If you’re looking for a hug in food form, this cheesy baked gnocchi casserole is for you! With plenty of garlic, gnocchi, pasta sauce, fresh basil, mushrooms, artichokes and copious amounts of cheese, it’s an easy comfort food meal that’s sure to please.

Cheesy baked gnocchi in a pan garnished with fresh basil and parsley.

If there was ever such thing as a hug in food form, this is it.

Pillowy gnocchi.

Tomato sauce.

Mushrooms and artichokes.

Fresh aromatic basil.

And plenty of ooey gooey cheese.

Yep, this is gnocchi casserole is a delicious one!

How To Make This Baked Gnocchi Casserole

Here is an overview of how to make this cheesy baked gnocchi casserole (full details are in the recipe card below):

Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions just a little shorter than the full cook time (it will finish cooking in the oven). Then drain it well.
Heat some olive oil in an oven-safe sauté/deep pan and cook the onion.
Add some butter to the pan. Once it’s melted, add the mushrooms and cook them. Stir in some garlic and cook until it’s nice and fragrant. Things are starting to smell so good! Season with salt and black pepper.
Stir in artichoke hearts, the cooked gnocchi, crushed red pepper flakes, pasta sauce, fresh basil and some mozzarella.
Turn off the heat, then top with more mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake until it’s bubbly around the edges and the cheese has melted. You can garnish with some fresh basil and parsley, if you like. All that’s left to do is tuck into this scrumptious gnocchi casserole!

Collage of steps to make a baked cheesy gnocchi casserole recipe.

What Type of Gnocchi Should I Use?

For ease, use store-bought gnocchi. Just cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, slightly shy of the full cook time (as the gnocchi will finish cooking in the oven).

Close-up of cheesy baked gnocchi in a pan garnished with fresh herbs.

Best Cheese To Use

A nice melting cheese works great in this recipe!

Pizza mozzarella was used here over, say, fresh mozzarella. It melts really well and is super stringy and delicious.

However, if you want to top with fresh mozzarella (or a combo of both), go for it!

Other delicious options are provolone, fontina and Gruyère.

Serving spoon scooping up some cheesy gnocchi from a pan.

What To Serve With It

No doubt about it, this baked gnocchi casserole is quite hearty all on its own. However, if you want to serve it with a side, it pairs deliciously with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a simple garden salad.

Tips and Variations

Use your favourite pasta sauce. I used a spicy red pepper version, but use whatever you enjoy best or have on hand.
Instead of artichokes, some sun-dried tomatoes would be lovely.
If you want, you can add some cooked protein to the mix, like sausage, ground beef, pancetta or chicken.
Want a little extra veg in this gnocchi casserole? Stir in some baby spinach and cook until wilted.

A large spoonful of cheesy baked gnocchi held above a pan.

More Yummy Comfort Food Recipes

If you make this cheesy baked gnocchi casserole, be sure to leave a comment below!