If you're looking for something different to do with gnocchi, then why not try this delicious Tomato & Spinach Gnocchi Bake! It's a comforting meal for the whole family with plenty of goodness too. The Italian favourite of gnocchi is baked in a herby tomato sauce with spinach, and it's topped with plenty of melted cheese!
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Ingredient Tips & Equipment Information
- I used chopped tomatoes for this recipe. Fresh chopped tomatoes would also work great, and you could also use passata.
- I used a dried herb mix containing thyme, marjoram, parsley, oregano, sage, basil. You can use any combination of Italian herbs you prefer in this dish, fresh herbs like basil and oregano would be amazing if you have them.
- I like strong flavoured cheese so I always use mature cheddar for this recipe, but you can use mild cheddar if you prefer, or any cheese that will melt well.
- You can use other vegetables in this recipe, for example mushrooms, carrot or kale.
- Although I provide cup measurements, I highly recommend weighing your ingredients out using digital kitchen scales. It is the most accurate way to measure ingredients and will ensure the best results. Digital scales are very low cost and can be purchased for around £12 ($16.50).
- For teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) measurements, please use measuring spoons and not the type of spoons you eat with. Again this will ensure accuracy and provide the best results.
For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post.
How to make Tomato & Spinach Gnocchi Bake
In a large saucepan, cook the onion, pepper and garlic until soft. Then add the spinach and cook until wilted.
Add chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, herbs and salt and bring to a gentle simmer. Meanwhile, boil the gnocchi. Combine the gnocchi and the sauce in a baking dish and mix together.
Cover the top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, bake until golden and bubbling.
For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post.
What is gnocchi?
Gnocchi are small dumplings made from flour, potato and eggs or milk. They originate from Italy and are served in a similar way to pasta. You can toss them in a sauce, bake them like in this dish and even pan fry them. They have a light texture and take only 2-3 minutes to cook in boiling water. You can purchase dried or fresh gnocchi from most supermarkets.
What can this recipe be served with?
- Garlic bread
- Flatbreads
- Crusty bread with butter
- Steamed green veg like broccoli, peas or asparagus
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! You will need to use a vegan gnocchi, some shop bought gnocchi contain milk or eggs, so check the labels before you buy. De Cecco is a brand that is suitable for vegans. Or you could make your own vegan gnocchi. You will also need to replace the mozzarella and cheddar cheese with dairy free cheese.
More tips for making the Tomato & Spinach Gnocchi Bake:
- The ceramic dish I used to make this recipe was from Tesco and it measures 21cm in width, 31cm in length and 6cm in depth
- You can swap the spinach for kale if you like, I've made this and other gnocchi bakes with kale several times
- For an extra crunchy topping you can sprinkle on some breadcrumbs, I love to do this with pasta bakes
- If you like things spicy, feel free to add some chilli to this dish. Or you could add a splash of double cream to the sauce to make it creamy and rich.
Troubleshooting
My number one tip for getting the best results is to read through this whole page of tips and recommendations before starting, and follow the recipe exactly. If you have any questions about this recipe, or if something went wrong and you need help, please use the comment form below and I will get back to you. You can also get in touch with me on my Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. I'd love to hear from you!
Recommended equipment & ingredients
- Chef's knives
- Saucepan
- Measuring spoons
- Garlic press
- Kitchen scales
- Chopping boards
- Cheese grater
- Can opener
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More savoury recipes...
Tomato & Spinach Gnocchi Bake
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 White onion medium sized
- 1 Red bell pepper
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 250 g Fresh spinach
- 400 g Chopped tomatoes tinned
- 1 tbsp Tomato puree
- 2 tsp Mixed herbs
- 1 tsp Salt
- 500 g Gnocchi
- 125 g Mature cheddar grated
- 125 g Mozzarella
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 200C Fan/425F/Gas Mark 7
- Heat up the oil in a large saucepan on a low heat, chop up the onion, pepper and garlic and add them to the saucepan. Cook for around 5 minutes until soft
- Then add the spinach and cook until it all wilts down
- Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, mixed herbs and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer
- While the sauce is simmering, bring some water to the boil in another saucepan and add the gnocchi, check the pack for instructions, but most gnocchi takes 2-3 minutes to cook and it's done when it rises to the surface of the water
- Drain the gnocchi and mix it into the sauce, then pour the whole lot into a large baking dish
- Tear the mozzarella up and arrange over the top, then add the grated cheddar all over
- Cook in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden all over and the sauce is bubbling
- Serve immediately, or allow to cool fully and store in the fridge for 2-3 days. It can be reheated either in the microwave, or in the oven
Notes
- I used chopped tomatoes for this recipe. Fresh chopped tomatoes would also work great, and you could also use passata.
- I used a dried herb mix containing thyme, marjoram, parsley, oregano, sage, basil. You can use any combination of Italian herbs you prefer in this dish, fresh herbs like basil and oregano would be amazing if you have them.
- I like strong flavoured cheese so I always use mature cheddar for this recipe, but you can use mild cheddar if you prefer, or any cheese that will melt well.
- You can use other vegetables in this recipe, for example mushrooms, carrot or kale.
- Although I provide cup measurements, I highly recommend weighing your ingredients out using digital kitchen scales. It is the most accurate way to measure ingredients and will ensure the best results. Digital scales are very low cost and can be purchased for around £12 ($16.50).
- For teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) measurements, please use measuring spoons and not the type of spoons you eat with. Again this will ensure accuracy and provide the best results.
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