Pesto Sausage Gnocchi Bake: Easy Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
Pesto Sausage Gnocchi Bake combines tender gnocchi, savory sausage, and vibrant pesto in a cheesy, comforting dish. A quick and flavorful meal for any night.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ Savory Sausage & Gnocchi Core
01 -
1 lb mild or hot Italian sausage, casing removed
02 -
18 oz package potato gnocchi
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ Fresh Pesto & Garden Brightness
04 -
1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
05 -
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
06 -
2 cups fresh spinach
→ Golden Cheesy Crown
07 -
1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
08 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Aromatic Essentials
09 -
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
10 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
11 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
12 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil. This prepares your dish for the delicious Pesto Sausage Gnocchi Bake Recipe.
02 -
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb mild or hot Italian sausage, casing removed, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
03 -
Add 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced, to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 -
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 18 oz package potato gnocchi, 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved, and 2 cups fresh spinach until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This forms the core of your Pesto Sausage Gnocchi Bake Recipe.
05 -
Transfer the gnocchi and sausage mixture evenly into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle generously with 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
06 -
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. This completes the cooking for your Pesto Sausage Gnocchi Bake Recipe.
07 -
Remove the Pesto Sausage Gnocchi Bake Recipe from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the bake to set slightly, making it easier to portion.
# Notes:
01 -
For a vegetarian option, omit the Italian sausage and add a can of drained cannellini beans or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and texture.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
03 -
Serve this hearty bake with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness and add a fresh element.
04 -
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving can brighten all the flavors and add a lovely zest.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
large skillet
03 -
cutting board
04 -
knife
05 -
measuring cups
06 -
measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 974 kcal
Total Fat: 64 g
Total Carbohydrate: 58 g
Protein: 51 g