Chipotle Cheese Italian Sausage Gnocchi Bake
Creamy, cheesy, and with a kick of smoky chipotle, this gnocchi bake is comfort food at its finest.
Total: 45 minPrep: 15 minCook: 30 minServes 6Difficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (120+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 12 ounces Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 green onions, sliced
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2 Cook gnocchi according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- 3 In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- 4 Stir in diced tomatoes, chipotle, smoked paprika, and garlic. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- 5 Add heavy cream to the skillet, heating through but do not boil.
- 6 In a greased baking dish, combine cooked gnocchi and sausage mixture. Top with cheeses.
- 7 Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- 8 Garnish with parsley and green onions before serving.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Oven
Variations
- Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Substitutions
- Use ricotta cheese instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Substitute ground beef for Italian sausage if preferred.
Pairings
- Serve with a Sauvignon Blanc or an amber ale.
- A side of garlic bread complements this dish beautifully.
Nutrition
Calories:
520 kcal
Fat:
28g fat
Carbs:
40g carbohydrates
Protein:
24g protein
Fiber:
3g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- For extra spice, add another chipotle chili.
- This dish tastes even better the next day!
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairs perfectly with a crisp Caesar salad.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought marinara instead of diced tomatoes?
Absolutely, just ensure it's a flavorful brand to match the smokiness of the chipotle.