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5 from 18 votes

Italian Gnocchi Casserole

Colorful and easy to make, this Italian Gnocchi Casserole is a tasty one-pot recipe! So flavorful, this is a great meal to enjoy.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Passive Time10 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Francine Lizotte
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Pork, Weeknight Recipes, Winter Recipe

Ingredients

GNOCCHI

  • 1 1/2 lbs. (750 g) gnocchi see Recipe
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil tips & tricks

CASSEROLE

  • 1 1/2 cups white onions, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped tips & tricks
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil, if needed
  • ground Himalayan pink salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup red peppers, finely chopped
  • 1 lb. hot Italian sausage, casings removed see Recipe
  • 3 large cloves garlic, pressed
  • 3 cups baby spinach, packed
  • 3 cups (700 ml) marinara sauce see Recipe
  • 1/2 tbsp. Italian seasoning see Recipe
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste (I always use mixed peppercorns)
  • 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, grated tips & tricks
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley, for garnish tips & tricks

Directions

GNOCCHI

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF.
  • In a 2-quart oven-proof skillet over medium heat, add butter and oil.
  • When it starts sizzling, add gnocchi and toss around to coat. Cook them according to package directions minus 2 minutes.
  • Spoon them into a bowl and set aside.
  • Making gnocchi from scratch…
    After the gnocchi are chilled (view homemade recipe), working in batches, drop them in a large pot of boiling salted water. As soon as they rise, remove them using a spider strainer. Transfer to a large plate in a single layer and set aside while making the casserole.

CASSEROLE

  • In the same skillet, add onions and celery; season with salt. Sauté for 3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to dislodge any brown bits - add oil if needed.
  • Add red peppers and sauté for 2 minutes.
  • Add hot Italian sausage and break the meat into small pieces. Cook until no longer pink but halfway through cooking add garlic; continue cooking until the meat is done.
  • Add baby spinach and toss it around. Cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
  • Add gnocchi and pour in marinara sauce; add Italian seasoning and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until combined before adding cheeses.
  • Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until cheeses are melted and the top is golden brown.
  • Remove from the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley.