If you are looking for a quick comfort food dinner that delivers big flavour with minimal effort, this cheesy chipotle gnocchi is exactly what you need. It is creamy, smoky, slightly spicy and packed with vegetables, all finished with a bubbling cheese topping that makes it completely irresistible.
Cheesy chipotle gnocchi is a comforting one pan dinner that combines smoky spice with creamy, cheesy richness. Soft gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up flavour while keeping the dish quick and fuss free. The chipotle adds gentle heat, the peppers bring sweetness and the melted cheese creates a golden finish that makes this meal perfect for cosy weeknights or easy entertaining.
If you like this gnocchi recipe, try my fajita pasta bake for similar flavours. For another tasty gnocchi dish, try my tuscan butterbean gnocchi.
Ingredients
Gnocchi - Gnocchi forms the base of this dish and acts like little flavour sponges. Cooking it directly in the sauce helps thicken everything naturally while keeping the gnocchi tender and fluffy.
Olive oil - Used to gently sauté the vegetables, olive oil adds richness and helps release flavour early on.
Onion - Onion creates the foundation of the sauce. I like using onion because it adds natural sweetness once softened, balancing the smoky chipotle perfectly.
Mixed peppers - Peppers bring colour, sweetness and texture. I love using a mix because it makes the cheesy chipotle gnocchi look vibrant while adding depth of flavour.
Garlic - Garlic boosts savoury flavour and ties the vegetables and spices together.
Fajita seasoning - This adds instant warmth and smokiness without needing multiple spices. I like using fajita seasoning because it gives reliable flavour every time.
Chipotle paste - Chipotle paste is the star ingredient in this cheesy chipotle gnocchi. It delivers smoky heat and richness without overwhelming the dish.
Salsa - Salsa adds acidity and brightness which keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Tomato puree - Tomato puree deepens the sauce and enhances the savoury notes.
Crème fraîche - Crème fraîche brings creaminess while staying light. I like using it because it resists splitting and keeps the sauce silky.
Vegetable stock - Stock loosens the sauce and allows the gnocchi to cook directly in it, creating a rich one pan meal.
Cheddar - Cheddar provides sharpness and depth. It gives the cheesy chipotle gnocchi that strong savoury hit.
Mozzarella - Mozzarella creates the iconic melted topping. It brings stretch, creaminess and that irresistible golden finish.
Coriander - Fresh coriander adds freshness at the end and lifts the smoky flavours beautifully.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Jump to Recipe for quantities
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the diced onion and peppers along with the fajita seasoning. Cook for several minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the garlic and cook briefly until aromatic, taking care not to let it burn.
- Step 2: Stir in the chipotle paste, salsa and tomato puree. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and the spices smell toasted. Add the crème fraîche and stir until smooth. Pour in the vegetable stock and mix thoroughly to create a creamy sauce.
- Step 3: Add the gnocchi directly to the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Stir occasionally and allow the gnocchi to cook in the sauce until tender and thickened. Once cooked, stir through the cheddar until melted and glossy. Remove the pan from the heat and scatter the mozzarella evenly over the top. Place under a hot grill until the cheese is melted, golden and bubbling.
- Step 4: Finish with fresh coriander if desired and serve immediately.
Hint: Stir the gnocchi regularly while it cooks in the sauce. This stops it sticking to the pan and helps the starch thicken the sauce naturally.
Substitutions
Gnocchi – Swap for fresh pasta for a softer texture or use rigatoni or penne if you want a sturdier bite that holds the sauce well.
Olive oil – Use butter for extra richness or rapeseed oil for a neutral flavour that still cooks the vegetables gently.
Onion – Replace with shallots for a milder sweetness or red onion for a slightly sharper, deeper flavour.
Peppers – Use courgette for a softer, more delicate texture or mushrooms for an earthy, savoury base.
Garlic – Substitute with garlic puree for convenience or roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow flavour.
Fajita seasoning – Swap for taco seasoning for a smokier profile or use smoked paprika and cumin for a homemade spice blend.
Chipotle paste – Replace with smoked paprika and chilli paste for gentle heat or harissa for a warmer, spicier kick.
