Mozzarella Grilled Gnocchi

Mozzarella Grilled Gnocchi

🧀✨ Mozzarella Grilled Gnocchi — The Cheesy, Saucy Dinner That’s About to Steal Your Heart

 

Golden gnocchi, sizzling sausage, garlicky sauce, and a gooey blanket of mozzarella — this Mozzarella Grilled Gnocchi is basically lasagna’s cooler, faster cousin.

 

 

 

Let’s be real: weeknight dinners can feel like a battlefield. You want something quick, but you also want something that makes your family cheer instead of groan. Enter: Mozzarella Grilled Gnocchi.

This dish is the ultimate comfort food glow‑up. It’s hearty, cheesy, and saucy, but it comes together in one skillet (because who has time for a sink full of dishes?). The gnocchi gets that irresistible golden crisp, the sausage brings the flavor, the spinach sneaks in some greens (you’re welcome), and the mozzarella… well, let’s just say it stretches in those glorious cheese pulls that make you feel like you’re starring in your own Food Network show.

Why this recipe is a keeper:

• One‑pan wonder — fewer dishes, more Netflix.
• Cheese factor — mozzarella + Parmesan = happiness.
• Family‑friendly — picky eaters don’t stand a chance.
• Quick comfort — ready in under 40 minutes.
• Versatile — swap proteins, sauces, or veggies to fit your vibe.

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “extra cheese on everything” or team “just a sprinkle will do”? (Spoiler: there’s only one correct answer.)

One pan dinners make me so happy. When I’m looking for new recipes to share with you, I gravitate to the one pan wonder. I will do anything to have less dishes when I’m cooking for my family. Especially when a recipe tastes the same as something that takes hours to cook. I have found that in most cases it tastes better!

They are usually easy to make for either the seasoned cook or someone just starting out. Whether it’s a Skillet Chicken Tortellini Alfredo or a Skillet Chicken Lasagna , they are perfect for busy people who love to eat. 

 

 

GNOCCHI? WHAT IS IT?

If you’ve never had gnocchi before, you have been missing out!

Gnocchi is an Italian potato dumpling. It’s made with potato, flour, and egg. The dough is formed into little pieces and can be boiled, fried or baked.

When you are making this recipe, you can make your own gnocchi or use store-bought gnocchi. I have never made homemade gnocchi but I have heard it’s easy.

 

 

CAN YOU FREEZE THIS?

Yes you can freeze this gnocchi recipe. It can change the texture of the dish. Since the gnocchi is already cooked, it might be a little mushy. 

 

WHAT ARE GOOD SIDE DISHES?

I think a delicious green salad pairs well with this plus you know need some garlic bread too! Honestly, it’s a complete meal all on it’s own.

 

SUBSISTUTE IDEAS

You can add a different protein: You can stir in some cooked chicken, slices of steak or bacon before topping with cheese.

Make it creamy: Add some whipping cream to the sauce before adding the cheese to get a creamy tomato sauce. That makes it heaven in a pan!

Add more veggies: So many vegetables that would work really well in this dish, instead of the fresh spinach try adding some broccoli florets, kale or even cauliflower before baking.

 

 

Mozzarella Grilled Gnocchi

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Ingredients

• 1 tsp Olive oil
• 3 to 4Cloves Garlic Peeled and crushed
• 1 Large Onion Peeled and finely chopped
• 1 lb. sausage
• 24 oz. Pasta Sauce, I used Prego but you can use your favorite
• 1 tsp Honey
• 2 to 3 big handfuls of Baby spinach
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 16 oz. gnocchi
• 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• Optional:
• 25 g Fresh basil
• Freshly grated Parmesan to serve

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan (one that can go in the oven).

3. Cook sausage until it's not pink any longer. Break the sausage into small pieces. Add the garlic and onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened.

4. Add the pasta sauce, honey, spinach, salt and pepper and the gnocchi. (Also add the fresh basil if you're using, reserving a few leave to garnish).

