Dinner in a flash! This Baked Gnocchi with Ricotta uses prepared gnocchi and tops it with marinara, ricotta and parmesan in this meatless weeknight dinner.
Baked Gnocchi with Ricotta: Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner Solution
Finding delicious yet simple weeknight dinner ideas can often feel like a culinary quest. Look no further! This Baked Gnocchi with Ricotta is an absolute game-changer, promising a hearty, flavorful meal that’s on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you crave comfort food without the fuss. Imagine tender potato dumplings, smothered in a vibrant marinara sauce, generously dolloped with creamy ricotta, and crowned with a golden layer of melted Parmesan cheese. This dish isn’t just easy; it’s a delightful experience that will quickly become a cherished recipe in your household.
For those perpetually searching for quick and satisfying meals, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Its straightforward preparation, coupled with readily available ingredients, makes it an ideal choice for any home cook. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and the incredibly rewarding results. Plus, it’s a fantastic meatless option, perfect for Meatless Mondays or when you simply desire a lighter, yet utterly fulfilling, vegetarian meal. This dish proves that fast food can indeed be wholesome and incredibly tasty.
Why Baked Gnocchi with Ricotta is Your New Weeknight Favorite
This delightful recipe is one I stumbled upon in a cherished cookbook, Everyday Food: Light, and it has since become a regular in my meal rotation. Its appeal lies not just in its deliciousness but in its remarkable speed and simplicity. In an era where time is a precious commodity, a meal that comes together in under half an hour is nothing short of a culinary triumph. The beauty of this dish is its ability to transform humble ingredients into a gourmet-tasting experience with minimal effort.
Beyond its speed, Baked Gnocchi with Ricotta offers a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting pasta-like meal with a unique twist. Gnocchi, often boiled, takes on a wonderfully different character when baked. The edges become slightly crisp, while the interiors remain delightfully soft and chewy, soaking up the rich flavors of the marinara and the creamy cheeses. This baking method also contributes to a simplified cooking process, often reducing the number of pots and pans, which means less cleanup – a huge win on any busy evening!
This dish is also incredibly versatile. While we’re focusing on the classic combination of marinara, ricotta, and Parmesan, it serves as an excellent canvas for various additions. Whether you’re looking to sneak in some extra vegetables or add a protein, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences and what you have on hand. It truly embodies the spirit of easy, flexible, and utterly satisfying home cooking, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals alike who seek both convenience and flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Baked Gnocchi with Ricotta
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its few core ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the delightful textures and flavors that make this dish so special. Opting for good quality ingredients will elevate your baked gnocchi from simply good to truly unforgettable.
Gnocchi: The Star of the Dish
Gnocchi, traditional Italian potato dumplings, are wonderfully versatile and form the hearty base of this recipe. You’ll find them readily available in most grocery stores, typically alongside other pasta varieties. If you’re new to gnocchi, prepare for a delightful culinary experience! Their unique, pillowy texture sets them apart from conventional pasta. When cooked and then baked, they develop a slightly crisp exterior while remaining tender and soft on the inside, perfectly absorbing the rich sauce. This contrast in texture is one of the hallmarks of this particular preparation.
Choosing the right gnocchi is key. While homemade gnocchi offers an unparalleled freshness, high-quality store-bought varieties are perfectly suitable for this quick weeknight meal. Look for brands that list potato as a primary ingredient and have a firm yet delicate feel. Avoid those that seem overly dense or starchy. For this baked recipe, using pre-cooked gnocchi from a package makes the process incredibly swift and efficient, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. These tender potato dumplings are a family favorite around here, and for good reason!
Marinara: The Flavorful Foundation
A good marinara sauce is the backbone of this dish. Its bright, tangy, and slightly sweet notes provide the perfect counterpoint to the rich cheeses and savory gnocchi. I often prepare a large batch of my homemade marinara and freeze it in convenient half-cup portions. This allows for super easy assembly on busy nights – simply pull out two portions, and you’re good to go! Homemade marinara often has a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat, free from added sugars and preservatives often found in store-bought options, giving you full control over the taste.
