30 Minute One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe

If you’re craving a quick, nutritious, and hearty dinner that requires minimal effort, then this 30-Minute One-Pan Broccoli Gnocchi recipe is just what you need. It combines the tender, pillowy texture of gnocchi with the earthy goodness of broccoli and the rich flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. This one-pan meal is not only a breeze to make but also loaded with flavors, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a quick weekend dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cut the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into small florets. If you prefer, you can also slice the stems into smaller pieces to use up the whole broccoli, ensuring no part goes to waste. The florets will cook more evenly if they’re all about the same size.

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2. Prep the Gnocchi: If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, check the package for any instructions. Most gnocchi comes pre-cooked and simply needs to be sautéed or boiled. If you’re making homemade gnocchi, have it ready to go. The cooking process is the same whether you’re using store-bought or fresh gnocchi.

3. Mince the Garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely. The garlic is a key ingredient in flavoring the dish, so make sure it’s chopped finely to distribute the taste evenly.

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4. Grate the Parmesan: Using a microplane or box grater, grate your Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated cheese always tastes better and melts more smoothly into the sauce than pre-grated varieties.

Step 2: Sauté the Gnocchi

1. Heat the Pan: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers, but be careful not to overheat it.

2. Sauté the Gnocchi: Once the oil is hot, add the gnocchi to the pan in a single layer. Let the gnocchi sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown, crispy crust. Turn the gnocchi occasionally using a spatula to ensure even cooking. Once they are crispy and golden, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly.

2. Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan. Stir them around to coat them in the garlic butter. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Cook the broccoli for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli turns bright green and begins to soften. You want the broccoli to retain a slight crunch, so be careful not to overcook it.

Step 4: Add Broth, Cream, and Seasonings

1. Add the Broth: Pour in 1/2 cup of vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer). This will help deglaze the pan and lift all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Allow the broth to simmer for about 2 minutes, letting it reduce slightly and absorb the flavors from the broccoli and garlic.

2. Add the Cream: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, which will bring richness to the sauce and make it creamy. Continue to cook the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn’t burn or stick to the pan.

3. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of heat). These seasonings will elevate the flavors of the dish and make it taste more aromatic. Stir well to incorporate.

4. Add Lemon Zest (Optional): If you’re using lemon zest, now is the time to stir it in. The zest will add a refreshing citrus note that balances the richness of the cream and butter.

Step 5: Combine Gnocchi with Sauce

1. Return the Gnocchi to the Pan: Once the sauce has thickened slightly, return the sautéed gnocchi to the pan, tossing it gently to coat it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a splash more vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. Stir to ensure the gnocchi and broccoli are evenly coated in the sauce.

2. Add Parmesan: Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan will melt into the sauce, giving it an even richer and more luxurious texture. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.

3. Simmer Together: Let the gnocchi, broccoli, and sauce simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the gnocchi to absorb some of the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve: Once everything is well combined and the gnocchi is tender, serve the dish immediately. Divide the gnocchi and broccoli into individual servings, making sure to spoon plenty of sauce over the top.

2. Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. If you like your dish extra cheesy, feel free to add an extra sprinkling of grated Parmesan before serving.

3. Enjoy: Serve your 30-Minute One-Pan Broccoli Gnocchi with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect 30-Minute One-Pan Broccoli Gnocchi

1. Use Fresh Gnocchi for the Best Texture

While store-bought gnocchi is convenient, using fresh gnocchi can make a big difference in texture. Fresh gnocchi tends to hold up better in the sauce and has a softer, fluffier bite. If you’re making gnocchi from scratch, it’s a great way to elevate this dish.

2. Adjust the Sauce Consistency

The sauce may thicken as it sits, so if you find it too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little extra broth, milk, or water. Keep the sauce creamy, but don’t let it get too dry.

3. Add Protein for a Heartier Meal

If you’d like to make this dish a little more filling, consider adding some protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage. These proteins can be cooked separately and added to the pan with the gnocchi to soak up the sauce.

4. Customize the Veggies

While broccoli is the star of this dish, feel free to swap it out for other vegetables. Spinach, kale, or zucchini can be good alternatives, and they all pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you’re using.

5. Watch the Heat on the Garlic

When sautéing garlic, make sure to do it over medium heat. Garlic burns very quickly, and when it’s burnt, it can make your dish bitter and unpleasant. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it becomes fragrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh or store-bought gnocchi. Just cook it according to the package instructions, and then follow the recipe as directed. You may need to simmer it a little longer if using frozen gnocchi to ensure it’s fully cooked through.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, as gnocchi can become mushy when stored and reheated. However, you can prepare the sauce and vegetables ahead of time and just cook the gnocchi when you’re ready to eat.

3. What can I serve with this dish?

This creamy gnocchi dish pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. A light, tangy salad will help cut through the richness of the gnocchi and sauce, providing a nice balance to the meal.

Conclusion

The 30-Minute One-Pan Broccoli Gnocchi recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. The creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and vibrant broccoli make this dish a standout without requiring a lot of time or effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy your creamy, comforting, and satisfying gnocchi!

Yield: 4

30 Minute One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe

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If you’re craving a quick, nutritious, and hearty dinner that requires minimal effort, then this 30-Minute One-Pan Broccoli Gnocchi recipe is just what you need. It combines the tender, pillowy texture of gnocchi with the earthy goodness of broccoli and the rich flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. This one-pan meal is not only a breeze to make but also loaded with flavors, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a quick weekend dinner.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Gnocchi:
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions (usually until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
   
2. Sauté the Broccoli:
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to become tender and slightly crisp-tender (if using frozen broccoli, cook for 4-5 minutes).
   Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to reduce for 2-3 minutes.
   Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
   Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
   
4. Combine Gnocchi and Broccoli:
   Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the gnocchi through and absorb the sauce.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutions: You can swap the broccoli for spinach, kale, or another veggie of your choice. If using spinach, add it toward the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Make it Vegan: For a dairy-free or vegan version, use a plant-based gnocchi, non-dairy cream (such as coconut cream or almond milk), and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp for extra protein. You can also toss in some crispy bacon for added flavor.