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Chorizo & Mozzarella Gnocchi Bake – Quick One-Pot Comfort Dinner (No Pork)

This Chorizo & Mozzarella Gnocchi Bake is the definition of fast comfort food done right. Soft pillowy gnocchi are baked in a rich, tomato-infused sauce with smoky beef or chicken chorizo, then finished with bubbling mozzarella for a golden, irresistible top. It’s cozy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying—without complicated steps or endless cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot bake delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The gnocchi cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all that savory goodness, while the mozzarella melts into a stretchy, cheesy layer that makes every bite comforting and indulgent. If you love one-pot dinners, cheesy baked meals, and easy comfort recipes, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein (No Pork)
  • 10 oz beef chorizo or chicken chorizo sliced or crumbled
Pasta
  • 1 lb potato gnocchi
Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • Fresh basil or parsley chopped (for garnish)
Sauce Base
  • 1 can 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
Fats
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese
  • 1½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Ingredient Notes:
  • Beef or chicken chorizo gives smoky depth without pork.
  • Gnocchi cook quickly and soak up flavor beautifully.
  • Mozzarella provides that classic cheesy bake stretch.

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Tip: An oven-safe skillet lets you cook and bake in the same pan.

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat
  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: Cook the Chorizo
  1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chorizo and cook for 4–5 minutes, until lightly browned.
  3. Remove chorizo and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add onion.
  2. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes and mix well.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi
  1. Stir gnocchi directly into the sauce.
  2. Return cooked chorizo to the pan.
  3. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring to coat gnocchi evenly.
Step 5: Add Cheese & Bake
  1. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
  2. Transfer skillet to the oven.
  3. Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Finish
  1. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) or microwave gently
Add a splash of water or sauce if needed
Tip: The gnocchi soften even more and taste great the next day.
🥄 Variations
Extra Cheesy
Add Parmesan along with mozzarella
Spicy Kick
Add chili flakes or extra paprika
Veggie Boost
Add spinach or zucchini before baking
Creamy Version
Stir in a little cream before adding cheese
Meal Prep Friendly
Assemble ahead and bake when ready
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use shelf-stable gnocchi?
Yes, it works perfectly.
Why no pork chorizo?
Beef or chicken chorizo is used instead.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, mildly smoky and cheesy.
Can I freeze it?
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen up to 1 month.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
No, it cooks directly in the sauce.
Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Yes, tear it into pieces.
Is this gluten-free?
Only if using gluten-free gnocchi.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish.
Does it reheat well?
Yes, very well.
What goes well with it?
Simple salads or roasted vegetables.
🏁 Conclusion
This Chorizo & Mozzarella Gnocchi Bake is everything a quick dinner should be—comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor, all made in one pot. With smoky beef or chicken chorizo, tender gnocchi, and bubbling mozzarella, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together with ease.
Perfect for busy nights or cozy dinners, this recipe proves that simple cooking can still deliver big, satisfying results.