Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake
Easy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake is the ultimate comfort food. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the creamiest cheese sauce. The golden, crispy top is irresistible. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Feta Phyllo Rolls with Sweet Chili Honey Sauce and Easy Summer Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil.
Why This Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy, comforting cheese sauce
- Golden, crispy top
- Better than takeout
- Easy, one-pan cooking
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
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Gnocchi: Potato or cauliflower gnocchi work well.
- Broccoli: You can substitute with cauliflower or spinach.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Stainless Steel Skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect cooking. → See on Amazon
- Box Grater — Easy grating for perfect cheese texture. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake
- Cook Gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Broccoli: In a large skillet, sauté broccoli florets until tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked gnocchi, sautĂ©ed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir to combine. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the gnocchi. They can become mushy. Cook until al dente.
- Tip: For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Tip: Add a layer of cooked, sliced chicken or turkey for a heartier meal.
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 in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the casserole up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Freezing Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
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.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Best substitution: Substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated as needed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out.
Want to level up this recipe?
Stainless Steel Baking Dish — Even heat distribution for perfect baking. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook Gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Broccoli: In a large skillet, sauté broccoli florets until tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked gnocchi, sautĂ©ed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir to combine. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Best substitution: Substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated as needed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- 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.
- Make ahead: Prepare the casserole up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sat. Fat: 19g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Creamy Gnocchi and Broccoli Bake FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Adding the cheese too quickly can cause lumps. Add cheese gradually, stirring continuously until melted.
Yes, use frozen broccoli florets. Cook according to package instructions before adding to the casserole.
Most gnocchi is made from potatoes and is gluten-free. Always check the packaging to be sure.
Yes, add cooked vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
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!
