Baked Gnocchi with Kale & Sausage

Name: Baked Gnocchi with Kale and Sausage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more if you like a good spice like we do!); 1 tablespoon whole fennel seeds; 4 large garlic cloves, chopped small; 28 ounce-can whole peeled tomatoes; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste-see notes*); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 bunch kale, about 4 cups destemmed and chopped (saved stems are great to add to soup); 1/2 pound Italian sausage links, precooked (or use a plant-based sausage); 1 1/2 pounds gnocchi, uncooked (see notes) store bought or homemade; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4″slices (or swap out for burrata or ricotta); 3/4 cup pecorino romano or parmesan, grated

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This Baked Gnocchi with Kale and Sausage is hearty and delicious. Vegetarian-adaptable and easy enough for weeknights. A cozy one-pan meal that comes together in about 30 minutes!

Looking for more? Check out 50+ Easy Dinner Ideas!

Baked Gnocchi with tomato sauce, kale, Italian sausage and melty mozzarella cheese - a delicious one-pan meal that can be made in 30 minutes.

This one-pan, Baked Gnocchi is super simple to make. Make your own gnocchi or use your favorite store-bought variety. Use Italian sausage links, or a vegetarian, plant based-option if you choose!

We make a quick tomato sauce right in the braising pan. Kale simmers in the sauce until just tender. Toss everything together in the same pan, and bake for 20 minutes. Easy!

Make Baked Gnocchi in just 4 Easy Steps!

Saute– fennel, red pepper flakes and garlic with a healthy dose of olive oil marry together and set the flavor base for the sauce.
Simmer– kale with tomatoes to tenderize.
Assemble– add in gnocchi, and sausage, top with cheese.
Bake– until hot and melty.

Try making your own homemade gnocchi with our guided recipe and video!

Make Baked Gnocchi in just 4 Easy Steps!
Ingredients In Baked Gnocchi
Ingredient Notes
Recipe FAQS
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Baked Gnocchi with Kale and Sausage

This Baked Gnocchi with Kale and Sausage is hearty and delicious. Vegetarian-adaptable and easy enough for weeknights. Comes together in about 30 minutes!

Ingredients In Baked Gnocchi

Ingredient Notes

Sausage– For speed and ease we use a big flavored Italian link sausage (spicy or mild-your choice!) that is already pre-cooked. Feel free to use chicken sausage, vegan sausage, or cook ground sausage or uncooked links to add in. Also an option to skip the meat and throw in sautéed mushrooms or even garbanzo or white beans.

Whole Peeled Tomatoes– Generally made with higher quality tomatoes and they break down into sauce beautifully.

Fennel Seeds– Give an anise-y flavor that really creates a delicious complexity.

See recipe card for full recipe details

How To Make Baked Gnocchi

STEP ONE– Preheat oven to 350F. In an oven-proof pan or brasier over medium heat, sauté garlic with red pepper flakes and fennel seeds in olive oil for 2-3 minutes.

STEP TWO– Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and oregano. Roughly break up the tomatoes with a spoon.

STEP THREE– Add kale and simmer low for about 10 minutes until the kale is tender and the sauce thickens a little. Remove from heat.

STEP FOUR– Add in sausage and gnocchi. Top with grated parmesan and mozzarella slices. Bake for 20 minutes uncovered.

Recipe FAQS

Can you bake gnocchi without first boiling it?

Yes! It works great if there is a little moisture with them, like a sauce or juicy vegetable.

Why are whole canned tomatoes better?

Generally, whole tomatoes are higher quality because in order to can them, they need to be in good shape. Diced tomatoes have calcium chloride added to help retain their shape. They do not break down as well into sauces.

What does Italian sausage taste like?

It is packed with flavors from garlic, herbs, anise or fennel and can be found spicy or mild.

Can I use premade gnocchi?

For sure!