Baked Gnocchi with Spinach and Ricotta

3/4 C. ricotta cheese

1/3 C. thinly sliced fresh basil

3 oz. shredded mozzarella, divided

1 oz. fresh grated Asiago cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

salt and fresh ground black pepper

3 C. marinara sauce, divided

1 lb. packaged potato gnocchi, divided

2 C. baby spinach leaves, thinly sliced, divided

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In small bowl, whisk together ricotta, basil, 1/3 C. of the mozzarella, Asiago, egg and crushed red pepper. Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper. In an 8″ square baking dish coated with nonstick spray, spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce over the bottom. Arrange one-half of the uncooked gnocchi in a single layer – scatter half of the spinach on top. Using a spoon, add small dollops of half of the ricotta mixture on top of the spinach. Spoon a layer of marinara over the ricotta, leaving enough sauce behind for another layer on top. Repeat layering, adding all of the remaining sauce on top. Scatter the remaining mozzarella on top. Place into the oven and bake until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is lightly browned, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove and let sit 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with additional grated Asiago cheese before serving, if desired.