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- 1 pound potato gnocchi - 2 cups broccoli florets, ideally fresh - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese I love using potato gnocchi for this dish. It adds a soft and chewy texture. Fresh broccoli florets brighten the meal and add nutrients. Heavy cream is key for that rich, creamy sauce. I like to mix mozzarella and Parmesan for a lovely cheesy flavor. - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Fresh parsley, finely chopped Red pepper flakes give a nice kick if you like spice. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. - Salt - Black pepper Seasoning is essential. Salt enhances all flavors, while black pepper adds warmth. Adjust these to your taste for the best results. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This step is key for flavor. Next, carefully add the potato gnocchi. Cook them according to the package instructions. They will usually float to the top when they are ready. This takes about 2-3 minutes. After cooking, drain the gnocchi and set them aside. In a spacious skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Then, add two cups of broccoli florets. Sauté the broccoli for about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally until they become tender and bright green. After that, add two cloves of minced garlic and, if you like, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Carefully pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine, and let it warm through. Be careful not to let it boil. This way, you keep a smooth sauce texture. Next, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts fully. The sauce should become rich and creamy. Season it to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Now, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Gently toss everything to coat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce. Allow the dish to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes. This lets the gnocchi soak up all the delicious flavors. Once the gnocchi is warmed through, remove the skillet from heat. Plate the creamy broccoli gnocchi in bowls or on plates. Garnish generously with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Enjoy your delicious meal! - Choosing fresh broccoli: Look for bright green florets. They should feel firm and not wilted. Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and rich flavor. - Additional seasonings and spices: You can add garlic powder or onion powder for more depth. A sprinkle of lemon juice can also brighten the dish. - How to avoid curdling: Heat the heavy cream slowly over low heat. Do not let it boil. Stir constantly to keep it smooth. - Adjusting creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. For a richer taste, add more cheese. - Recommended cookware: Use a large skillet with a heavy bottom. This helps distribute heat evenly. A non-stick pan works best for easy cleanup. - Useful utensils for preparation: Keep a wooden spoon handy for stirring. Use a sharp knife for chopping broccoli. A measuring cup is great for the cream and cheese. Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant color and texture to the dish. Avoid using frozen broccoli for best results. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Adding a bit of cream cheese or gouda can elevate the creaminess and flavor complexity of your sauce. Cooking Gnocchi: Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi; they should float to the top of the water, signaling they are done. Overcooking can make them mushy. Garnish Ideas: Experiment with garnishes like toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a refreshing twist on this creamy dish. {{image_4}} You can boost this dish with protein. Chicken or shrimp works great. Simply cook the chicken or shrimp in the skillet before adding broccoli. This adds flavor and texture. If you prefer vegetarian options, try chickpeas or tofu. Both are tasty and filling. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cream. Coconut cream or cashew cream are good choices. They add a nice richness without dairy. You can also swap out cheeses for vegan options. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Mix things up with more vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, or peas add color and taste. You can also change the seasonings. Try herbs like basil or oregano for a fresh twist. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish too. To keep your creamy broccoli gnocchi skillet fresh, cool it down first. Let it sit at room temperature for no more than two hours. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent bacteria growth and keeps it tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, use gentle heat. The best way is to reheat it on the stove. Pour the gnocchi into a skillet and add a splash of water or cream. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. This keeps the gnocchi creamy and warm. Microwaving works too, but it may make the gnocchi soggy. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To freeze it, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavors intact and the texture nice. This dish takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. You will spend 15 minutes prepping and cooking the gnocchi and broccoli. Cooking the sauce and combining everything takes an additional 10 minutes. It’s a quick meal that fits into any busy weeknight. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi and broccoli. For frozen gnocchi, cook them straight from the freezer. They will take a few extra minutes to cook. For frozen broccoli, steam or microwave it first. This way, the broccoli stays bright and tender. There are a few options if you want to skip heavy cream. You can use half-and-half for a lighter option. Coconut milk works well for a dairy-free choice. For a lower-calorie option, try Greek yogurt. Just mix it in at the end for a creamy texture. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove. You may need to add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. The Creamy Broccoli Gnocchi Skillet combines simple ingredients for a delicious dish. By using fresh broccoli, heavy cream, and a mix of cheeses, you create a rich flavor. Following the steps of cooking gnocchi, sautéing broccoli, and making the cream sauce is key. Consider adding proteins or using dairy-free options if desired. This recipe is easy, and you can store leftovers for later. Enjoy your cooking, and remember—customizing this dish will make it your own!

Creamy Broccoli Gnocchi Skillet

A sumptuous skillet meal that's creamy and comforting, packed with delightful flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, ideally fresh
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the potato gnocchi, cooking according to the package instructions. They will be ready when they float to the top, typically within 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and set aside.
  • Sauté the Broccoli: In a spacious skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the vibrant broccoli florets and sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and maintain a bright green color. Add the minced garlic and, if desired, the red pepper flakes for a bit of spice, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring until fragrant.
  • Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and carefully pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Allow the cream to warm through, taking care not to let it boil, as this will maintain a smooth texture.
  • Incorporate the Cheeses: Gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy mixture. Continuously stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is rich and creamy. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Combine Gnocchi and Broccoli: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece is well-coated with the luscious creamy sauce. Allow the dish to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb some of the flavors.
  • Serve: Once the gnocchi is warmed through and combined with the sauce, remove the skillet from heat. Plate the creamy broccoli gnocchi in bowls or on plates, garnishing generously with finely chopped fresh parsley for an inviting touch.

Notes

For added spice, include red pepper flakes.
Keyword broccoli, cheese, creamy, gnocchi, skillet