Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Four Cheese Gnocchi Al Forno with Sausage Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 32 reviews

Four Cheese Gnocchi Al Forno with Sausage is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired baked pasta dish combining pillowy gnocchi, rich Italian sausage, and a melty blend of mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and burrata cheeses. Cooked in a savory tomato sauce infused with garlic and oregano, this oven-baked casserole offers a perfect balance of creamy textures, robust flavors, and a golden crispy cheese topping, making it an ideal family-friendly meal ready in under an hour.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound gnocchi
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes

Cheeses

  • 8 ounces mozzarella, cut into 1/2 inch cubes or shredded
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 ounces burrata cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Boil Gnocchi: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to prepare the gnocchi.
  2. Cook Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook until the gnocchi float to the surface, around 8 minutes. Drain them well and set aside.
  3. Brown the Sausage: Heat a wide Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula to promote even browning.
  4. Add Garlic and Oregano: Once the sausage is halfway cooked, stir in the finely chopped garlic and dried oregano. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully cooked and has a caramelized exterior.
  5. Simmer Sauce with Sausage: Pour in the crushed tomatoes to the sausage mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the sauce thickens and flavors meld together. Then fold in the cooked gnocchi carefully to combine.
  6. Add Cheeses: Distribute the cubed or shredded mozzarella evenly over the gnocchi and sauce mixture. Dollop ricotta cheese and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
  7. Bake and Broil: Place the Dutch oven or pan into the preheated oven. Bake until the cheese melts and the dish is bubbling, about 15 to 20 minutes. For a golden crispy top, place the dish under the broiler for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
  8. Finish and Garnish: Remove the gnocchi al forno from the oven. Top with roughly torn burrata cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving for a creamy finish and refreshing aromatics.

Notes

  • Be sure to use fresh gnocchi for the best texture, but frozen gnocchi will work if fully thawed before cooking.
  • Using whole milk ricotta and burrata adds extra creaminess and richness to the dish.
  • You can substitute spicy Italian sausage for a little heat if desired.
  • Keep an eye during broiling to avoid burning the cheese topping.
  • Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/four-cheese-gnocchi-al-forno-with-sausage-recipe/