Hey y'all! If you’ve been craving a comforting Italian dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes, this Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna is your new weeknight hero. It’s loaded with pillowy gnocchi, gooey cheese, and a savory tomato sauce, all made in a single skillet—no oven required! Perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or when you want lasagna flavor with zero fuss. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna
- Quick & Convenient: Ready in just 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet for fuss-free prep.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying for any pasta lover.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds!
- Customizable: Easily adaptable for vegetarians or with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients for Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound (225 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce/680 g) jar marinara sauce (about 2 ½ cups)
- ½ cup water
- 1 (16-ounce/450 g) package potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
How to Make Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2 more minutes, until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce and Gnocchi
- Pour in the marinara sauce and water, stirring to combine.
- Add uncooked gnocchi, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir gently to coat the gnocchi and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 3: Layer the Cheeses & Finish Cooking
- Dollop ricotta cheese over the gnocchi mixture in spoonfuls.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes for the Best Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna
- Use quality marinara sauce for great flavor—homemade or store-bought works!
- For vegetarian, swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Try shelf-stable or fresh gnocchi; both work well in this recipe.
Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit sausage and add 2 cups sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and a pinch more red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Pesto: Swirl 2 tablespoons of pesto into the sauce before layering cheese.
Required Equipment for Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna
- Large nonstick or cast-iron skillet (with lid)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions for Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. Not freezer-friendly due to the gnocchi’s texture.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna
- Pair with a simple green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread for a classic Italian meal.
- Enjoy alongside a glass of medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Merlot.
Pro Tips for the Best Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi—they should be tender but not mushy. Learn more about cooking gnocchi perfectly.
- Add an extra splash of water if sauce gets too thick while simmering.
- Let the dish sit covered off heat for 5 minutes before serving for easier scooping.
Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna FAQ
- Can I use frozen gnocchi?
- Yes! Thaw first or add a minute or two to the cook time if using straight from frozen.
- What’s the best cheese substitute for ricotta?
- Cottage cheese or mascarpone are great alternatives for a creamy texture.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free gnocchi and marinara sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free. Find more info on gluten-free living here.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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2Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
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3Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Add gnocchi to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
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4Cover and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
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5Dollop ricotta cheese over the gnocchi mixture, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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6Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your easy stovetop gnocchi lasagna.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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