Boursin, Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe

What is Boursin, Bacon, and Broccoli Gnocchi?

Boursin, Bacon, and Broccoli Gnocchi is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines pillowy soft gnocchi with a rich, garlicky sauce made from Boursin cheese, crispy bacon, and vibrant broccoli. This dish combines the creamy texture of the cheese with the salty bacon and fresh broccoli, making for a perfectly balanced meal.

The Boursin cheese lends a smooth, herbed flavor to the dish, adding complexity to each bite. Bacon provides a crisp texture and a salty contrast to the creamy sauce. Broccoli rounds out the dish, adding freshness and color, making it a hearty, balanced meal.

This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, a weeknight meal, or when you want to impress guests with something comforting yet sophisticated.

Why This Dish is Amazing

What makes this dish stand out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy Boursin sauce coats the gnocchi beautifully, while the bacon adds a crispy, savory bite. The broccoli brings a slight bitterness that perfectly cuts through the richness of the sauce. The dish is both comforting and indulgent, making it ideal for those nights when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

The versatility of this dish also makes it a crowd-pleaser. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs. And if you’re not a fan of gnocchi, you can easily substitute it with another type of pasta.

Ideal Occasions for Serving

• Weeknight Dinners: Perfect for a quick, comforting meal after a long day.
• Family Meals: Easy to prepare and loved by all ages.
• Special Occasions: Add a gourmet touch to any dinner party or special event.
• Meal Prep: Make it ahead and reheat for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To prepare this dish efficiently, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Large Pot: For cooking the gnocchi.
• Large Skillet or Frying Pan: For sautéing the bacon, garlic, and making the sauce.
• Colander: To drain the gnocchi once cooked.
• Sharp Knife: To chop the broccoli and bacon.
• Spatula or Tongs: To stir the ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Making the Bacon

1. Cut the Bacon: Slice the bacon into small strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, heat a medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and browned.
3. Drain the Bacon: Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for flavor.

Step 2: Cooking the Broccoli

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Chop the broccoli into small florets.
2. Sauté the Broccoli: In the same skillet (with the remaining bacon grease), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli becomes tender but still vibrant. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Set Aside: Once the broccoli is cooked, set it aside in a bowl.

Step 3: Cooking the Gnocchi

1. Boil the Gnocchi: While the broccoli is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
2. Drain the Gnocchi: Once the gnocchi are cooked, drain them in a colander and set aside.

Step 4: Preparing the Boursin Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
2. Add the Boursin Cheese: Add the Boursin cheese to the skillet and stir it into the butter and garlic mixture. Allow it to melt and become creamy.
3. Add Heavy Cream: Slowly add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it cook for a minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Season the Sauce: Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Combining Everything Together

1. Add Gnocchi to Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the Boursin sauce. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce.
2. Add Broccoli and Bacon: Stir in the cooked broccoli and crispy bacon. Mix everything together, ensuring the broccoli and bacon are evenly distributed throughout the gnocchi.
3. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, just to ensure everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serving

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the Boursin, Bacon, and Broccoli Gnocchi in bowls. Top with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of black pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.

Gnocchi Variations

Making Homemade Gnocchi

While store-bought gnocchi is quick and easy, you can make your own homemade gnocchi for an even more satisfying dish. Here’s a basic recipe for homemade gnocchi:

• Ingredients: Potatoes, flour, egg, salt.
• Instructions: Boil the potatoes until tender, mash them, then mix with egg, flour, and salt. Roll the dough into logs, cut into pieces, and use a fork to shape them. Boil them as you would store-bought gnocchi.

Substituting Gnocchi for Other Pastas

If gnocchi isn’t available, you can use any type of pasta such as fusilli, farfalle, or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.

Adding Extra Vegetables

You can incorporate additional vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to make the dish even more nutritious. Sauté the veggies along with the broccoli for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette will balance the richness of the gnocchi.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for a more indulgent meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Roasted carrots, asparagus, or green beans make for a wonderful vegetable side.

For drinks, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well. You can also pair it with a refreshing sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Creative Leftover Uses

Boursin Bacon Gnocchi Bake

Turn your leftovers into a baked dish by placing them in a casserole dish, topping with extra cheese, and baking at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Gnocchi Salad

You can also transform leftovers into a gnocchi salad by chilling them and adding a light dressing, such as olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.

Conclusion

Boursin, Bacon, and Broccoli Gnocchi is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and fresh broccoli, it’s a well-balanced and indulgent meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish will surely impress. Enjoy experimenting with different variations, and don’t forget to make enough for leftovers!

Yield: 4

Boursin, Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe

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Boursin, Bacon, and Broccoli Gnocchi is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines pillowy soft gnocchi with a rich, garlicky sauce made from Boursin cheese, crispy bacon, and vibrant broccoli. This dish combines the creamy texture of the cheese with the salty bacon and fresh broccoli, making for a perfectly balanced meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 (5.2 oz) package of Boursin cheese (garlic & fine herbs flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or bacon fat)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

1. Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the bacon: While the gnocchi is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel to drain. If there’s excess bacon fat, you can drain some of it, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
3. Cook the broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté in the bacon fat (or olive oil) over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, until tender but still bright green. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. If using fresh broccoli, you can add a splash of water to help steam it.
4. Make the sauce: Add the Boursin cheese to the skillet with the broccoli and stir to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add red pepper flakes here if you like a little kick.
5. Combine: Add the cooked gnocchi and bacon to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the gnocchi is well coated with the creamy sauce.
6. Serve: Divide the gnocchi mixture among serving plates. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

• Bacon Alternatives: You can swap the bacon for pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter version. If you want to keep it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and add a bit more olive oil or butter for flavor.
• Gnocchi Tips: If using store-bought gnocchi, try to find a high-quality brand for the best texture and flavor. If you want to make homemade gnocchi, that works great too!
• Vegetable Options: You can add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
• Leftovers: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk if needed.