Name: Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 for topping; 3/4 cup (175 ml) sour cream; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Introduction

This Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender gnocchi and fresh broccoli come together in a rich cream cheese sauce, baked until bubbly and golden on top. It’s simple to make yet feels special.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy dish inside a white pot with a blue edge, filled with gnocchi and broccoli florets. The gnocchi are pale and smooth, mixed evenly with bright green broccoli pieces covered in a thick, white cream sauce speckled with black pepper and chopped green herbs. A wooden spoon is partially submerged in the mixture, lifting some of the gnocchi and broccoli, highlighting the soft texture of the food against the creamy sauce. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the broccoli florets and gnocchi together for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In an oven-proof skillet, heat the vegetable stock over medium heat until almost simmering. Add the cream cheese and stir continuously until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Add the grated cheese and mix well until combined.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and gently fold in the sour cream. Add the drained gnocchi and broccoli, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
Step 7: Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly for easier plating.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce before baking.
Swap broccoli for cauliflower or add sautéed mushrooms for variety.
Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangier sauce.
To make it gluten-free, ensure your gnocchi is made without wheat or substitute with a gluten-free pasta.

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 milk or stock if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white plate filled with cooked gnocchi, broccoli pieces, and wilted spinach, all coated in a creamy white sauce. The gnocchi are round and golden, contrasting with the bright green broccoli and darker green spinach leaves. Red pepper flakes are sprinkled on top, adding small red accents across the dish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface next to a folded red and white striped cloth with a knife and fork. The lighting highlights the texture of the sauce and vegetables, making the dish look fresh and appetizing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain any excess water before cooking with the gnocchi to avoid a watery bake.

Do I need an oven-proof skillet for this recipe?

Using an oven-proof skillet makes it easier to transfer the dish directly to the oven. If you don’t have one, cook the sauce in a regular pan, then transfer everything to a baking dish before baking.