Creamy Baked Spinach and Pea Gnocchi with Melted Mozzarella

Many creamy pasta bakes lean too heavily on cheese or cream alone, but this creamy baked spinach and pea gnocchi delivers rich flavor with a vibrant green twist.

It’s luscious, fresh, and satisfying—the kind of weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet packed with goodness.

With pillowy gnocchi baked in a silky spinach-pea sauce and topped with bubbling mozzarella, it’s comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down.

The Secret to a Vibrant Green Gnocchi Bake

This dish stands out not just for its flavor, but for its color. The key is blending fresh spinach and sweet peas into a velvety sauce.

The peas bring a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the cream, while the spinach adds earthiness and a brilliant green hue.

Unlike many heavy cream-based bakes, this one tastes bright and light. The lemon juice at the end lifts the sauce and makes every bite feel fresh. It’s a small detail, but it makes all the difference.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy spinach gnocchi bake checks all the boxes. It’s quick, made with minimal ingredients, and looks like something out of a restaurant kitchen.

It’s ideal for nights when you want something cozy but don’t want to spend hours cooking. From start to finish, it’s ready in under 30 minutes—and most of that time is hands-off while the mozzarella melts into golden perfection.

The combination of peas, spinach, and mozzarella gives it that creamy–cheesy comfort factor but with a pop of color and freshness.

If you love easy, impressive vegetarian-style dinners like creamy mushroom pasta or miso glazed eggplant, this one will easily earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients list is short but thoughtfully chosen. Each component plays an important role in flavor and texture.

Shallots and garlic form the aromatic base. They add subtle sweetness and depth that balance the creamy sauce.

Spinach creates the vivid green color and adds a fresh, mild flavor. Baby spinach is ideal—it wilts quickly and blends smoothly.

Peas bring a gentle sweetness and extra creaminess once blended. Fresh or frozen peas both work perfectly.

Double cream (or heavy cream) gives the sauce that silky, luxurious body.

Lemon juice is essential—it cuts through the richness and keeps the sauce tasting bright.

Gnocchi acts as the comforting base, soaking up all that sauce beautifully.

And finally, mozzarella. Half is stirred into the sauce for creamy richness, while the rest is layered on top for that signature golden, bubbling finish.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Green Gnocchi Bake

Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the finely chopped shallots and garlic, cooking gently until soft and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor—don’t rush it.

Keep the heat moderate so the garlic doesn’t brown. The goal is soft, translucent shallots with a gentle sweetness.

Wilt the Spinach and Add Peas

Once the aromatics are tender, pile in the baby spinach. It will seem like a lot, but it wilts down to almost nothing. Stir until it’s just wilted, then add your peas.

If you’re using frozen peas, there’s no need to thaw—just add them straight in and cook for a few minutes until tender.

Blend into a Silky Sauce

Transfer everything from the pan into a blender. Add the double cream and blitz until smooth and creamy.

The color should be bright green and glossy. Blend until no spinach bits remain—you want a velvety texture that will coat every gnocchi piece.

Squeeze in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the flavor really comes alive.

Combine the Sauce and Gnocchi

Pour the sauce back into the frying pan. Add in the gnocchi directly—no need to pre-boil it. The gnocchi will cook gently in the sauce as it heats through.

Tear one ball of mozzarella into small pieces and stir them into the hot sauce. The mozzarella melts and becomes part of the sauce, creating a luxurious texture that clings perfectly to the gnocchi.

Assemble and Bake

Transfer everything into an ovenproof dish. Top with slices of the second mozzarella ball, covering the surface evenly.

Place under a hot grill or in a preheated oven at a high temperature until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

This usually takes about 7 minutes. The top should be melted, gooey, and slightly caramelized at the edges.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the bake rest for a couple of minutes before serving—it will thicken slightly as it cools.

Spoon generous portions into bowls and enjoy the contrast of the creamy sauce, chewy gnocchi, and stringy mozzarella.

A side of crusty bread or a crisp salad is all you need to complete the meal.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Gnocchi Bake

Use High-Quality Gnocchi

Fresh gnocchi (often found in the refrigerated section) yields the best texture—it stays soft but slightly chewy after baking. Shelf-stable gnocchi can work too, but it may need an extra minute or two of baking time.

Don’t Overblend

When making the sauce, blend only until smooth. Overblending can make the texture too thin.

Season in Layers

Taste the sauce before baking and adjust the seasoning. The cream and cheese can mute flavors, so make sure the lemon and salt are balanced.

Make It Ahead

You can prepare the sauce earlier in the day and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, combine it with gnocchi and bake fresh.

Variations to Try

Add Herbs

Fresh basil or mint can be blended into the sauce for an herby twist. A handful of parsley also works beautifully for a slightly peppery note.

Add Protein

For a heartier version, stir in cooked chicken, turkey sausage, or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly protein boost.

Use Different Cheese

Try layering with burrata, ricotta, or even a little parmesan for added depth. Each brings a different texture and flavor balance.

Go Vegan

Swap the cream for coconut cream and use vegan mozzarella—still rich and creamy, just dairy-free.

Pairing Ideas

This baked gnocchi pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple tomato salad.

It also complements lighter mains like charred broccoli mozzarella quinoa bowl or creamy sundried tomato chickpeas.

If you want to make it part of a dinner spread, serve alongside garlic flatbreads or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a low oven until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the cheese on top won’t be as crisp.

Avoid freezing—the cream sauce may separate after thawing.

Nutritional Insight

This dish balances comfort and nutrition in one go. Spinach and peas provide iron, fiber, and vitamin C, while the gnocchi offers satisfying carbs.

Using lemon juice cuts the heaviness of the cream, making it feel lighter than most baked pastas.

If you prefer a slightly lighter texture, you can reduce the cream slightly and add a splash of milk or vegetable broth instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach works well—just thaw it first and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the pan.

Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?

No need! The gnocchi cooks perfectly in the sauce as it bakes, soaking up all the flavor.

Can I make this recipe without cream?

Absolutely. You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or a plant-based cream alternative. Just note the sauce will be slightly thinner.

What’s the best way to get the mozzarella golden on top?

Use your oven’s grill or broiler setting for the last couple of minutes to get that bubbly, caramelized finish.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can affect the creamy texture, though you can store the blended sauce separately for up to a month and use it later.

What can I serve with it?

A crisp green salad, roasted tomatoes, or garlic bread pair beautifully with this creamy gnocchi bake.

Final Thoughts

This creamy baked spinach and pea gnocchi with mozzarella is proof that simple ingredients can make something truly special.

It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting but feels light and fresh thanks to the green sauce. Perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and cozy weekend meals.

If you’re looking to expand your collection of easy yet impressive dinners, try pairing this with dishes like creamy kale garlic pasta with lemon or herby lamb meatballs in mint stew.

Every bite of this green gnocchi bake is a celebration of balance—comforting yet refreshing, creamy yet full of life. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and immediately add to your favorites list.