Rating: 3.56
(125)

Baked Vodka Sauce Gnocchi

February 5, 2025

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.

Baked Vodka Sauce Gnocchi
Baked Vodka Sauce Gnocchi
3.56 from 125 votes
A creamy and delicious baked pasta dish featuring fluffy gnocchi smothered in a rich vodka sauce, topped with cheese, and baked to perfection.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 15mg
Calories: 450kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Gnocchi, pasta, vodka sauce
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar bradford.von42 says:

    5 stars
    This looks so good! I can’t wait to try it this weekend. I love gnocchi!

  2. User avatar Super Saiyan 2 Vegeta says:

    2 stars
    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.

  3. User avatar roscoe.gutkowski says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, it turned out way too soggy for me. Not sure what went wrong.

  4. User avatar tobias.schmidt1 says:

    5 stars
    Cheesy goodness!! My 6-year-old could eat this every day, it’s that good!

  5. User avatar lolita.ruecker76 says:

    3 stars
    Isn’t gnocchi supposed to be fried? This seems odd to bake it?

  6. User avatar Paul "Muad'Dib" "Usul" Atreides says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have vodka sauce, used marinara instead. Still turned out pretty good.

    1. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

      5 stars
      That sounds great! Marinara has a nice flavor too. I’m glad it worked out for you!

    2. User avatar marivel.quitzon says:

      3 stars
      Marinara? Really? I mean, I guess it could be okay, but I think vodka sauce is kinda essential, right?

  7. 4 stars
    Super easy to make! I added some chicken and it was delish!

  8. User avatar troy.runolfsson64 says:

    5 stars
    REALY GOOD! My family couldn’t get enough. Definitely making again.

  9. User avatar hugh.treutel69 says:

    3 stars
    Gnocchi is overrated, don’t see what the fuss is about. But this combo was okay.

  10. User avatar curtis.hudson2019 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! This is my go-to dish now. The kids loved it too!

  11. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    1 star
    Is this even a real recipe? Can’t believe people bake gnocchi with sauce. Lol.

    1. User avatar mirta.brakus2 says:

      2 stars
      Lol, I thought gnocchi was just for boiling. Baking it? Is that even safe? 🤔

    2. User avatar Kelle Quitzon II says:

      5 stars
      Actually, it sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try this out. Gnocchi and vodka sauce are perfect together!

  12. User avatar john.weimann says:

    5 stars
    Tried this tonight—super easy and the gnocchi actually crisped up a bit from the skillet step. The bake just makes it all bubbly and cozy. Will make again!

  13. 5 stars
    Made this last night. Quick, easy, and delicious! Will make again.

  14. 4 stars
    I’m skeptical about baking gnocchi because they can turn gummy, but mine were fine! I used homemade vodka sauce and fresh parm. The whole thing tasted fancy for how quick it is.

  15. 5 stars
    Yummm! Added some spinach and chicken. Wow- what a twist!!

  16. 5 stars
    This recipe is sooo good! My family loved it!

  17. User avatar zachariah.macejkovic52 says:

    2 stars
    Too salty for my taste! I followed the recipe exactly, maybe next time I’ll skip the extra salt.

  18. User avatar teena.collins says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! My friends are still talking about it. Will make this for my next dinner party!

  19. 3 stars
    I thought gnocchi was supposed to be boiled first? You just fry it, huh? Not sure about this…

  20. User avatar minh.pfeffer1978 says:

    1 star
    Gnocchi was soggy! I don’t know if I did something wrong or what… 🙁

    1. User avatar santos.parker says:

      3 stars
      No worries, it happens! Mine was a bit soggy too the first time I made it. Just gotta keep practicing!

    2. 4 stars
      Sorry to hear that! Maybe you overcooked the gnocchi? They can get mushy if left in the water too long!

  21. User avatar dewayne.becker80 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was a total hit! My kids loved it, and so did I. Easy to make and super cheesy!

  22. User avatar modesto.streich says:

    3 stars
    I was skeptical about vodka sauce with gnocchi at first, but it was surprisingly good. Not sure I’d make it again, though.

  23. User avatar dierdre.auer16 says:

    5 stars
    Okay, I used homemade gnocchi and it turned out great—very rich from the mozzarella/parmesan. The only thing is it got a bit salty with both cheeses, so go light on the salt.

  24. User avatar tristan.hodkiewicz says:

    4 stars
    Easy to follow and the kids loved it. I used store-bought sauce and it turned out great! Will make again.

  25. User avatar Judith Becker says:

    5 stars
    This was amazing! My whole family loved it. Will make again!

  26. User avatar dwight.weber says:

    4 stars
    Made this for date night and it was perfect! Love how the cheeses melted. Gonna try it with homemade vodka sauce next time! 😊

  27. 4 stars
    I don’t like vodka anything (yeah, I know), so I subbed regular marinara. It was still awesome and my kids devoured it.

    1. User avatar steve_maga says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome!! 🥰 I also don’t really care for vodka flavor, but I love the concept of the creamy baked cheese situation. Glad it still worked with regular marinara!

    2. User avatar joshua.langosh says:

      3 stars
      Wait… so no vodka at all? I feel like the sauce won’t be the same. But if your kids ate it, I guess I’m wrong 😅 What kinda marinara did you use—like sweet or regular?

  28. User avatar sophia.koch says:

    4 stars
    Really good but I think 15 minutes was a little short for my oven. I ended up doing closer to 22 mins and it was perfect. Still easy—no complaints.

  29. User avatar Misty C. Shore says:

    3 stars
    Eh, it was okay. My gnocchi turned out mushy… I don’t think I cooked them right.

    1. 4 stars
      It happens! Gnocchi can be tricky. Make sure to not overcook them in the boiling water next time. 😊

  30. User avatar Charles Darwin says:

    3 stars
    Is vodka sauce safe for kids? Asking for a friend.

3.56 from 125 votes
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