5. Stir everything, while still on the heat, for about 5 minutes until combined and the spinach is starting to wilt.

6. Top with the drained mozzarella cheese, pulled into chunks.

7. Put the pan into the oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese is delicious and golden and bubbling.

8. Top with some fresh basil if you have some.

🔢 Calorie Count (Per Serving, Serves 6)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 38g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

🥕 Nutritional Facts & Fun

• Spinach: Iron + vitamins (so you can feel smug about eating greens).
• Sausage: Protein + flavor bomb.
• Gnocchi: Carbs = joy.
• Mozzarella: Calcium + melty goodness.
• Garlic: Flavor + immune‑boosting perks.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you sneak spinach into meals, or do you serve it loud and proud?

🧒 Kid Tips

• Call it “pizza gnocchi” to get instant buy‑in.
• Let kids sprinkle the cheese on top (messy but fun).
• Serve with breadsticks for dipping.
• Tone down garlic if your kids are sensitive.

🛒 Grocery Hacks

• Gnocchi: Shelf‑stable packs are pantry lifesavers.
• Cheese: Buy blocks and shred yourself — melts better.
• Spinach: Freeze fresh spinach before it wilts; toss straight into skillet.
• Sausage: Buy family packs, portion, and freeze.
• Sauce: Doctor up jarred sauce with garlic, herbs, or cream.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you usually buy gnocchi fresh, frozen, or shelf‑stable?

🎯 Reader Challenge

This week, I challenge you to make Mozzarella Grilled Gnocchi and serve it in a fun way. Maybe it’s in mini cast‑iron skillets, maybe it’s topped with extra basil, maybe it’s paired with wine night. Post your creation with #LouLouGirlsGnocchiGlowUp so we can all drool together.

🥪 Leftover Remix

• Gnocchi Bake: Transfer leftovers to a baking dish, top with more cheese, bake until bubbly.
• Gnocchi Soup: Add broth to thin it out into a creamy soup.
• Gnocchi Pizza Topping: Chop and scatter over homemade pizza.
• Gnocchi Stuffed Peppers: Spoon into peppers, bake with cheese.
• Gnocchi Breakfast Hash: Fry with eggs the next morning.

💬 Reader prompt: Would you rather turn leftovers into soup or breakfast hash?

💭 Final Thoughts

This Mozzarella Grilled Gnocchi is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s cheesy, hearty, and versatile enough to be a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone smile — and isn’t that the best kind of cooking?

Here’s the thing about gnocchi — it’s never just pasta. It’s the sound of garlic sizzling, the joy of twirling cheesy bites, the comfort of knowing dinner is going to be a hit.

And this Mozzarella Grilled Gnocchi? It’s a keeper. It’s cheesy, it’s saucy, it’s indulgent, it’s fun. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve turned everyday ingredients into something restaurant‑worthy.

But what I love most is how recipes like this bring us together. Food has that magic — it’s not just about eating, it’s about sharing. It’s about swapping tips, laughing over cheese pulls, and building little traditions that make life tastier.

So here’s my challenge to you: make this dish, share it with your people, and then tell me your twist. Did you add mushrooms? Did you sneak in cream? Did you double the mozzarella just because you could? (No judgment — I’d be first in line for that version.)

💬 Reader prompt: Should we do a “Cheesy Comfort Series” next? I’m dreaming up baked ziti, cheesy garlic bread, and maybe even mac and cheese pizza.

Until then, may your gnocchi be golden, your mozzarella melty, your sauce garlicky, and your kitchen filled with laughter, love, and second helpings. Because at the end of the day, recipes like this aren’t just about cooking — they’re about celebrating the little joys that make life delicious.

Did you try our Tomato & Mozzarella Grilled Gnocchi? What did you think? We would love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below or tag us on Instagram! 

 

DO YOU LOVE SKILLET DINNERS? HERE YOU GO!

 

This pan-fried Chicken and Bacon Skillet recipe is dancing in a creamy bacon sauce with a touch of lemon! Quick and easy recipe for skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs. It sure to please the pickiest eater and impress the chefs of your family!

 

 

 

Skillet Taco Delight! Do you ever have one of those nights, when dinner time rolls around and you haven’t thought once about what you’re going to make? It seems like that happens to me almost every night of the week.

It made me start thinking that I needed to find super simple recipes that I can make for my family that look like I have been preparing all week.  

 

 

One Pot Parmesan Pasta can be ready in no time at all and this easy one pot recipe goes straight from the stove to the table in less than 30 minutes. A flavorful combination of chicken, cheese, and tomatoes in a tomato cheese sauce!  All made with just one pot!