If you’re craving a dinner that’s rich, cozy, and guaranteed to win over everyone at the table, Creamy Sausage & Gnocchi Bake is exactly what you need. This dish brings together pillowy potato gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a luxurious cream sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet approachable—perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or casual entertaining.

Baked gnocchi recipes have surged in popularity for a reason. Gnocchi cooks quickly, absorbs flavor beautifully, and transforms into something magical when paired with cream, cheese, and a hot oven. This recipe leans into classic Italian-inspired flavors while staying simple enough for home cooks of all skill levels.

Why This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Bake Works

This dish succeeds because it balances texture, flavor, and ease. The sausage adds deep savory notes, the cream sauce brings richness, and the gnocchi offers soft, comforting bites that soak up every drop of sauce. Baking everything together allows the flavors to meld while creating a lightly crisp top layer of melted cheese.

Unlike more complicated casseroles, this gnocchi bake doesn’t require pre-cooking multiple components or advanced techniques. One skillet, one baking dish, and a handful of everyday ingredients are all it takes.

Ingredients for Creamy Sausage & Gnocchi Bake

Potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
Olive oil
Yellow onion, finely chopped
Garlic cloves, minced
Heavy cream
Chicken broth
Fresh spinach
Grated Parmesan cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess grease if necessary.
Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add gnocchi and fresh spinach directly to the skillet, folding gently until the spinach wilts and gnocchi is coated in sauce.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan if desired.

Flavor Variations to Try

One of the best things about this baked gnocchi recipe is how adaptable it is:

Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
Lighter Option: Swap half the cream for whole milk and reduce cheese slightly.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in fontina, provolone, or Gruyère for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Sausage & Gnocchi Bake is satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread or focaccia
Roasted broccoli or asparagus
A glass of sparkling water or light red wine

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is ideal for meal prep and leftovers:

Make Ahead: Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave gently with a splash of cream.
Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.

Gnocchi Fun Fact

Although often associated with pasta, gnocchi is technically a dumpling, traditionally made with potatoes. In Italian cooking, gnocchi is prized for its ability to absorb sauces—making it perfect for creamy baked dishes like this one.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Sausage & Gnocchi Bake is everything comfort food should be: warm, filling, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself to something cozy, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.