Description
30 Minute One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi
This Broccoli Gnocchi is an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Originating from Italian cuisine, gnocchi pairs wonderfully with tender broccoli and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s versatile, customizable, and can easily be elevated with your favorite protein or extra veggies. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this simple recipe brings rich flavors with minimal effort.
500 g (1 lb) shelf-stable gnocchi
1 tbsp olive oil
180 g (2 cups) broccoli florets
250 ml (1 cup) vegetable stock
125 g (½ cup) cream cheese
200 g (1 ⅔ cups) grated mozzarella
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Blanch broccoli for 3-5 mins. Drain, rinse under cold water.
2. Heat olive oil, cook gnocchi until golden.
3. Add vegetable stock, melt cream cheese, stir in half mozzarella.
4. Mix in broccoli, top with remaining mozzarella.
5. Grill for 5 mins until golden.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 469
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 3-5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Cook the Gnocchi: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shelf-stable gnocchi in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on several sides.
3. Create the Sauce: Pour the vegetable stock into the skillet with the gnocchi. Reduce heat to medium. Add the cream cheese, stirring constantly until it is fully melted and combined with the stock to form a creamy sauce.
4. Combine and Top: Stir in half of the grated mozzarella until it begins to melt. Gently fold in the blanched broccoli florets, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Season the entire mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
5. Finish Under the Grill: Transfer the skillet to a preheated grill (broiler). Grill for 4-5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbly and has golden-brown spots. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy dish is a complete meal on its own. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. To add protein, top with grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley adds a fresh finish. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.
How-to Summary
Blanch broccoli, then brown gnocchi in a skillet. Create a creamy sauce in the same pan using vegetable stock and cream cheese. Mix in half the mozzarella and the broccoli, top with the remaining cheese, and grill until golden and bubbly. A complete, comforting meal made in one pan in under 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh or frozen gnocchi instead? Yes. For fresh, refrigerated gnocchi, add them directly to the sauce without pan-frying first, as they are more delicate. For frozen, thaw and pat dry before browning.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian? It already is vegetarian, provided you use a vegetable stock that is certified vegetarian/vegan.
My sauce seems too thick. What can I do? Thin it out by adding a splash more vegetable stock, milk, or pasta water until your desired consistency is reached.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can assemble the dish up to the point before grilling. Cover and refrigerate for up to a day, then allow extra time under the grill to heat through.
What can I substitute for cream cheese? Full-fat mascarpone or ricotta cheese are excellent substitutes, though the sauce will be slightly less tangy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Blanching for too long will make it mushy. Rinsing in cold water is crucial to preserve texture and color.
- Crowding the Pan: When browning the gnocchi, avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure they get crispy instead of steaming.
- High Heat for the Sauce: Use medium heat when adding the cream cheese to prevent it from separating or scorching.
- Neglecting to Season: The stock and cheeses contain salt, but always taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Broccoli Gnocchi is the ultimate solution for a delicious, satisfying dinner that requires minimal cleanup. Its combination of crispy gnocchi, tender broccoli, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Highly adaptable and reliably quick, this recipe proves that impressive flavor doesn’t need to be complicated. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a taste of comfort with effortless style.