Lasagna is one of my all time favourite meals and this is a quick and easy gnocchi version that’s just packed with flavour! The original dish is made with layers of noodles, meat and tomato sauce and cheese. This version uses the same meat and tomato sauce, replaces the noodles with gnocchi and adds the cheese mixture as a garnish on top! The cheese mixture is my favourite part of the recipe and it’s made with the combination of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, lemon zest and fresh basil! This recipe is super simple and takes less than 30 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for any night of the week, including busy work nights!
Quick and Easy Gnocchi Lasagna
Gnocchi (potato dumplings) served in an Italian style tomato sauce with sausage topped with a lasagna style cheese mixture!
ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi (gluten-free for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seeds (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (link)
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons basil, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces ricotta
- 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons basil, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
For the gnocchi lasagna:
For the cheese topping:
directions
- Start cooking the gnocchi as directed on the package.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the sausage and onion and cook, breaking the sausage apart as it cooks.
- Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and fennel, mix, and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
- Add the marinara sauce, balsamic vinegar, and oregano, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix in the cooked gnocchi and basil and enjoy topped with a dollop of the cheese mixture!
- Mix everything!
For the gnocchi lasagna:
For the cheese topping:
Option: Add 1/2 cup carrots, diced.
Option: Add 1/2 cup celery, diced.
Option: Add 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream.
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Made this last night! It was easy to make and tasted great. Husband said “this is a keeper” for the recipe.