Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Baked Three Cheese Ricotta Gnocchi in Tomato Sauce! This Italian delight is a symphony of flavors, featuring pillowy ricotta gnocchi enveloped in a rich marinara sauce and topped with a heavenly blend of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining guests, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Ready to elevate your culinary game? Read on for the step-by-step guide to creating this cheesy masterpiece in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ricotta gnocchi
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- If using store-bought ricotta gnocchi, remove from packaging. If homemade, ensure gnocchi are prepared and slightly chilled.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a base for the gnocchi.
- Arrange the ricotta gnocchi in a single layer over the marinara sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the gnocchi, making sure each piece is lightly coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Dollop the ricotta cheese over the gnocchi and sauce, creating small scattered portions.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the entire dish.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the dish to set.
- Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves just before serving.
- Serve hot directly from the baking dish, ensuring each portion has gnocchi, sauce, and melted cheeses.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use high-quality marinara sauce and fresh cheeses. If you have time, consider making your own marinara for a personal touch!
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Ensure the gnocchi are arranged in a single layer for even cooking and to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
- Customize Your Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Adding a bit of fontina or goat cheese can give an exciting twist to the flavor profile.
- Garnish for Freshness: Fresh basil is a wonderful finishing touch. Try adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot out of the oven while the cheeses are still bubbling and the gnocchi are perfectly tender.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 540kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 80mg
