Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake Recipe

Quick & Cozy Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy spinach artichoke gnocchi bake that melts hearts and satisfies cravings.

Rich, velvety cheese cascades over soft potato pillows, creating a decadent dish bursting with flavor.

Tender artichoke hearts nestle between plump gnocchi, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Herbs and garlic whisper subtle notes throughout each delectable bite.

The golden, crispy top promises a textural contrast that beckons you closer.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same with this irresistible, crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Prepare to fall in love with every single spoonful of this comforting, cheesy delight.

Tools That Make Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake Simple

  • Large Oven-Safe Skillet: Essential for cooking sauce and preparing the entire dish before baking.
  • Baking Dish: Needed for final baking stage, preferably with enough depth to hold gnocchi and sauce.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and mixing sauce smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help accurately measure cream, milk, and seasonings.
  • Cheese Grater: Optional, useful if using fresh parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for chopping garlic and artichokes.
  • Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.

How to Assemble Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 400F and give your baking dish a quick spray of oil to prevent sticking.

  • Create Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a skillet and dance some minced garlic around until it releases its magical aroma. Toss in chopped artichokes and spinach, letting everything get cozy and soft.

  • Blend Creamy Goodness

Pour in luscious cream and milk, then swirl in cream cheese until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes for extra excitement.

  • Introduce the Gnocchi

Gently fold uncooked gnocchi into the dreamy sauce, making sure each pillow gets completely coated. Let everything simmer briefly to help gnocchi start absorbing those incredible flavors.

  • Cheese Crown

Lavishly scatter mozzarella and parmesan across the top, creating a golden, melty blanket that will make mouths water.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the skillet into the waiting oven and let it bubble and transform for 15-20 minutes until the top turns gloriously golden and everything looks irresistibly delicious.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool just a moment, then dive into this comforting, cheesy wonder.

Tasty Tweaks for Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake

  • Perfect Gnocchi Texture Tip: Let gnocchi sit in the sauce for 2-3 minutes before baking to absorb maximum flavor and achieve a softer, more tender texture.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk, use vegan cream cheese, and swap dairy cheese for nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternatives.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 57 minutes to the cooking time.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, or substitute with smoked paprika for a mild, smoky flavor without intense heat.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies bigger appetites.

Serve Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake the Cozy Way

  • Comforting Family Feast: Perfect for cozy weekend dinners with loved ones, this gnocchi bake delivers warmth and hearty satisfaction.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Impress guests by serving this stunning, creamy dish as a sophisticated main course with a crisp white wine pairing.
  • Fresh Side Kick Magic: Complement the rich gnocchi with a light mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture and add freshness.
  • Quick Protein Boost: Enhance the meal by adding grilled chicken strips or crispy pancetta on top for extra protein and depth of flavor.

Keep Your Gnocchi Bake Fresh with These Tips

  • Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety. Keep the gnocchi bake sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain its creamy texture.
  • Quick Reheat Method: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently halfway through heating to distribute warmth evenly and prevent dry spots.
  • Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap the entire dish or individual portions in freezer-safe containers, keeping them fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal taste and texture.
  • Prep Ahead Technique: Assemble the entire dish up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pop directly into the preheated oven, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated thoroughly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 505 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake

For Base Ingredients:
  • Gnocchi: Pillowy potato dumplings that provide hearty texture and serve as the main carbohydrate component.
  • Olive Oil: Adds rich flavor and helps prevent sticking during initial cooking process.
For Vegetable Ingredients:
  • Spinach: Brings vibrant green color, nutrient boost, and earthy flavor to the dish.
  • Artichokes: Introduces tangy, slightly nutty taste with tender, delicate texture.
  • Garlic: Delivers aromatic base notes and deep savory undertones to the sauce.
For Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety sauce with rich mouthfeel.
  • Milk: Helps balance cream's intensity and provides smooth consistency.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creamy thickness and subtle tangy dimension to the sauce.
  • Mozzarella, Parmesan: Provides melty, golden topping with sharp and mild cheese complexity.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for introducing subtle heat and vibrant kick.
Print
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Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake Recipe

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy spinach artichoke gnocchi bake brings Italian comfort to the dinner table. Cheesy layers of pillowy potato dumplings meld with tangy artichokes and fresh spinach, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 (14 oz/400g) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk
  • ½ cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent adhesion.
  2. Aromatic Foundation: In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its intricate flavor profile.
  3. Vegetable Integration: Fold chopped artichoke hearts and fresh spinach into the skillet, allowing them to soften and meld together harmoniously.
  4. Creamy Transformation: Pour heavy cream and milk into the vegetable mixture, gently incorporating cream cheese until the sauce achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  5. Flavor Elevation: Season the sauce with salt, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create a nuanced and vibrant taste experience.
  6. Gnocchi Immersion: Introduce uncooked gnocchi to the creamy mixture, ensuring complete coating and allowing a brief simmer to initiate subtle softening.
  7. Cheese Culmination: Generously sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan across the surface, creating a decadent, golden-potential topping.
  8. Baking Finale: Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape of culinary delight.
  9. Serving Presentation: Remove from oven, allow minimal resting, and serve immediately while maintaining peak temperature and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Prevent Gnocchi Overcooking: Watch carefully during simmering to avoid turning gnocchi mushy; 2-3 minutes is the sweet spot for maintaining tender texture without disintegrating.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Shred cheeses freshly for superior melting quality and more even coverage; pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can impact melting performance.
  • Sauce Consistency Control: If sauce appears too thick, gradually introduce additional milk to achieve desired creamy smoothness without compromising overall flavor intensity.
  • Dietary Modification Options: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version; use gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals; substitute regular cheeses with plant-based alternatives for vegan adaptation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 508
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 529 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 81 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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