Baked Gnocchi with Rich Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Delight in Baked Gnocchi

This dish is a beautiful blend of spicy lasagna and creamy Alfredo gnocchi, bringing you an authentic taste of Italy. The gnocchi is made from fresh potatoes, combined with spicy chicken sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and ricotta cheese. Plus, everything is cooked in one pan, making it incredibly convenient for busy schedules.

I recently returned from an exciting trip to Italy, and I can't stop thinking about the incredible dishes I tried, especially the gnocchi. The flavors there are unique, light, and always accompanied by simple yet flavorful sauces. The cheese is truly the highlight!

Inspired by Milan

Back home, I felt inspired with tons of cooking ideas. One of the dishes that left a lasting impression on me was fresh hand-rolled gnocchi in spicy tomato sauce, topped with whipped ricotta and fresh basil. My mom went crazy for that dish, and she often brings it up whenever we chat.

Today, I want to share this simple recipe—a one-pan version of that dish. Adding a bit of spicy chicken sausage enhances the flavor and protein content, while spinach adds a pop of color. This is a meal that feels like it takes forever to prepare, but it's actually super easy!

Baked Gnocchi Recipe

Ingredients: spicy chicken sausage, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, garlic, Italian seasoning, Calabrian chili, tomato paste, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, gnocchi, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil.

I love using a large cast-iron skillet, which works well for both stovetop simmering and oven baking. This dish doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment.

Steps to Prepare

Step 1: Use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Pour a few tablespoons of oil from the jar into a large skillet or baking dish. This oil is already seasoned and adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
Step 2: Cook the chicken sausage. Add the sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and crispy on the outside.
Step 3: Make the sauce. Stir in the shallots, garlic, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Cook until soft and fragrant. Add a couple of cups of water and simmer.
Step 4: Add the gnocchi. Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and gnocchi. Simmer until the gnocchi is soft and puffed up. Stir in the Parmesan and ricotta cheeses, then sprinkle mozzarella on top.
Step 5: Bake the cheese. Transfer to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil before serving.

Enjoy Your Dish

I love pairing this dish with a piece of crusty bread on the side—perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce or seasoned olive oil. Add a simple salad for a splash of color, and you have a quick dinner perfect for spring or summer.

Other Easy Salad Ideas

Looking for more easy salads? Here are some of my favorites: tomato, peach, and burrata salad; corn, tomato, and avocado salad; pesto chicken Caesar salad with tomatoes and burrata; honey mustard chicken and avocado salad; watermelon and basil burrata salad; pesto chicken salad with corn and avocado.

Finally, if you try this Baked Gnocchi, let me know your thoughts! I love hearing from you and always try to respond to every comment. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with the dish you make!