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- Gnocchi (1 pound, store-bought or homemade) - Broccoli florets (2 cups) - Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded) - Heavy cream (1 cup) - Olive oil (1 tablespoon) - Minced garlic (2 cloves) - Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon) - Seasoning (Salt and pepper to taste) - Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, for topping) - Fresh parsley (for garnish) To create this creamy broccoli cheddar gnocchi, gather all the ingredients first. The gnocchi can be store-bought or homemade, depending on your time and skill. Broccoli adds great texture and color. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a strong, rich taste. Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and creamy. Next, you need some olive oil for sautéing. Garlic gives a nice flavor boost, while onion powder adds depth. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking. Lastly, grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a lovely finish. Fresh parsley garnishes the dish and brings a pop of color. When you have everything, you can start cooking. The right ingredients make all the difference in this simple yet delicious weeknight meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. This usually takes a few minutes. Once boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook them until they float, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This means they are ready! Use a slotted spoon to gently scoop them out. Place the cooked gnocchi aside. In the same pot, add one tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add two cloves of minced garlic. Sauté them over medium heat for about one minute. You want the garlic to smell amazing. Next, add two cups of broccoli florets to the pot. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and get a little tender. Now, lower the heat. Pour in one cup of heavy cream and stir it all together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. After that, add one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and half a teaspoon of onion powder. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste! Add the cooked gnocchi into the creamy sauce. Gently toss the gnocchi until they are coated well. Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes. This helps to warm it through. Now, it’s ready to serve! Enjoy your creamy broccoli cheddar gnocchi right away. You can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi. Store-bought gnocchi is quick and easy. Homemade gnocchi has a soft, pillowy texture. It may take longer to make but offers a fresh taste. If you choose to make it, use a simple dough of flour and potato. Roll it into small pieces for the best results. To make the sauce creamy, adjust the cream and cheese amounts. If you like it richer, add more heavy cream. For a cheesier taste, increase the cheddar cheese. You can also add garlic powder or a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor. Mixing in a bit of mustard can give it a nice tang too. Garnishing adds a nice touch to the dish. Use grated Parmesan cheese on top for a salty flavor. Fresh parsley not only looks good but also brings a fresh taste. You can also try adding chives or basil for a unique twist. These small touches make your creamy broccoli cheddar gnocchi feel special. Pro Tips Cook Gnocchi in Batches: If you're making a large batch, consider cooking the gnocchi in smaller portions to prevent them from sticking together. Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only enhances the flavor but also retains more nutrients compared to frozen varieties. Sharp Cheddar for Flavor: Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for a richer flavor profile that complements the creaminess of the dish. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds color but also freshness that balances the creaminess of the sauce. {{image_2}} You can make this dish heartier by adding protein. Chicken or shrimp works great. - For chicken, use cooked, diced pieces. Stir them into the sauce at the end. - For shrimp, cook them separately and toss them in as you mix the gnocchi. If you prefer vegetarian options, consider adding beans or lentils. They add protein and flavor without meat. You can also use tofu. Just sauté it until it’s golden. While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, you can try other cheeses. Each cheese brings a unique taste. - Gruyère gives a nutty flavor. - Fontina adds creaminess. - Goat cheese brings a tangy twist. Mixing different cheeses can also create exciting flavor profiles. Experiment to find your favorite combo! Feel free to change up the veggies in this dish. Broccoli is great, but you can use others too. - Spinach wilts well and adds nutrients. - Asparagus adds a nice crunch. - Peas bring sweetness. Seasonal swaps are fun too! In the fall, add butternut squash. In spring, try zucchini. Use what’s fresh and in season for the best taste. To store leftovers, put them in an airtight container. This keeps the gnocchi fresh and tasty. Make sure to cool it down first. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 days. After that, the taste and texture may change. If you want to freeze your creamy broccoli cheddar gnocchi, use a freezer-safe container. Divide it into smaller portions for easy use. Wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of cream to help it warm up nicely. You can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook the gnocchi and sauce, then store them separately. This way, they stay fresh longer. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for storage. When you're ready to eat, combine them and heat. This makes for a quick and easy meal on busy nights! Gnocchi is a type of Italian pasta made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. It has a soft, pillowy texture. This dish started in Italy, where it dates back hundreds of years. Many people enjoy gnocchi because it pairs well with various sauces. You can buy gnocchi at the store or make it at home. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free! Look for gluten-free gnocchi made from ingredients like rice flour or potato flour. These options work well in this creamy broccoli cheddar dish. Be sure to check labels for hidden gluten. You can still enjoy this meal without gluten and keep it delicious. To keep the sauce creamy, avoid cooking it on high heat. Stir the sauce gently as you cook it. Adding the cheese slowly helps it melt evenly. Make sure to use heavy cream, as it helps create a smooth texture. If your sauce starts to separate, try adding a bit more cream or cheese to bring it back together. This blog post covered how to make a creamy gnocchi dish with broccoli. You learned about ingredients, cooking steps, and tips on texture. We discussed ways to add protein and explore different cheese options. Storing leftovers and meal prep ideas were also important. Making this dish is fun and tasty. You can adjust it to your taste and needs. Enjoy cooking and sharing this meal with others!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy dish featuring gnocchi, broccoli, and cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the top. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the broccoli florets to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until they're bright green and slightly tender.
  • Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the cheddar cheese and onion powder, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked gnocchi into the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce.
  • Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
  • Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for freshness.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best texture.
Keyword broccoli, cheddar, creamy, gnocchi, pasta