Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the gnocchi and broccoli in the creamy sauce.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Turn off the heat and gently fold in the sour cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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