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One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi Easy Dinner Recipe

by on September 12, 2025
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Are you ready for a simple, cheesy dinner that’s packed with flavor? One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi is the answer! This easy recipe combines fluffy gnocchi, fresh broccoli, and rich cheese in a creamy sauce, all cooked in just one pot. No mess, no fuss, just deliciousness in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this tasty meal you’ll love!

- 1 pound store-bought gnocchi - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred) - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. The gnocchi serves as the base, providing a soft and chewy texture. Fresh broccoli adds color and nutrition. I always choose low-sodium vegetable broth for better control over salt levels. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a rich flavor, while heavy cream adds creaminess. Parmesan cheese complements the cheddar perfectly. Fresh garlic brings a burst of flavor, and olive oil adds richness. Don't forget salt and pepper for seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. This dish comes together quickly, so it’s best to have everything ready before you start cooking. Trust me, you will love the rich and cheesy taste of One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi! Heating the Olive Oil Start by heating 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. This means it is hot enough to cook. Sautéing the Garlic Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the oil. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. It should smell nice but not burn. Burning the garlic can make the dish taste bitter. Adding Broth and Broccoli Now, add 1 pound of store-bought gnocchi to the pot. Stir to coat the gnocchi in the oil and garlic. Then, pour in 2 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Next, add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Simmering the Mixture Increase the heat slightly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will help the flavors mix well. Let it cook until the broccoli is bright green and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Adding Heavy Cream Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer for another few minutes. This will make the sauce rich and creamy. Incorporating Cheeses Lower the heat to a simmer. Gradually add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt. The sauce will become smooth and thick. Seasoning the Dish Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If you like some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy broccoli gnocchi! Cooking Time for Gnocchi Gnocchi cooks quickly. In just 2-3 minutes, they turn golden. Keep an eye on them. Overcooking makes them mushy. Aim for a light golden color before adding other ingredients. Avoiding Overcooked Broccoli Broccoli should be bright green and tender, not mushy. Add it to the pot with the broth. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This time allows the broccoli to soften without losing its vibrant color. Recommended Seasonings Seasoning is key. Use salt and pepper to taste. For a little heat, add red pepper flakes. They bring a nice kick. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth. Suggested Cheeses for Variations Cheese makes this dish creamy and rich. Sharp cheddar is great, but feel free to mix. Try Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavors. You can even use a spicy cheese if you like. Each cheese adds its own twist to your meal. {{image_4}} Gluten-Free Options You can enjoy this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer this option made from potato or rice flour. Just check the label to ensure it meets your needs. Vegan Alternatives For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor. You can also find vegan gnocchi made from potatoes. Different Vegetables Feel free to change the broccoli. You can use spinach, kale, or even zucchini. Each vegetable brings its own taste and texture. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. Alternative Sauces If you want to mix things up, try adding different sauces. A light alfredo or pesto can add new flavors. You can also use a tomato-based sauce for a fun twist on this recipe. - How to Store Leftovers After enjoying your One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi, let it cool to room temperature. Place leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. - Recommended Storage Containers Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. They keep flavors in and prevent spills. If you plan to freeze, make sure the container is freezer-safe. This will help protect the dish from freezer burn. - Best Methods for Reheating When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, the best method is to reheat on the stove. Pour the gnocchi into a pot over low heat. Stir gently to warm it up evenly. You can also use a microwave. Just make sure to cover it and heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. - Keeping the Dish Creamy To keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating. This will help restore the rich texture. Stir slowly as it warms to blend everything back together. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! The total cooking time is about 25 minutes. You can easily whip this dish up on a busy night. The prep time is around 10 minutes, so you can start cooking right away. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. To meal prep, cook the gnocchi and broccoli as directed. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Add a little extra cream if needed to keep it creamy. This dish pairs well with simple side salads. A fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a cozy, hearty meal. Enjoying it with a glass of white wine can enhance your dining experience too. This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips to enhance flavor. We also discussed dietary modifications and proper storage methods. Overall, this dish is easy to make and customize. Enjoy cooking it and make it your own! You'll love how quick and satisfying it is. Happy cooking!

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

– 1 pound store-bought gnocchi

– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

– 2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)

– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. The gnocchi serves as the base, providing a soft and chewy texture. Fresh broccoli adds color and nutrition. I always choose low-sodium vegetable broth for better control over salt levels. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a rich flavor, while heavy cream adds creaminess. Parmesan cheese complements the cheddar perfectly. Fresh garlic brings a burst of flavor, and olive oil adds richness. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat.

This dish comes together quickly, so it’s best to have everything ready before you start cooking. Trust me, you will love the rich and cheesy taste of One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Garlic and Gnocchi

Heating the Olive Oil

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. This means it is hot enough to cook.

