Pizza Gnocchi Bake
Soft potato gnocchi tossed in a rich marinara sauce, topped with spicy pepperoni and gooey melted mozzarella. All the flavors of your favorite pizza in a hearty, easy-to-make casserole.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or a large oven-safe skillet.
- 2
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
- a.Add 1 tablespoon of salt, then carefully add the gnocchi. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain immediately and set aside.
- 3
While the gnocchi cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- a.Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
- a.Pour in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 5
Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the sauce until evenly coated
- a.If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Sprinkle 1.5 cups of the shredded mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 0.5 cup of mozzarella.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. For extra crispy pepperoni, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- 8
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes
- a.This allows the bake to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best melt, shred your own mozzarella from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- 2Don't overcook the gnocchi when boiling. They should be removed as soon as they float, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- 3Use a cast-iron skillet to go directly from the stovetop to the oven, which saves on cleanup.
- 4Let the bake rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and prevents it from being too runny.
- 5For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the pepperoni and add 1-2 cups of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Creamy TomatoCreamy Tomato
Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or 2 ounces of softened cream cheese into the marinara sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
MeatyMeaty
Add 1/2 pound of cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce for an even heartier dish.
SpicySpicy
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add sliced jalapeños on top with the pepperoni for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Lycopene
The marinara sauce, made from tomatoes, is a rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage.
Provides Energy
The potato gnocchi is a good source of carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source, providing the energy needed for daily activities.
Rich in Calcium
The generous amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese contribute significant calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of Pizza Gnocchi Bake contains approximately 630-680 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of marinara sauce and pepperoni.