However, if time is of the essence, a high-quality store-bought marinara will also work beautifully. When selecting a jarred sauce, check the ingredient list for natural ingredients, low sugar content, and robust tomato flavor. A good marinara should taste fresh and vibrant, not overly sweet or acidic. Don’t be afraid to taste-test a few brands to find your favorite, as the sauce can truly make or break the dish!
Ricotta & Parmesan: The Creamy, Cheesy Duo
These two cheeses are, in my opinion, absolutely vital to the success of this dish. Since the recipe uses so few ingredients, each one truly shines, and skipping either would noticeably alter the final product. Ricotta cheese adds a wonderful creaminess and lightness, creating pockets of rich, milky flavor throughout the gnocchi. It also contributes moisture, ensuring the dish doesn’t dry out during baking and provides a delightful contrast to the more robust marinara. Its gentle flavor allows the other ingredients to stand out while providing a luxurious texture.
Grated Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, provides that essential salty, nutty, and savory depth, along with a beautiful golden crust when broiled. The first time I made this, I didn’t have Parmesan on hand, and while it was still good, the dish definitely missed that umami punch and crusty texture. So, don’t skip the Parmesan – it truly completes the flavor profile, adding a layer of sophistication and irresistible aroma to this simple meal. The combination of these two cheeses creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Fresh Parsley: The Bright Finishing Touch
While not strictly vital for the structure of the dish, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley at the end adds a delightful burst of freshness, color, and a subtle herbaceous note. It brightens the rich flavors of the marinara and cheese, offering a lovely contrast that elevates the entire dish. Fresh herbs are wonderful for adding a pop of vibrant color, making the meal visually more appealing. If you don’t have fresh parsley, the dish will still be delicious, but a little greenery always makes a meal more appealing and adds a hint of gourmet flair. You could also experiment with fresh basil or oregano for a slightly different aromatic profile, or even a mix of Mediterranean herbs to suit your palate.
Simple Steps to Bake Your Gnocchi to Perfection
The beauty of this baked gnocchi recipe lies not only in its delicious outcome but also in its incredibly straightforward preparation. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can bring this comforting dish to life, making it a perfect candidate for even the busiest weeknights. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding culinary experience:
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your broiler to ensure it’s hot and ready for the final delicious browning stage. This quick, intense heat is what gives the top layer of cheese that irresistible golden crispness. Simultaneously, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Salting the water is crucial for flavoring the gnocchi from the inside out, much like you would for any pasta.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Once the water is boiling rapidly, add your store-bought gnocchi. Cook according to package directions, which is typically just a few minutes until they float to the surface. Gnocchi cooks much faster than traditional pasta, so keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy, so al dente is your goal. Once tender, drain the gnocchi thoroughly in a colander.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the drained gnocchi to the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish, spreading them evenly to create a uniform layer. Next, pour your luscious marinara sauce over the gnocchi, ensuring every dumpling is well-coated. Then, with a spoon, dollop generous spoonfuls of creamy ricotta cheese over the sauced gnocchi. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; the rustic dollops will create delightful pockets of creaminess that burst with flavor in every bite. Finally, generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the entire dish, creating a blanket of savory goodness.
- Broil to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the baking dish under the preheated broiler. This step requires your full attention. Keep a very close watch, as broilers can vary in intensity, and cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. You’re looking for the cheese to melt, bubble, and turn a beautiful golden-brown, and for the entire dish to be heated through, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The goal is a bubbling, slightly crispy top layer.
