Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake Recipe

Introduction

This comforting gnocchi and broccoli bake is a creamy, cheesy dish that comes together quickly and easily. With tender broccoli florets and pillowy gnocchi in a rich sauce, it makes a perfect weeknight meal or cozy dinner for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pack (1 lb / 500g) gnocchi
• 1 pound (450 g) broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cup (350 ml) vegetable stock
• 5 ounces (150 g) cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup grated Grana Padano (or Parmesan), plus more to sprinkle on top
• 3/4 cup (175 ml) sour cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously, then cook the broccoli and gnocchi together for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, add the vegetable stock to an oven-proof skillet and heat over medium until almost simmering. Add the cream cheese and stir continuously until melted and smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Add the grated cheese and mix well until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream. Add the drained gnocchi and broccoli to the skillet and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle additional grated cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
7. Step 7: Allow the bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a handful of sautéed garlic or onions to the sauce before baking.
• Replace broccoli with cauliflower or green beans if preferred.
• Use half-and-half or milk instead of sour cream for a lighter sauce.
• Top with breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil for a crunchy finish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain it before cooking with the gnocchi to avoid excess moisture.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, but to ensure it meets your dietary needs, check that the vegetable stock and cheese do not contain animal rennet.

Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 108 reviews

This comforting Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake combines tender gnocchi and nutritious broccoli florets in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with cream cheese, sour cream, and Italian seasonings. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish makes for an easy, satisfying vegetarian meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gnocchi and Vegetables

• 1 pack (1 lb / 500 g) gnocchi
• 1 pound (450 g) broccoli florets

Sauce

• 1 1/2 cup (350 ml) vegetable stock
• 5 ounces (150 g) cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup grated Grana Padano (or Parmesan), plus more for topping
• 3/4 cup (175 ml) sour cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the gnocchi and broccoli in the creamy sauce.
2. Cook Gnocchi and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and the gnocchi together and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain well.
3. Heat Vegetable Stock and Melt Cream Cheese: Meanwhile, pour the vegetable stock into an oven-proof skillet and heat it over medium heat until it is nearly simmering. Add the cream cheese and stir continuously until it melts completely into the stock, forming a creamy base.
4. Add Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Then add the grated Grana Padano cheese and mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors into the sauce.
5. Incorporate Sour Cream: Turn off the heat and gently fold in the sour cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine with Gnocchi and Broccoli: Transfer the cooked gnocchi and broccoli into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
7. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle additional grated cheese over the top of the mixture. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top turns golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the gnocchi and broccoli bake cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

Notes

• You can substitute Grana Padano with Parmesan cheese if unavailable.
• Feel free to add cooked chicken or sausage for a non-vegetarian option.
• Make sure to use an oven-proof skillet or transfer the mixture to a baking dish before baking.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
• The dish can be reheated in the oven or microwave and tastes great as leftovers.

Keywords: gnocchi bake, broccoli bake, creamy gnocchi, vegetarian Italian recipe, baked gnocchi with broccoli, easy comfort food