As I stood in my kitchen last week, the scent of garlic and olive oil danced in the air, instantly transporting me to a cozy Italian trattoria. That’s when the idea sparked: why not create a delightful One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi that’s not only creamy but also ready in just 30 minutes? This quick meal is ideal for those fleeting weeknights when time is scarce but flavor is non-negotiable. Plus, it’s entirely customizable—whether you want to add in some chicken for protein or toss in extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms, the possibilities are endless. Trust me, this dish will become a staple for anyone who craves comfort without the hassle. Ready to dive into the creamy goodness? What variations will you try? Why is One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi a Must-Try? Simplicity makes this dish a winner—just one pan and 30 minutes are all you need to whip up a comforting meal. Customization is key; whether you prefer it vegetarian or with added proteins, it adapts to your cravings. Creamy richness envelops each bite, thanks to the luscious cheese sauce that pairs beautifully with the tender broccoli. Time-saving preparation means less stress and more time to enjoy with your loved ones, making it perfect for busy weeknights. If you’re a fan of quick and delightful meals, you’ll also want to check out my One Pan Parmesan for another effortless dish! One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi Ingredients For the Gnocchi Shelf-stable gnocchi – offers a chewy texture that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. Note: Fresh or frozen gnocchi are great alternatives. For the Sauce Olive oil – adds richness and helps brown the gnocchi for extra flavor. Substitution: Butter can give it a different taste profile. Vegetable stock – the flavorful base for the sauce, enhancing its overall depth. Tip: For non-vegetarians, chicken stock works well too. Cream cheese – creates a creamy, luscious texture that enlivens the sauce. Substitution: Dairy-free cream cheese makes this dish vegan-friendly. Grated mozzarella – melts to perfection, forming a gooey, cheesy topping. Tip: Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like cheddar or gouda for variety. For the Vegetables Broccoli – adds freshness and nutrition with a slight crunch. Prep Note: Frozen broccoli can be used; just thaw it before incorporating. Seasoning Salt and pepper – enhances overall flavor; adjust according to your taste preference. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi Step 1: Blanch the Broccoli Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and tender yet still crisp. Drain the broccoli and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, set aside while you prepare the gnocchi. Step 2: Prepare the Gnocchi In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shelf-stable gnocchi and toss gently to coat in the oil. Sauté the gnocchi for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden and slightly crispy on the outside, adding flavor and texture to your One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi. Step 3: Make the Sauce Once the gnocchi are browned, pour in vegetable stock and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a light simmer. Stir in cream cheese, allowing it to melt completely and create a rich, creamy sauce that envelops the gnocchi. In this step, also mix in half of the grated mozzarella, ensuring it is thoroughly incorporated for a delicious cheesy flavor. Step 4: Combine Ingredients Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and gently fold it into the creamy sauce, ensuring the broccoli is evenly coated. This step brings all the flavors together in your One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, creating a delightful cheesy layer that will melt beautifully during grilling. Step 5: Grill to Perfection Preheat your broiler to high. Place the skillet under the grill for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden brown, and deliciously irresistible. Keep a close eye to prevent burning while the cheese melts, creating that perfect topping for your One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Once out of the oven, let the One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi rest for a minute. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving. Scoop into bowls and enjoy this comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights with family or friends. Make Ahead Options These One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can blanch the broccoli and cook the gnocchi up to 24 hours in advance. Just follow the blanching and cooking steps, then cool the components completely before refrigerating them in airtight containers. To maintain quality, store the cheese separately until ready to combine. When you’re ready to enjoy your One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi, simply reheat the gnocchi and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat, make the sauce, and mix everything together. Finish by broiling until the cheese is bubbly and golden, ensuring delicious results with minimal effort! What to Serve with One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi As you savor each bite of creamy goodness, why not elevate your meal with delightful sides that complement this comforting dish? Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up the extra sauce, this warm, buttery bread offers a satisfying crunch and flavor. Each bite is a classic pairing that never disappoints. Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with light vinaigrette adds a burst of freshness beside the rich gnocchi. The crisp greens create a lovely contrast against the creamy sauce. Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus drizzled with lemon adds a touch of brightness and elegance. Its crisp texture contrasts beautifully with the softness of the gnocchi. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: The sweet burst of roasted tomatoes adds a pop of color and flavor, enhancing the overall dish with their natural sweetness. Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice infused with aromatic herbs complements the richness of the gnocchi. This option adds a delightful grain that balances the meal. Zesty Lemonade: This refreshing drink cuts through the creaminess with its tangy flavor and adds a hint of sweetness, making it an ideal beverage choice. Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, indulge in a light and airy chocolate mousse. Its smooth texture and rich chocolate flavor create a perfect sweet ending after the savory gnocchi. How to Store and Freeze One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of vegetable stock or water to revive the creamy sauce. Freezer: You can freeze One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating: For best results, reheat the gnocchi in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little olive oil or stock to prevent sticking and enhance creaminess. Leftover Tips: If you have some extra veggies or proteins, feel free to stir them in during reheating for a delightful second round of this hearty dish! Expert Tips for One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi Flavor Boost: Consider sautéing minced garlic or shallots in the olive oil before adding gnocchi for an aromatic foundation to your dish. Gnocchi Texture: Avoid overcooking the gnocchi; they should float to the surface after 3-4 minutes in boiling water. This keeps them perfectly chewy in your One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi. Combine Well: Be sure to fold the blanched broccoli into the sauce gently to ensure every piece is well-coated and flavorful, maximizing the dish’s taste. Broiler Awareness: Keep an eye on the gnocchi under the broiler, as cooking time may vary. You want that cheese to be golden and bubbly, not burnt! Veggie Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor, adjusting cooking time as necessary. One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi Variations Feel free to sprinkle a little creativity into your cooking and make this dish your own! Extra Veggies: Add in spinach, kale, or mushrooms to amp up the nutrients and flavor. It’ll give a fresh twist while enjoying more textures. Protein Addition: Toss in cooked chicken, sausage, or plant-based chickpeas for a heartier meal. Each protein brings its unique flair, making your gnocchi deliciously filling. Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use tofu-based cream cheese and plant-based mozzarella for a creamy vegan option everyone will love. Dairy-free doesn’t mean taste-free! Cheesy Twist: Replace mozzarella with gouda or fontina for a deeper flavor experience. The different cheeses melt beautifully and create their own unique vibe. Zesty Lemon Kick: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the dish right before serving for a bright pop of flavor. It enhances the creamy sauce and elevates all the taste! Spicy Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some warmth. This little touch transforms your cozy dish into a zesty delight that wakes up your palate. Nutty Delight: Toss in toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a crispy crunch. The added texture juxtaposes the creaminess of the sauce, creating a delightful balance. Gluten-Free Gnocchi: Swap in gluten-free gnocchi for a fantastic alternative that maintains the dish’s comforting essence. Everyone can enjoy this satisfying meal! For more delicious twists, consider trying this with a side of Onion Broccoli Cheese or adding variation toppings from Broccoli Cauliflower Corn! One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right broccoli for this recipe? When selecting broccoli, look for vibrant green florets that are tightly packed together. Avoid any that have dark spots or yellowing, as these indicate over-ripeness. Fresh broccoli should feel firm to the touch. What’s the best way to store leftovers of One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove with a splash of vegetable stock or water to bring back the creaminess. Can I freeze One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi? Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of stock or olive oil to ensure it stays creamy. What should I do if my gnocchi is mushy? If your gnocchi turns out mushy, it may have been overcooked. To avoid this, ensure gnocchi is cooked only until they float—typically 3-4 minutes. In the future, keep a close eye while waiting for them to cook; they should be tender yet firm. Is One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi suitable for vegans? Yes, it can easily be adapted! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version and replace the mozzarella with a vegan melting cheese. Always check labels for any hidden dairy ingredients to ensure it’s completely vegan-friendly. Can I add other proteins to this dish? Very much so! You can incorporate cooked chicken, sausage, or even chickpeas to elevate the protein content. Simply mix them in when you combine the broccoli with the sauce to enhance flavor and nutrition! One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi for a Cozy, Creamy Dinner Experience One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi is a quick, creamy dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Gnocchi1 package shelf-stable gnocchi Fresh or frozen gnocchi are great alternatives.For the Sauce2 tablespoons olive oil Substitution: Butter can give it a different taste profile.2 cups vegetable stock For non-vegetarians, chicken stock works well too.8 ounces cream cheese Substitution: Dairy-free cream cheese makes this dish vegan-friendly.1 cup grated mozzarella Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like cheddar or gouda for variety.For the Vegetables2 cups broccoli Prep Note: Frozen broccoli can be used; just thaw it before incorporating.Seasoningto taste saltto taste pepper Equipment large potLarge oven-safe skilletbowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and tender yet still crisp. Drain the broccoli and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, set aside while you prepare the gnocchi.In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shelf-stable gnocchi and toss gently to coat in the oil. Sauté the gnocchi for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden and slightly crispy on the outside, adding flavor and texture.Once the gnocchi are browned, pour in vegetable stock and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a light simmer. Stir in cream cheese, allowing it to melt completely and create a rich, creamy sauce that envelops the gnocchi. Mix in half of the grated mozzarella, ensuring it is thoroughly incorporated.Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and gently fold it into the creamy sauce, ensuring the broccoli is evenly coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.Preheat your broiler to high. Place the skillet under the grill for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.Once out of the oven, let the One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi rest for a minute. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving. Scoop into bowls and enjoy. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg NotesConsider sautéing minced garlic or shallots in the olive oil before adding the gnocchi for added flavor. Avoid overcooking the gnocchi; they should float to the surface after 3-4 minutes in boiling water. You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of vegetable stock or water. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
