Description
This Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach is a comforting, oven-baked dish made with tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato sauce. It’s topped with a melty trio of mascarpone, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a bubbly, golden finish that feels both cozy and elegant.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 onion, minced
- 1 large clove garlic, minced or sliced
- 12 oz tomato passata (purée)
- 1/2 cup broth or water
- A handful of fresh basil, torn
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 16 oz potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or thawed frozen)
- 1 generous handful baby spinach
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Grated Parmesan, for sprinkling
- Extra basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-low. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in passata and broth, bring to a gentle simmer, then add basil, mascarpone, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add gnocchi and spinach directly to the sauce, stirring until coated and spinach begins to wilt.
- Top with mozzarella slices and sprinkle Parmesan over the surface.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Finish with fresh basil and serve hot straight from the skillet.
Notes
- Add browned sausage or white beans for extra protein.
- Swap mascarpone with cream cheese, crème fraîche, or ricotta.
- Use kale or arugula instead of spinach; sauté kale briefly before baking.
- Replace passata with crushed tomatoes or jarred marinara for convenience.
- Add red pepper flakes, oregano, or thyme for more flavor depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
