Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake for Cozy Weeknight Dinner
Easy creamy gnocchi and broccoli bake is the ultimate comfort food. After making this many times, I discovered the secret to a perfectly creamy, not soggy, gnocchi bake. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Try this with my Hearty Irish Vegetarian Stew and Cool down with my Creamy Honey Lavender Ice Cream.
Why This Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake for Cozy Weeknight Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, crispy top
- Creamy, cheesy sauce
- Packed with broccoli and gnocchi
What You'll Need for Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake for Cozy Weeknight Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Breadcrumbs for topping
- Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
📝 Ingredient Notes
- gnocchi: Use store-bought or homemade.
- broccoli: Fresh or frozen both work.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Saves time chopping broccoli. → See on Amazon
- Non-stick baking dish — Prevents gnocchi from sticking. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake for Cozy Weeknight Dinner
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Cook gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: Steam broccoli until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Step 5: Add cooked gnocchi and broccoli to the bowl. Toss to coat.
- Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs.
- Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake for Cozy Weeknight Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the gnocchi before baking. They'll continue to cook in the oven.
- Tip: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Tip: Add cooked chicken or spinach for extra protein and nutrients.
Storing & Reheating Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake for Cozy Weeknight Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare ahead and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
Freezing Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake for Cozy Weeknight Dinner
Freeze before baking. Thaw overnight before cooking.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a fork to gently mix the gnocchi and broccoli into the cheese sauce to prevent breaking the gnocchi.
- Best substitution: Substitute cauliflower for broccoli.
- Make-ahead: Prepare ahead and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled.
- Troubleshooting: If the top isn't browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality baking dish — Ensures even cooking and prevents hot spots. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake for Cozy Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Breadcrumbs for topping
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Cook gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: Steam broccoli until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Step 5: Add cooked gnocchi and broccoli to the bowl. Toss to coat.
- Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs.
- Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a fork to gently mix the gnocchi and broccoli into the cheese sauce to prevent breaking the gnocchi.
- Best substitution: Substitute cauliflower for broccoli.
- Make-ahead: Prepare ahead and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled.
- Troubleshooting: If the top isn't browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze before baking. Thaw overnight before cooking.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Make ahead: Prepare ahead and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 20g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake for Cozy Weeknight Dinner FAQs
Yes, prepare ahead and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
Too much liquid or not draining the gnocchi properly can cause a watery bake. Make sure to drain the gnocchi well and adjust the liquid in the recipe if needed.
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using.
Most store-bought gnocchi is made with wheat flour, so this recipe is not gluten-free. Use gluten-free gnocchi for a gluten-free version.
Yes, add cooked vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake for Cozy Weeknight Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
