Irresistible Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

My kitchen adventures recently stumbled upon this incredible spinach artichoke gnocchi bake that completely changed my dinner perspective.

Comfort meets gourmet in one delightful casserole packed with creamy textures and bold flavors.

Pillowy potato dumplings nestle between layers of vibrant spinach and tender artichoke hearts.

Melted cheese creates a golden, crispy top that promises pure indulgence.

Rich and satisfying, this dish feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Cheesy, hearty, and surprisingly simple, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next meal inspiration.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delicious bite.

What to Pair with Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi

• Complement the creamy, rich spinach artichoke gnocchi with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cut through the dish's heaviness and refresh the palate with their bright acidity.
• Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the decadent gnocchi, adding a zesty contrast that cleanses the mouth between bites and provides a fresh, peppery counterpoint.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to introduce a vibrant, aromatic element that elevates the dish's flavor profile and adds a pop of green color.
• Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic crostini alongside the gnocchi to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a satisfying textural element and additional comfort to the meal.

Ways to Change Up the Gnocchi Bake

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Delight: Replace traditional gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Creamy Alternative: Swap dairy ingredients with cashew cream, plant-based cream cheese, and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that maintains rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Vegetable Swap: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option that still captures the essence of the original dish.
• Protein-Packed Upgrade: Add cooked chicken, white beans, or plant-based protein crumbles to increase the protein content and make the dish more substantial for active individuals.

Gnocchi Bake FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly, squeezing out excess moisture before adding to the sauce. This works perfectly and saves time in the kitchen.

• What if I don't have gnocchi?

You can substitute with other pasta like penne or shells. Just adjust cooking time to ensure the pasta is cooked through in the creamy sauce. The dish will still be delicious.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat. However, check your cheese brands to ensure they use vegetarian rennet if you’re strictly vegetarian.

• How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a mild heat that’s not overpowering. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small pinch or omit entirely. You can always add more to taste at the end.

Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake – A Creamy Crowd-Pleaser

• This gnocchi bake transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious one-pan meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
• Whips up in under 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something deliciously satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Using just one oven-safe skillet means less washing up, letting you enjoy your meal without dreading the post-dinner kitchen mess.
• Packed with crowd-favorite ingredients like melted cheese, creamy sauce, and soft gnocchi, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option.

Ingredients for Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake

Main Ingredients:

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that form the hearty base of the dish, traditional Italian pasta perfect for creamy sauces.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Rich liquid base that creates a smooth, luxurious sauce texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy thickness and tangy depth to the sauce.
• Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Melty topping that provides golden brown crispy layer and savory cheese flavor.

• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and earthy flavor to the dish.
• Artichokes: Tender, slightly tangy vegetable that brings complexity to the sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides foundational flavor and depth.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for those who enjoy heat.

• Olive Oil: Provides base for sautéing and adds subtle richness to the sauce.

How to Assemble and Bake This Gnocchi Dish

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Chopped artichoke hearts
• Fresh spinach leaves

Cook until the spinach softens and wilts completely.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Cream cheese

Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts into a silky smooth sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Step 4: Introduce the Gnocchi

Gently fold uncooked gnocchi into the creamy mixture, ensuring each pillow gets coated with sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to start absorbing the flavors.

Step 5: Cheese Crown

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated parmesan

Evenly across the top of the skillet.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble with excitement.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, vegetable-packed comfort dish.

Tips for Baking Creamy Gnocchi Without Overcooking

• Swap Spinach Options: Use kale or Swiss chard as alternative leafy greens for different nutritional profiles and flavor variations.
• Gnocchi Texture Tip: Choose vacuum-sealed or fresh gnocchi over frozen for better texture and faster cooking time in this creamy dish.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream and cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich, creamy consistency.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference- start with a pinch and gradually increase for personalized spiciness.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve for convenience.

Keep Gnocchi Bake Tasting Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
• Warm in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for renewed flavor and moisture.
• Freeze unbaked dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to original cooking time.

Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting spinach artichoke gnocchi bake brings Italian-inspired warmth to dinner tables with creamy cheesy goodness. Hearty potato pillows nestled among tender spinach and tangy artichokes promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Starch:

• 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi
• 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 (14 ounces/400g) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Warm the cooking chamber to 400F (200C) and delicately coat a baking vessel with a light lubricant to prevent sticking.
2. Select a spacious oven-compatible skillet and activate medium thermal intensity. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Incorporate chopped artichoke clusters and verdant spinach leaves, encouraging them to meld and soften within the culinary environment.
4. Stream velvety heavy cream and milk into the developing mixture, then fold in cream cheese until the texture transforms into a smooth, luxurious consistency.
5. Enhance the sauce with nuanced seasoning – integrate salt, cracked black pepper, and optional fiery red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor profile.
6. Gently introduce uncooked gnocchi pillows, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly enrobed in the creamy sauce. Allow gentle simmering for roughly 2-3 minutes to initiate slight softening.
7. Distribute mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly across the surface, creating a tantalizing blanket of dairy decadence.
8. Transfer the skillet into the preheated cooking chamber, allowing the dish to transform for 15-20 minutes until the top achieves a golden, bubbling landscape.
9. Extract from heat, permit minimal resting time, and serve while maintaining optimal warmth and appetizing appeal.

Notes

• Swap gnocchi for cauliflower gnocchi to create a lower-carb version that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
• Substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese for a plant-based adaptation that maintains creamy texture.
• Enhance protein content by adding cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy pancetta for extra flavor complexity.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild paprika for those preferring gentler heat profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 505
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 80mg