Veggie Loaded Cheesy Gnocchi Bake
A comforting, gut-loving, family-friendly meal
For this recipe, I headed to my local fruit and veg store, Metro Fresh Findon, to source the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.
If you’re local, I highly recommend heading in-store or giving them a follow online — supporting small, local businesses like this not only means better quality produce, but it also helps you get more bang for your buck while filling your trolley with truly nourishing food.
If you’re looking for a meal that is comforting, easy to make and packed with nutrients, this Veggie Loaded Cheesy Gnocchi Bake is exactly that.
It’s rich, flavourful and filled with a variety of plant-based ingredients to support your gut, your energy and your overall wellbeing all while still feeling like a proper comfort meal.
This is one of those recipes that is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep or feeding the whole family.
Mood Boosting Benefits
This recipe is the perfect example of how food can directly support your mood, energy and overall wellbeing.
Rich in fibre (10 plant foods) → supports gut health, which plays a key role in mood regulation through the gut-brain connection
Cannellini beans → provide plant-based protein and help stabilise blood sugar, reducing energy crashes
Complex carbohydrates (gnocchi + vegetables) → support serotonin production, helping you feel more balanced and calm
Olive oil + whole ingredients → help reduce inflammation in the body
Herbs like basil and garlic → offer antioxidants and support overall health
When your meals are balanced with fibre, protein and quality ingredients, you support more stable energy, fewer cravings and a more consistent mood throughout the day
Ingredients
1 onion, chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 eggplant, peeled and cubed
1 carrot, shredded
1 zucchini, shredded
1 bunch fresh basil
1 tin cannellini beans, rinsed and blended into a paste (with a little water)
1 bottle passata
1/3 cup water
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper
1 packet gnocchi, cooked as per packet instructions
1 ball mozzarella, shredded
Fresh basil, to garnish
Method
Preheat oven to 180°C.
In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute until fragrant.
Add the eggplant and cook for a few minutes until it begins to soften. Then stir through the shredded carrot and zucchini.
Add the blended cannellini beans and mix through — this will help create a creamy, protein-rich base.
Pour in the passata and water, then add the Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir well and allow to simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened and flavourful.
Stir through fresh basil.
Add the cooked gnocchi into the sauce and mix until well coated.
Transfer everything into a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
Finish with fresh basil and serve.
This is a perfect example of how you can turn a comfort meal into something incredibly nourishing:
Packed with a variety of vegetables
Balanced with protein, fibre and carbohydrates
Family-friendly and easy to prepare
Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner
It’s simple, satisfying and designed to help you feel good after eating 🤍