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To make creamy broccoli cheddar gnocchi, you will need simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather: - 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - ½ teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Gathering these ingredients is easy and quick. Use fresh broccoli for a bright taste and color. The sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor. Heavy cream makes the dish smooth and creamy. You can find gnocchi in most stores, but making it at home is fun too! Once you have everything, you’re ready to cook. This dish feels special yet is simple enough for any cook. The combination of flavors brings comfort and joy to the table. Enjoy the process of cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add 1 pound of gnocchi. Cook them based on the package instructions. They are ready when they float to the top, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi from the water. Set them aside on a plate. In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Let the oil warm for a moment. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to be fragrant and lightly golden, not burnt. Now, toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. Cook until the broccoli is bright green and just tender but still crisp. Reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently to mix everything. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. Mix until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed. Gently add the cooked gnocchi back into the pot. Carefully toss them so they are coated in the rich sauce. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes. This step ensures all the flavors blend well. Serve the creamy broccoli cheddar gnocchi on plates, topping each dish with ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and taste. When it comes to gnocchi, you have two main choices: store-bought or homemade. Store-bought gnocchi is quick and easy. You can find many types in grocery stores. They cook up nicely and save time. If you want to try making homemade gnocchi, it can be a fun project. It involves mixing potatoes, flour, and egg. Homemade gnocchi often tastes fresher and has a unique texture. Choose what works best for you! To achieve the right sauce consistency, keep a few tips in mind. Start with heavy cream for richness. Heat it gently to avoid boiling. Stir in the cheddar cheese slowly. This helps it melt smoothly. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk or water. The sauce should be creamy but not overly runny. Taste and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. You can easily add more flavor to your dish. Consider using fresh herbs like thyme or basil. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. If you like a smoky taste, try adding smoked paprika. You can also mix in a bit of lemon juice for brightness. Experiment with these extras to find your favorite combination! Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding to the dish. Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Grate your cheese fresh for a smoother, creamier sauce. Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth or milk. This will maintain flavor while reducing richness. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon for brightness. {{image_4}} You can add more veggies to your creamy broccoli cheddar gnocchi for extra taste. Here are some ideas: - Cauliflower: It cooks fast and adds nice texture. - Spinach: Fresh or frozen, it brings a pop of color and nutrients. - Peas: Sweet and bright, they mix well with the creamy sauce. - Carrots: Thinly sliced, they add a crunch and sweetness. - Bell Peppers: Choose any color for a sweet and crunchy bite. Feel free to mix and match these options to suit your taste. If you want to try different cheeses, there are many options. Here are a few that work well: - Monterey Jack: It melts beautifully and adds a mild flavor. - Gruyère: This cheese has a nutty taste and adds depth to the dish. - Cream Cheese: For a super creamy texture, try this. - Feta: Crumbled feta can give a tangy twist to the dish. Experiment with these cheeses to find your favorite combination. To make this dish vegan, swap out a few ingredients: - Use vegan gnocchi. Many brands offer dairy-free options. - Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. - Choose a vegan cheese that melts well, like a cashew or almond-based cheese. These simple swaps keep the flavors while making it plant-based. Enjoy a creamy, dairy-free version of this tasty dish! To keep your creamy broccoli cheddar gnocchi fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. When it's time to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently. You can use a pot on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it's hot throughout. Yes, you can freeze creamy broccoli cheddar gnocchi! Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above for the best results. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It’s quick and easy. Frozen broccoli cooks faster than fresh. It also saves prep time. Just add it to your pot with the garlic. Cook until it’s bright green and tender. The flavor stays great, and you won’t lose any nutrients. This dish takes about 20 minutes total. You will need 10 minutes to prep. Cooking the gnocchi and making the sauce takes another 10 minutes. It’s a fast recipe, perfect for busy nights. You can enjoy a warm meal in no time. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the gnocchi and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready, heat them together on the stove. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. You can also freeze it, but the texture may change. Enjoy this easy meal whenever you want! This recipe for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi is simple and tasty. We covered the key ingredients like gnocchi, broccoli, and cheese. The step-by-step guide ensured you cook it perfectly. I shared tips on choosing ingredients and enhancing flavors, plus variations to suit your taste. Finally, I provided storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy this dish any time, knowing it's easy and delicious. Keep experimenting with the recipe for new flavors!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi

A delightful one-pot dish that blends the comforting textures of gnocchi with the vibrant flavors of broccoli and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions. They are ready when they float to the surface, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, or until fragrant and lightly golden.
  • Toss in the broccoli florets to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and is just tender but still crisp.
  • Reduce the heat to low and pour the heavy cream into the pot, stirring gently to combine the flavors. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
  • Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and onion powder, mixing well until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. Taste and season the sauce with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Gently add the cooked gnocchi back into the creamy sauce, carefully tossing them to ensure they are evenly coated in the rich sauce.
  • Allow the gnocchi and sauce to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is hot and well combined.
  • Dish out the creamy broccoli cheddar gnocchi onto plates, generously topping each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Enjoy this delightful dish that is quick and easy to prepare.
Keyword broccoli, cheddar, creamy, gnocchi, one-pot