Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake

gnocchi and broccoli bake

Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake is the ultimate comfort food. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the creamy sauce that makes this dish so irresistible. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Refreshing Blueberry Coconut Water Drink and Easy Miso Glazed Eggplant.

Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake with golden, crispy top
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Why This Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake Is Pure Comfort

  • Golden, crispy top
  • Tender gnocchi and broccoli
  • Rich, creamy sauce
  • Better than takeout

What You'll Need for Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

  • 1 lb gnocchi
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup 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
  • Red pepper flakes, optional
  • Optional: Fresh basil, chopped
  • Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
Raw ingredients for Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake

📝 Ingredient Notes

  • gnocchi: Homemade or store-bought both work great.
  • broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used.

🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend

Plated serving of Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake

How to Make Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake

  1. Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook broccoli: Steam or microwave broccoli until tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make sauce: In a large skillet, combine heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat until bubbly.
  4. Combine: Add cooked gnocchi and broccoli to the skillet. Stir to coat in the sauce. Transfer to a baking dish.
  5. Add cheese: Top with grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
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Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake

  • Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the gnocchi. They can become mushy. Fix: Keep an eye on them and drain as soon as they float to the top.
  • Tip: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Tip: To make ahead, prepare the dish without the cheese, then refrigerate. Add cheese before baking.

Storing & Reheating Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the dish without the cheese, then refrigerate. Add cheese before baking.

Freezing Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake

Freeze before adding cheese. Thaw and bake as needed.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.

Recipe Notes

  • Chef tip: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • Best substitution: Use frozen cauliflower florets as a substitute for broccoli.
  • Make-ahead: Prepare the dish without the cheese, then refrigerate. Add cheese before baking.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled for a larger crowd.
  • Troubleshooting: If the top isn't browning, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Want to level up this recipe?

High-quality baking dish — Even heat distribution for perfectly baked casseroles. → Check price on Amazon

Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake

Plated serving of Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake
Prep
15 mins
🍳
Cook
25 mins
Total
40 mins
🍽
Serves
4 servings
🥗
Diet
Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb gnocchi
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup 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
  • Red pepper flakes, optional

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh basil, chopped
  • Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook broccoli: Steam or microwave broccoli until tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make sauce: In a large skillet, combine heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat until bubbly.
  4. Combine: Add cooked gnocchi and broccoli to the skillet. Stir to coat in the sauce. Transfer to a baking dish.
  5. Add cheese: Top with grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • Chef tip: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • Best substitution: Use frozen cauliflower florets as a substitute for broccoli.
  • Make-ahead: Prepare the dish without the cheese, then refrigerate. Add cheese before baking.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled for a larger crowd.
  • Troubleshooting: If the top isn't browning, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze before adding cheese. Thaw and bake as needed.
  • Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
  • Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.
  • Make ahead: Prepare the dish without the cheese, then refrigerate. Add cheese before baking.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 520
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbs: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
  • Sat. Fat: 16g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, prepare the dish without the cheese, then refrigerate. Add cheese before baking.

Why is my gnocchi mushy?

Overcooking can cause gnocchi to become mushy. Fix: Keep an eye on them and drain as soon as they float to the top.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, fresh or frozen broccoli can be used. If using frozen, thaw and drain before using.

How do I make this spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Why isn't the top browning?

If the top isn't browning, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake 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!

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