One Pan Gnocchi Bake

Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, this One Pan Gnocchi Bake is the perfect weeknight dinner. Soft potato gnocchi are baked in a rich tomato garlic cream sauce with fresh spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan until golden and bubbly.

The best part? Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup quick and easy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy comfort meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Ready in just 40 minutes, this cheesy gnocchi bake is perfect for busy evenings, meal prep, or a relaxing weekend dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Everything cooks in one pan.
• Rich, creamy tomato garlic sauce.
• Perfectly soft potato gnocchi.
• Extra cheesy with mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Ready in about 40 minutes.
• Family-friendly comfort food.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers.
• Easy enough for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish

How to Make One Pan Gnocchi Bake

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Build the Sauce

Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the Gnocchi

Stir the gnocchi into the sauce along with the cherry tomatoes. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to begin softening.

4. Add the Spinach

Fold in the baby spinach and cook until just wilted.

5. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

6. Bake

Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

7. Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Helpful Tips

• Use shelf-stable potato gnocchi for the quickest preparation.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi before baking—they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
• Freshly grate the Parmesan for the best flavor and melting.
• Add cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
• Broil the dish for 1–2 minutes at the end if you want an extra golden cheese topping.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Yield: 4 servings Category: Dinner Method: Stovetop + Baking Cuisine: Italian-Inspired Diet: Vegetarian (use vegetable broth)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes. Add frozen gnocchi directly to the skillet and allow an extra 2–3 minutes of simmering before baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What protein can I add?

Cooked chicken, Italian sausage, ground turkey, or crispy bacon all pair wonderfully with this recipe.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

Conclusion

This One Pan Gnocchi Bake is everything a comforting weeknight dinner should be—rich, creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. With minimal cleanup and plenty of flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular dinner rotation. Serve it with garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete family me