– **Title**: One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi
– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy version)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the gnocchi to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to brown slightly.
3. Add the broccoli florets and broth to the skillet. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the gnocchi are cooked through. Stir occasionally.
4. If using, pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and easy One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi is great for this recipe, but if you want to make your own, you can use potato, ricotta, or even cauliflower gnocchi. They all add different flavors and textures!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is preferred for its crunch and vibrant color. If you don’t have fresh, frozen broccoli florets work too—just thaw them before adding to the dish.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. I love the richness that heavy cream brings, but the alternatives will also work well.
Cheese: Mozzarella is fantastic for melting, but you could also use Gouda or fontina for a different flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, try cashew cream or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch—just about 1/4 teaspoon will do.
How Do I Get the Cheese to Melt Perfectly?
Melty, bubbly cheese can be the highlight of any baked dish. To achieve this, it’s important to layer your cheese correctly and bake at the right temperature.
- After combining all ingredients, make sure to top evenly with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Opt for freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
- Keep an eye on your dish while it’s in the oven. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. If your cheese isn’t melting as desired, you can broil it for a couple of minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
How to Make One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi (store-bought)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, for a total of around 30 minutes. You’ll have a delicious one-pan meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get it nice and hot for baking your gnocchi dish.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This aroma will make your kitchen smell wonderful!
3. Cook the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes. You want them to start softening but still have a little crunch. Just stir them around a bit to get them mixed with that lovely garlic.
4. Combine the Gnocchi:
Now it’s time to add the gnocchi! Pour them into the skillet and stir gently to combine everything with the broccoli and garlic. The gnocchi will soak up all those amazing flavors!
5. Add Cream and Seasoning:
Pour in the heavy cream and add the Italian seasoning. Give it a dash of salt and pepper too! Stir everything together until the gnocchi is nicely coated in that creamy goodness.
6. Add Cheese:
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese along with the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This will create a delicious cheesy crust while baking!
7. Bake it Up:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let your dish cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi—it’s quick, creamy, and oh-so-delicious!
## FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen gnocchi according to the package instructions before cooking. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly since thawed gnocchi can cook faster than fresh. Simply add them to the pan last for about 2-3 minutes less than you would with fresh gnocchi.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter (for every cup of heavy cream, use 3/4 cup of milk plus 1/4 cup of melted butter). This will make the dish slightly lighter, but still delicious!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems a bit dry.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the broccoli for a delicious twist. Adjust the cooking time slightly based on how hearty the veggies are.
