart. You can dress gnocchi up, like in my Baked Chicken Gnocchi that has a creamy white wine sauce, or use it for an easy weeknight skillet meal like my 30-Minute Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. I’ll even pop gnocchi in the air fryer, like in my Air Fryer Mushroom & Steak Bites recipe.

If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant gnocchi recipe that’s perfect for date night in, or meatless Monday, or an elevated “mac & cheese” dish for the family – this cheesy baked gnocchi is the one!

Ingredients needed

• 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 tsp. basil
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 12 oz. gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach

How to make cheesy baked gnocchi

• 

• 

• 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the minced garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper and cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
3. Add the flour and whisk until combined.
4. Whisk in the milk and broth, then add the gnocchi. Bring to a simmer and simmer for ten minutes.
5. Add in the fresh spinach and let it cook down. Then add the shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone. Stir until fully melted and combined.
6. Transfer to a greased 9×13 dish and bake for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and serve immediately. Top with additional parmesan cheese, if preferred.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Is gnocchi pasta or potato?

It really depends on now it’s made. If it’s made with just flour, water, and eggs, it would be considered more of a pasta. However, many traditional gnocchi recipes are made with potatoes, which some classify as a dumpling rather than pasta.

What does gnocchi taste like?

Gnocchi tastes just like any other noodle or dumpling. On their own they’re a bit bland, but when combined with butter, seasonings, and cooked into recipes like this cheesy baked gnocchi, they are delicious!

Do I need to boil gnocchi?

No, in this particular recipe, the gnocchi will cook as it simmers in the liquid and then bake in the oven. When cooking gnocchi on it’s own, you can either boil or pan-fry.

Recipe Variations –

• Add in rotisserie chicken for a baked chicken and gnocchi recipe.
• Use 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup white wine for a gnocchi white wine sauce recipe.
• Use Asiago cheese in place of mozzarella for an Asiago gnocchi dish.

Recommended kitchen resources for this recipe

Wanderlust and Wellness participates in the Amazon affiliate program. Please see my affiliate disclaimer. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Complete your date night meal with these additional recipes!

• Vanilla Panna Cotta with White Wine Sauce – a delicious yet simple dessert
• Apple Cranberry Thanksgiving Salad – a light and fresh salad to balance the rich and savory cheesy baked gnocchi
• La Croix Berry Vodka Spritzer – light and refreshing cocktail to pair with your gnocchi

Gnocchi Wine Pairings

With the Parmesan cheese in this recipe, a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc would pair nicely. If you choose to add in Asiago cheese, a Merlot will pair well with the stout cheese blend.

Cheesy Baked Gnocchi Recipe