Baked vodka sauce gnocchi is a rich and indulgent dish that combines soft, pillowy gnocchi with a creamy, tangy vodka sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This hearty meal takes the classic combination of vodka sauce and pasta and elevates it with gnocchi, offering a unique twist that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this baked gnocchi is the perfect choice.
The base of this dish begins with gnocchi, which can either be homemade or store-bought. These little potato dumplings are tender and absorb the sauce beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. The gnocchi is first boiled until soft and then layered in a baking dish with the vodka sauce.
The vodka sauce itself is made from a combination of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, onions, and a generous splash of vodka, which helps to deepen the flavor of the sauce and bring a bit of brightness to the dish. The vodka is cooked off, leaving behind a smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy sauce that complements the gnocchi perfectly. Fresh basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added for a burst of herbaceous flavor and a hint of heat.
Once the gnocchi is layered with the vodka sauce, the dish is topped with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan. As it bakes, the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden, adding a deliciously gooey texture that’s irresistible. The baking process also allows the flavors to meld together, creating a comforting, satisfying dish with every bite.
Baked vodka sauce gnocchi is perfect for a cozy night in or when you’re looking for a dish that’s both rich and flavorful. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a slice of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
This dish is sure to be a favorite in your recipe rotation, combining the creamy indulgence of vodka sauce with the soft texture of gnocchi in a way that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi store-bought or homemade
- 2 cups vodka sauce jarred or homemade
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the cooked gnocchi, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add the vodka sauce to the skillet, stir to coat the gnocchi evenly, and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the gnocchi and sauce into a baking dish, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
This looks so good! I can’t wait to try it this weekend. I love gnocchi!
I don’t get the vodka sauce thing. Why use vodka? Is it just for flavor or is there a point? Anyway, I’ll probably skip this one.
Cheesy goodness!! My 6-year-old could eat this every day, it’s that good!
REALY GOOD! My family couldn’t get enough. Definitely making again.
Absolutely delicious! This is my go-to dish now. The kids loved it too!
Too salty for my taste! I followed the recipe exactly, maybe next time I’ll skip the extra salt.
Gnocchi was soggy! I don’t know if I did something wrong or what… 🙁
No worries, it happens! Mine was a bit soggy too the first time I made it. Just gotta keep practicing!
Sorry to hear that! Maybe you overcooked the gnocchi? They can get mushy if left in the water too long!
This recipe was a total hit! My kids loved it, and so did I. Easy to make and super cheesy!
I was skeptical about vodka sauce with gnocchi at first, but it was surprisingly good. Not sure I’d make it again, though.
Made this for date night and it was perfect! Love how the cheeses melted. Gonna try it with homemade vodka sauce next time! 😊
Eh, it was okay. My gnocchi turned out mushy… I don’t think I cooked them right.
It happens! Gnocchi can be tricky. Make sure to not overcook them in the boiling water next time. 😊
Really enjoyed this recipe! I added some spinach for extra veggies. Yum!
Soo easy! But I used store-bought gnocchi from the frozen section and it still worked great.
That’s great! I’ve always used homemade gnocchi, but now I gotta try this frozen one.
Store-bought? I don’t know… that ain’t the same as making it from scratch. Might taste like cardboard.
I’m not sure about the vodka sauce, kinda sounds weird for gnocchi. Might stick to marinara…