The moment I lifted the skillet lid and caught that waft of bubbling tomato sauce mingled with golden cheese, I knew this One Skillet Baked Gnocchi was worth every minute. After three rounds of testing—once I tweaked the onion sauté time, then adjusted the cheese ratio, and finally dialed in the bake temperature—I landed on a version that stays tender inside with a lightly crisp top. If you love cozy pasta dinners, try it alongside my Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Italian Sausage for another warm twist.
About One Skillet Baked Gnocchi
This One Skillet Baked Gnocchi comes together in just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, making it a 25-minute weeknight supper I’ve refined over multiple tests for cozy dinners on a budget. It’s a hit in any season—perfect with a crisp salad in spring or a warm soup in fall.
- Quick prep and straightforward steps for busy evenings
- Budget-friendly ingredients you likely have on hand
- Comforting flavors that appeal to kids and adults alike
- Rooted in Italian pantry staples like gnocchi and marinara
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Potato Gnocchi (1 pound): base that soaks up sauce; opt for fresh or frozen—no thaw needed
- Marinara Sauce (24 ounces): provides tang and moisture; swap with arrabbiata for heat
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): melty binder; choose low-moisture for less oozing
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): flavor foundation; extra-virgin adds depth
- Onion & Garlic: aromatic duo; cook onion until translucent, garlic just until fragrant
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): herb lift; fresh basil garnish brightens each bite
How to Make One Skillet Baked Gnocchi
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add gnocchi, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Stir to coat and bring to a simmer.
- Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- During my first test I undercooked the onion—now I wait until it’s almost clear for sweeter depth.
- A common slip is overcrowding the gnocchi; give each one space so it doesn’t turn gluey.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, especially in cooler months.
- Halve or double easily: use a smaller or larger skillet, and adjust bake time by a few minutes.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—I tested this twice and found the flavors meld beautifully overnight. For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Always refrigerate within 2 hours of baking.
Serving Suggestions
This One Skillet Baked Gnocchi shines alongside a crisp grilled vegetable medley or my Simple Avocado Toast with Egg. A lemony arugula salad also cuts through the richness beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use sweet potato gnocchi? Yes—swap 1:1 and watch the bake time; it may brown faster.
- Do I need an oven-safe skillet? Yes, to bake directly. Alternatively, transfer to a baking dish before the oven step.
- How do I prevent soggy gnocchi? Don’t overcrowd and be sure to let the sauce simmer briefly to reduce excess moisture.
- Can I make this vegan? Use dairy-free cheese and a marinara without added cheese to keep it plant-based.
- Is reheating in microwave okay? Yes, cover loosely and reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between heats.
Final Thoughts
Every testing session reinforced how this skillet dish balances ease and comfort. I love serving One Skillet Baked Gnocchi straight from the oven, cheese still bubbling, then watching friends dive in. Give it a go and drop a comment with your tweaks!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Italian Sausage – shares the same cozy, cheesy gnocchi base
- Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup – another hearty one-pot gnocchi dish perfect for comfort meals
- One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta – similar skillet method for an easy, flavor-packed dinner
- Baked Ziti – another cheesy baked pasta that complements the skillet-baked gnocchi
One Skillet Baked Gnocchi
Ingredients
Main
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Main
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a 10-inch oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in gnocchi, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.
Topping
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the surface.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven, garnish with basil, and serve immediately.