If you love quick dinners with bold flavor, this One-Pan Harissa Gnocchi Bake is about to become your new obsession. It’s creamy, comforting, just the right amount of spicy, and requires almost no effort. The entire dish cooks in a single skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending an hour in the kitchen.
Harissa, a North African chili paste, brings warmth, depth, and a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with gnocchi. When simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of cream, it transforms into a luxurious sauce that coats every bite. Then you add spinach for freshness and mozzarella for that melty, stretchy finish everyone loves. It’s the type of meal that feels gourmet but is secretly incredibly easy.
The best part? You don’t need to boil the gnocchi separately. They cook right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavor and creating a rich, silky texture. This dish checks all the dinner-time boxes: fast, flavorful, comforting, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. One Pan, Zero Mess
Everything simmers in one skillet—from the sauce to the gnocchi to the cheese topping. Perfect for quick clean-up.
2. Big Flavor with Minimal Ingredients
Harissa paste brings instant complexity without needing 10 spices. You get heat, smokiness, and depth in one ingredient.
3. Ready in 25 Minutes
This is the ultimate “I’m tired but still want something delicious” recipe.
4. Creamy but Not Heavy
The combination of tomatoes, cream, and broth creates a velvety sauce that feels comforting but not overly rich.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep
Gnocchi reheats beautifully, making this a fantastic lunch for the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Gnocchi – Shelf-stable or refrigerated both work.
- Harissa Paste – Mild or hot depending on your spice preference.
- Garlic – Essential for depth.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Add freshness and sweetness.
- Tomato Paste – Boosts richness.
- Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk – For creaminess.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth – Helps simmer the gnocchi.
- Mozzarella – Melty finishing touch.
- Spinach or Kale – Adds greens without overpowering the flavor.
- Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper – Basics.
If you want, you can also add chickpeas for protein or roasted red peppers for extra sweetness.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
🔥 1. Sauté Your Base
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and let it caramelize for extra flavor.
🌶 2. Add Harissa
Mix in the harissa paste. Start with one tablespoon if you prefer mild heat; add more for bold spice.
🍅 3. Build the Sauce
Add cherry tomatoes, broth, and cream. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
🍝 4. Add the Gnocchi
Pour in the gnocchi straight from the package—no boiling needed. Let them simmer until soft and tender, about 8 minutes.
🌿 5. Add the Greens
Stir in spinach until wilted. It adds color, nutrients, and balances the richness.
🧀 6. Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle mozzarella on top and transfer the skillet to the oven. Broil or bake until the cheese melts and bubbles.
✨ 7. Serve Warm
Garnish with basil, chili flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips for the Best Harissa Gnocchi
- Use mild harissa if you want a family-friendly version.
- Add chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Stir in Parmesan for a more Italian-inspired flavor.
- Swap cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
- Use oven-safe skillet so you can broil the cheese at the end.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted veggies
- Warm naan or pita
It’s also great on its own as a cozy bowl-style dinner.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Why This Recipe Goes Viral
People love one-pan meals, creamy pasta dishes, and bold flavors — this recipe combines all three. Harissa is also trending across Pinterest and TikTok, making this dish highly shareable.
