Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach

Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach: A Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Feast 🧀🍅✨

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both indulgent and satisfying, look no further than this Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach! This dish combines pillowy soft gnocchi, vibrant fresh spinach, and a decadent trio of cheeses that melt into pure perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a special family dinner or simply craving some cozy comfort food, this baked gnocchi recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The best part? It comes together in just about 45 minutes from start to finish!

For those who love exploring different baked pasta dishes, you might also enjoy this inspiring three cheese gnocchi variation that offers another delicious take on this classic comfort food.

2. Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.

• 1 lb (450g) store-bought or homemade gnocchi (for homemade options, check out our gnocchi recipes)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (packed with iron and nutrients)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that perfect stretchy melt)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a wonderful nutty flavor)
• ½ cup ricotta cheese (creates lovely creamy pockets throughout)
• 2 cups high-quality marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (essential for depth of flavor)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for those who like a little heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin recommended for best flavor)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional but highly recommended for freshness)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi and Spinach

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the gnocchi with olive oil, ensuring each piece gets lightly coated – this helps prevent sticking and adds flavor. Add the minced garlic and chopped spinach, mixing everything together until well combined. The spinach will wilt slightly from the oil, which is exactly what we want. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

While the oven heats up, let’s prepare the flavorful tomato base. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm your marinara sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes – this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The aroma at this stage is absolutely heavenly! If you’re using store-bought sauce, this step helps elevate its flavor profile significantly.

Step 3: Combine Gnocchi, Spinach, and Sauce

Now comes the fun part – assembling our three cheese baked gnocchi masterpiece! Pour the warm marinara sauce over the gnocchi and spinach mixture in the baking dish. Using a rubber spatula or large spoon, gently fold everything together, ensuring all the gnocchi gets coated with that delicious sauce. Next, take spoonfuls of creamy ricotta cheese and dot them evenly across the surface – these will create wonderful pockets of creaminess in the final dish. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top, creating a beautiful golden crust when baked.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place your assembled three cheese baked gnocchi in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is completely melted, bubbling around the edges, and has developed those irresistible golden-brown spots on top. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine! Once baked, resist the temptation to dive right in – let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to serve. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

4. Tips for the Best Baked Gnocchi

To ensure your three cheese baked gnocchi turns out perfectly every time, here are some professional tips:

• Gnocchi selection: While fresh gnocchi offers the best texture (look for it in the refrigerated section), frozen gnocchi works well too – just be sure to thaw it completely before baking to prevent excess moisture.
• Creaminess boost: For an extra luxurious texture, stir half a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half into your marinara sauce before adding it to the dish.
• Protein additions: Transform this into a heartier meal by mixing in cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or sautéed mushrooms before baking.
• Crispy top: If you love extra crispiness, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking – but watch carefully to prevent burning!
• Fresh herbs: While dried Italian seasoning works well, adding fresh basil or oregano takes the flavor to another level.

5. Serving Suggestions

This Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach is a complete meal on its own, but here are some perfect accompaniments:

• A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness
• Warm, crusty garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of cheesy goodness
• For wine lovers, a medium-bodied Chianti or fruity Pinot Noir complements the flavors beautifully
• If serving for brunch, pair with a refreshing mimosa or bellini

6. Storage and Reheating

Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) store beautifully:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch (about 2 minutes on high), but the oven preserves the texture better.
• Reviving leftovers: Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore creaminess if needed.

7. Variations

One of the best things about this three cheese baked gnocchi recipe is how adaptable it is to different dietary needs and flavor preferences:

• Vegan Option: Substitute dairy-free cheeses (there are excellent vegan mozzarella and ricotta alternatives available now) and use a plant-based marinara sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Many stores now carry gluten-free gnocchi made with rice or potato flour – just be sure to check labels carefully.
• Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. Sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
• Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for those who like heat.
• White Sauce Alternative: Replace the marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy white version.

8. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach has become a staple in many households for good reason:

• Comfort food perfection: The combination of pillowy gnocchi, melty cheeses, and vibrant spinach hits all the right comfort food notes.
• Easy preparation: With minimal prep and mostly pantry staples, it comes together quickly even on busy weeknights.
• Crowd-pleaser: From kids to adults, this dish appeals to nearly everyone (who doesn’t love melted cheese?).
• Versatile: Works as a vegetarian main, impressive side dish, or even potluck contribution.
• Balanced: The spinach adds nutrients and color, making it feel slightly virtuous despite the indulgence.

9. Conclusion

Whether you’re a lifelong gnocchi lover or just discovering this delightful pasta alternative, this Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s the perfect harmony of comforting, cheesy goodness and fresh, vibrant flavors – a dish that feels special enough for company but easy enough for everyday meals. The best part? That first bite of tender gnocchi enveloped in rich, melted cheeses and tangy tomato sauce – pure bliss! We’d love to hear how your three cheese baked gnocchi turns out, so don’t forget to share your creations with us on our website or social media. Happy cooking!

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