One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe

One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi is a simple yet delicious dish that packs flavor, comfort, and nutrition all in one. This recipe allows you to make a satisfying dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze. Combining pillowy, soft gnocchi with the healthy crunch of broccoli creates a balanced, filling meal that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

The beauty of one-pan meals lies in their ability to deliver hearty meals with minimal effort. With a few simple ingredients and a well-executed cooking technique, you can bring this dish together in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights.

Why One-Pan Recipes Are Great

One-pan recipes are ideal for those who want a quick and easy meal without sacrificing flavor or nutritional value. Not only do they save time in terms of cooking, but they also save on cleaning, as everything gets cooked in the same pan. This recipe embodies these principles perfectly.

Benefits of One-Pan Meals:

• Convenience: No need to dirty multiple dishes. All cooking happens in one pan.
• Minimal Cleanup: The fewer the dishes, the less time you’ll spend cleaning afterward.
• Flavor Integration: Ingredients cook together, allowing flavors to meld and deepen.
• Time-Saving: Quick to prepare and requires minimal cooking time.

This One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi recipe is ideal for both novice and experienced cooks who want to prepare a healthy, satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Preparing the Ingredients

Proper prep work makes cooking much easier. Here’s what you need to do before you start cooking:

1. Prepare the Gnocchi:

• If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, make sure to check the instructions on the package. Typically, gnocchi needs to be boiled briefly until they float to the surface, which means they’re ready. You can either boil them and drain or sauté them directly in the pan for a crispier texture.

2. Prepare the Broccoli:

• If you’re using fresh broccoli, chop it into small florets, leaving a bit of stem attached to each one for texture.
• If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture.

3. Garlic and Herbs:

• Mince the garlic finely to allow it to release its flavor as it cooks.
• If you’re using fresh herbs, chop them finely as well. Herbs like basil or parsley are great for garnish, while thyme can be added while cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that all your ingredients are prepped, let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi (if necessary)

1. If your gnocchi needs to be boiled, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions or until the gnocchi floats to the surface.
2. Drain the gnocchi and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli

1. Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat up.
2. Add the chopped broccoli to the pan, and sauté it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the broccoli becomes tender and slightly crispy on the edges. If the pan starts to dry out, add a splash of vegetable or chicken broth to keep the broccoli from burning.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Sauté

1. Once the broccoli is tender, add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

Step 4: Combine Gnocchi and Broccoli

1. Add the cooked gnocchi to the pan with the broccoli. Toss gently to combine.
2. Add the vegetable or chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. This will help the gnocchi soak up some of the flavor and ensure they are warmed through.

Step 5: Add Butter and Cheese

1. Add the butter to the pan, stirring to melt it and coat the gnocchi and broccoli.
2. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the mixture, stirring to incorporate. This will create a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats everything perfectly.

Step 6: Season and Serve

1. Season the dish with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. If you want a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes at this stage.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The cheese should add plenty of salt, but you can add more if necessary.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs of your choice before serving.

Cooking Techniques Explained

Understanding the techniques behind this recipe is crucial for achieving the best results:

• Sautéing: This technique allows you to develop rich, caramelized flavors by cooking the broccoli until it’s tender and slightly crispy. This step also adds texture, creating a contrast with the softness of the gnocchi.
• Simmering: Adding broth and simmering allows the flavors to meld together. This technique ensures that the gnocchi absorbs the flavor of the garlic, broth, and cheese, creating a cohesive dish.
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and lemon zest are key to balancing the flavors in the dish. Adjusting seasoning at the end helps you refine the dish to your personal taste.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips to make your One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi even better:

• Crisp the Gnocchi: For extra texture, after boiling, you can sauté the gnocchi in a bit of oil before adding it to the pan with the broccoli. This will give them a crispy golden exterior.
• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Broccoli should be tender, but still have some bite. Overcooking can result in mushy broccoli, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
• Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen, make sure to drain it well to avoid excess water in the pan.

Flavor Variations and Customizations

While the base of this recipe is simple and delicious, you can experiment with different ingredients to suit your tastes:

• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, sausage, or chickpeas to make the dish heartier.
• Switch the Cheese: Mozzarella, goat cheese, or ricotta are all great alternatives to parmesan.
• Spicy Twist: For a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
• Other Vegetables: Spinach, kale, or mushrooms can add depth and variety.

Making It a Complete Meal

To make this One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi into a well-rounded meal, consider serving it with a side salad or a slice of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. For dessert, a light fruit sorbet or a piece of dark chocolate will complement the savory flavors.

Health Benefits of Broccoli and Gnocchi

Broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it an excellent addition to any meal. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties and high levels of vitamin C and K. Paired with gnocchi, which provides carbs, this dish balances both nutritional and comfort needs.

Conclusion

The One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi recipe is a perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. By following the steps outlined above and exploring different variations, you can create a meal that fits your taste and dietary preferences.

Enjoy your cooking, and don’t forget to savor the delicious results!

Yield: 4

One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe

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One Pan Broccoli Gnocchi is a simple yet delicious dish that packs flavor, comfort, and nutrition all in one. This recipe allows you to make a satisfying dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze. Combining pillowy, soft gnocchi with the healthy crunch of broccoli creates a balanced, filling meal that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water (to help steam)

Instructions

1. Prep the Gnocchi and Broccoli:
   If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, no need to cook them yet. You’ll add them straight to the pan.
   Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
   
2. Cook the Gnocchi:
   Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
   Add the gnocchi to the pan in a single layer, allowing them to crisp up on one side for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally so that they brown on all sides. Once golden and crispy, remove the gnocchi from the pan and set aside.
   
3. Cook the Broccoli:
   In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Add the broccoli florets and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   Pour in the vegetable broth or water, cover the pan, and let the broccoli steam for about 5 minutes until tender.
   
4. Combine Gnocchi and Broccoli:
   Return the gnocchi to the pan with the broccoli. Stir to combine. If you want a creamier dish, add the heavy cream and stir until everything is coated and heated through.
   
5. Finish:
   Once everything is combined and heated, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
6. Serve:
   Serve immediately, and enjoy your easy, one-pan broccoli gnocchi!