- Garnish and Serve: Once removed from the broiler, let it rest for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly. Before serving, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of fresh flavor and a vibrant pop of color. This finishing touch adds brightness and an appealing aroma. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting goodness that you’ve created with such ease!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Your Baked Gnocchi
This Baked Gnocchi with Ricotta is a satisfying meal all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of simple side dishes to create a complete and balanced dinner. When choosing sides, I tend to stick with options that are just as easy to prepare, complementing the gnocchi without overpowering its rich flavors. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions that will beautifully round out your meal:
- A Simple Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette is the quintessential accompaniment. Its fresh, tangy notes provide a welcome contrast to the rich gnocchi, cleansing the palate and adding essential vitamins and fiber. Consider adding some cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Winter Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing: If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial and unique than a simple green salad, a fruit-based salad, especially one with a bright, zesty dressing, offers a fantastic blend of sweet and savory. The lemon poppy seed dressing adds a refreshing kick that beautifully cuts through the richness of the gnocchi, making it an excellent palate cleanser.
- Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender glazed carrots provide a lovely balance of flavor and a touch of vibrant color to your meal. Their slight natural sweetness and soft texture complement the savory gnocchi without competing for attention. A simple honey or maple glaze brings out their best qualities.
- Lemon Broccoli: Steamed or roasted broccoli tossed with fresh lemon juice and a hint of butter is a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly easy choice. The slight bitterness of the broccoli, combined with the zing of lemon, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the cheesy gnocchi, making each bite more exciting.
- Sauteed Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes: This colorful and flavorful side adds a nice crunch and a burst of fresh, juicy sweetness. The green beans offer a pleasant texture, and the cherry tomatoes mirror the tomato base of the gnocchi, creating a harmonious and cohesive pairing that feels both light and satisfying.
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Ciabatta: While not strictly necessary, a slice of warm, crusty bread, especially garlic bread, is utterly perfect for soaking up any leftover marinara and creamy cheese from the baking dish. It adds another layer of classic Italian flavor and satisfying texture that perfectly complements the gnocchi.
More Gnocchi Delights to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with gnocchi through this recipe, you’ll be thrilled to know there’s a whole world of other delicious gnocchi dishes waiting to be discovered! From comforting soups to hearty main courses, these versatile potato dumplings can be transformed into an array of incredible meals. Their tender texture and ability to absorb flavors make them a fantastic base for many culinary creations. Here are some more gnocchi recipes from our collection that you might enjoy, each offering a unique way to savor these delightful Italian dumplings:
- Chicken and Gnocchi Soup: A creamy and comforting soup, perfect for a chilly evening, combining tender chicken, vegetables, and pillowy gnocchi in a rich broth.
- Gnocchi with Meat Sauce: A classic Italian pairing for a more substantial meal, featuring hearty meat sauce coating the soft gnocchi.
- Gnocchi with Pesto, Shrimp, and Asparagus: A lighter, vibrant option with fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, offering a burst of fresh flavors.
- Minestrone with Gnocchi: A hearty vegetable soup made even more filling and satisfying with the addition of tender gnocchi.
- Creamy Slow Cooker Tomato Soup with Gnocchi: An easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe for a rich and warming soup, perfect for minimal effort and maximum comfort.
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Baked Gnocchi with Ricotta
Deborah Harroun
15 minutes
5 minutes
20 minutes
4
servings
Main Dish
Italian
Pin
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Ingredients
- 16 oz package gnocchi
- 1 cup marinara
- 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Drain.
- Place the gnocchi in the bottom of a 2 quart baking dish. Pour the marinara over the top. Dollop the ricotta over the top, then sprinkle with parmesan. Place under the broiler until the cheese is melted and heated through, about 5 minutes. Top with parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 403kcal (20%),
Carbohydrates: 57g (19%),
Protein: 13g (26%),
Fat: 13g (20%),
Saturated Fat: 3g (19%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 23mg (8%),
Sodium: 971mg (42%),
Fiber: 2g (8%),
Sugar: 16g (18%)
baked gnocchi, ricotta, marinara, parmesan, easy dinner, weeknight meal, vegetarian, potato dumplings