Creamy Baked Gnocchi Casserole

If there’s one recipe that instantly feels like a warm hug in food form, it’s this Creamy Baked Gnocchi Casserole. Soft, pillowy gnocchi are smothered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, layered with plenty of mozzarella and parmesan, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s everything you want in a weeknight comfort dish—easy to make, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy.

In this post, we’ll cover everything from how to make the creamiest sauce, ingredient swaps for different tastes, tips for prepping ahead, and some creative ways to serve this casserole. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Gnocchi Bake

• Ultimate comfort food – like mac and cheese but with gnocchi.
• Quick prep – only about 10 minutes to assemble before baking.
• Customizable – add protein or veggies for a full meal.
• Crowd-pleaser – perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This casserole comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge.

• Potato Gnocchi – The star of the dish! Store-bought works perfectly, but you can also use homemade.
• Butter & Garlic – For building a rich flavor base.
• Heavy Cream – Gives the sauce its luxurious creaminess. You can swap with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully and gives that gooey, stringy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds sharp, salty depth of flavor.
• Olive Oil – For greasing the dish and sautéing.
• Fresh Basil – For garnish and brightness.
• Salt & Pepper – To season and balance the creaminess.

👉 Optional add-ins: sautéed spinach, mushrooms, Italian sausage, rotisserie chicken, or even a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.

2. Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook gnocchi until they float to the surface (about 2–3 minutes). Drain well.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, simmer for 2–3 minutes, and whisk in parmesan until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer cooked gnocchi into the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream sauce over the gnocchi, stirring gently to coat. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.

5. Bake Until Golden

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

6. Garnish & Serve

Top with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.

Creamy Baked Gnocchi Casserole

Pillowy potato gnocchi baked in a rich garlic cream sauce with mozzarella and parmesan 🧀🥔. Golden, bubbly, and comforting — the ultimate cheesy casserole for busy weeknights or cozy weekends!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base

• 1 lb potato gnocchi

Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Baking dish
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes. Drain well.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Whisk in parmesan until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place cooked gnocchi in the prepared baking dish. Pour cream sauce over and stir gently to coat. Sprinkle mozzarella on top.
6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown.
7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach before baking. Pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad.

Tips & Variations

• Make it meaty – stir in cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken.
• Boost the veggies – roasted broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms pair perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Spice it up – add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili oil for a little heat.
• Cheese swap – try fontina, gouda, or provolone for different flavors.

Make Ahead & Storage

• Prep ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
• Freezer option: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cook time.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is rich and filling, but pairing it with light sides balances the meal beautifully:

• Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or focaccia
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of pillowy gnocchi and creamy sauce is unbeatable, but the real magic happens in the oven. Baking transforms the sauce and cheese into a golden, bubbling layer of comfort that clings to every bite of gnocchi. It’s an elevated twist on pasta bakes that feels both rustic and restaurant-worthy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Gnocchi Casserole is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s easy, flexible, and hits all the comfort food notes without requiring hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or when you just need something warm and satisfying.

Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to casserole recipe!