Salsa – Use chopped tomatoes for a fresher flavour or passata for a smoother, richer sauce base.
Tomato puree – Swap for sun-dried tomato paste for deeper sweetness or roasted red pepper paste for a smoky twist.
Crème fraîche – Replace with cream cheese for extra richness or Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier finish.
Vegetable stock – Use chicken stock for deeper savoury flavour or pasta water to keep the sauce lighter and silkier.
Cheddar – Swap for Red Leicester for a milder melt or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
Mozzarella – Use grated mozzarella light for less richness or provolone for a stronger, stretchier cheese pull.
Coriander – Replace with parsley for freshness or spring onions for a mild onion bite.
Variations
Chicken chipotle gnocchi - Add cooked shredded chicken or pan fried chicken pieces when stirring in the sauce. This boosts protein and turns the dish into a heartier main while keeping the smoky, cheesy flavour profile exactly the same.
Vegetarian fajita gnocchi - Add sliced mushrooms and courgette alongside the peppers. They soak up the spices beautifully and add extra texture, making the dish even more satisfying without needing meat.
Extra spicy chipotle gnocchi - Increase the chipotle paste slightly and add a pinch of chilli flakes. Finish with spicy cheese such as pepper jack for a bolder, fiery version.
Equipment
Storage
Allow the cheesy chipotle gnocchi to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, which is completely normal due to the starch from the gnocchi and cheese.
When reheating, add a splash of stock, milk or water to loosen the sauce. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each one for even heating.
Freezing is not recommended as gnocchi can become grainy and the cheese sauce may split once thawed. For best texture and flavour, enjoy fresh or within a few days of cooking.
Top Tip
If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of warm stock or water. This loosens everything without diluting flavour and keeps the gnocchi silky.
FAQ
Common gnocchi mistakes include overcooking, which makes it mushy, and under-seasoning the sauce. Cooking gnocchi in too little liquid can cause sticking, while boiling it too aggressively can make it fall apart. Gentle heat and frequent stirring give the best texture.
Gnocchi is an Italian dumpling traditionally made from potatoes, flour and eggs. It is softer than pasta and cooks very quickly. Gnocchi absorbs sauce easily, making it ideal for creamy dishes. Fresh gnocchi cooks faster than dried and becomes tender within minutes.
Chipotle paste is made from smoked, dried jalapeño peppers blended into a thick paste. It has a deep smoky flavour with mild to medium heat. It adds warmth rather than sharp spice and is commonly used in Mexican inspired dishes and creamy sauces.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pasta
These are my favourite pasta recipes if you like this gnocchi:
Recipe
Cheesy Chipotle Gnocchi
Equipment
- large pan
Ingredients
- 500 g gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 3 peppers red, green and yellow (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- 2 teaspoon chipotle paste
- 2 tablespoon mild salsa
- 1 tablespoon tomato puree
- 2 tablespoon light / half fat Crème fraîche
- 200 ml vegetable stock
- 50 g cheddar
- 150 g mozzarella grated
- Coriander for topping
- ½ lime juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the diced onion and peppers along with the fajita seasoning. Cook for several minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the garlic and cook briefly until aromatic, taking care not to let it burn.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 onion, 3 peppers, 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning, 2 cloves garlic
- Stir in the chipotle paste, salsa and tomato puree. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and the spices smell toasted. Add the crème fraîche and stir until smooth. Pour in the vegetable stock and mix thoroughly to create a creamy sauce.2 teaspoon chipotle paste, 2 tablespoon mild salsa, 1 tablespoon tomato puree, 2 tablespoon light / half fat Crème fraîche, 200 ml vegetable stock
- Add the gnocchi directly to the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Stir occasionally and allow the gnocchi to cook in the sauce until tender and thickened. Once cooked, squeeze in the half lime juice and stir through the cheddar until melted and glossy. Remove the pan from the heat and scatter the mozzarella evenly over the top. Place under a hot grill until the cheese is melted, golden and bubbling.500 g gnocchi, 50 g cheddar, 150 g mozzarella
- Finish with fresh coriander if desired and serve immediately.Coriander
