Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach is a rich and comforting dish that brings together pillowy soft gnocchi with a blend of gooey cheeses and fresh spinach. This easy-to-make recipe features gnocchi tossed in a creamy cheese sauce made from mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, all layered with wilted spinach and then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. The result is a deliciously satisfying meal that’s both cheesy and packed with the goodness of spinach. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this baked gnocchi dish is sure to become a favorite with its creamy texture, savory flavors, and delightful presentation.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof dish.
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the ricotta cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Gnocchi, Spinach, and Sauce:
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently stirring to coat the gnocchi in the cheese sauce. Add the chopped spinach and stir until the spinach is wilted and well mixed with the gnocchi and sauce.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer the gnocchi and spinach mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden. For an extra crispy top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the baked gnocchi cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach is a deliciously indulgent meal that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of three different cheeses with the fresh flavor of spinach. Easy to prepare and bake, this dish makes for a comforting and satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