Sautéing the Garlic

Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the oil. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. It should smell nice but not burn. Burning the garlic can make the dish taste bitter.

Combining the Main Ingredients

Adding Broth and Broccoli

Now, add 1 pound of store-bought gnocchi to the pot. Stir to coat the gnocchi in the oil and garlic. Then, pour in 2 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Next, add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets.

Simmering the Mixture

Increase the heat slightly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will help the flavors mix well. Let it cook until the broccoli is bright green and tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Creating the Cheesy Sauce

Adding Heavy Cream

Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer for another few minutes. This will make the sauce rich and creamy.

Incorporating Cheeses

Lower the heat to a simmer. Gradually add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt. The sauce will become smooth and thick.

Seasoning the Dish

Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If you like some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy broccoli gnocchi!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Texture

Cooking Time for Gnocchi

Gnocchi cooks quickly. In just 2-3 minutes, they turn golden. Keep an eye on them. Overcooking makes them mushy. Aim for a light golden color before adding other ingredients.

Avoiding Overcooked Broccoli

Broccoli should be bright green and tender, not mushy. Add it to the pot with the broth. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This time allows the broccoli to soften without losing its vibrant color.

Enhancing Flavor

Recommended Seasonings

Seasoning is key. Use salt and pepper to taste. For a little heat, add red pepper flakes. They bring a nice kick. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth.

Suggested Cheeses for Variations

Cheese makes this dish creamy and rich. Sharp cheddar is great, but feel free to mix. Try Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavors. You can even use a spicy cheese if you like. Each cheese adds its own twist to your meal.

Variations

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Options

You can enjoy this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer this option made from potato or rice flour. Just check the label to ensure it meets your needs.

Vegan Alternatives

For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor. You can also find vegan gnocchi made from potatoes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Different Vegetables

Feel free to change the broccoli. You can use spinach, kale, or even zucchini. Each vegetable brings its own taste and texture. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on what you choose.

Alternative Sauces

If you want to mix things up, try adding different sauces. A light alfredo or pesto can add new flavors. You can also use a tomato-based sauce for a fun twist on this recipe.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

– How to Store Leftovers

After enjoying your One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi, let it cool to room temperature. Place leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it.

– Recommended Storage Containers

Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. They keep flavors in and prevent spills. If you plan to freeze, make sure the container is freezer-safe. This will help protect the dish from freezer burn.

Reheating Tips

– Best Methods for Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, the best method is to reheat on the stove. Pour the gnocchi into a pot over low heat. Stir gently to warm it up evenly. You can also use a microwave. Just make sure to cover it and heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out.

– Keeping the Dish Creamy

To keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating. This will help restore the rich texture. Stir slowly as it warms to blend everything back together. Enjoy your meal just like the first time!

FAQs

How long does it take to make One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi?

The total cooking time is about 25 minutes. You can easily whip this dish up on a busy night. The prep time is around 10 minutes, so you can start cooking right away.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can make this dish in advance. To meal prep, cook the gnocchi and broccoli as directed. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Add a little extra cream if needed to keep it creamy.

What can I serve with One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi?

This dish pairs well with simple side salads. A fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a cozy, hearty meal. Enjoying it with a glass of white wine can enhance your dining experience too.

This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips to enhance flavor. We also discussed dietary modifications and proper storage methods.

Overall, this dish is easy to make and customize. Enjoy cooking it and make it your own! You’ll love how quick and satisfying it is. Happy cooking!

- 1 pound store-bought gnocchi - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred) - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. The gnocchi serves as the base, providing a soft and chewy texture. Fresh broccoli adds color and nutrition. I always choose low-sodium vegetable broth for better control over salt levels. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a rich flavor, while heavy cream adds creaminess. Parmesan cheese complements the cheddar perfectly. Fresh garlic brings a burst of flavor, and olive oil adds richness. Don't forget salt and pepper for seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. This dish comes together quickly, so it’s best to have everything ready before you start cooking. Trust me, you will love the rich and cheesy taste of One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi! Heating the Olive Oil Start by heating 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. This means it is hot enough to cook. Sautéing the Garlic Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the oil. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. It should smell nice but not burn. Burning the garlic can make the dish taste bitter. Adding Broth and Broccoli Now, add 1 pound of store-bought gnocchi to the pot. Stir to coat the gnocchi in the oil and garlic. Then, pour in 2 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Next, add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Simmering the Mixture Increase the heat slightly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will help the flavors mix well. Let it cook until the broccoli is bright green and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Adding Heavy Cream Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer for another few minutes. This will make the sauce rich and creamy. Incorporating Cheeses Lower the heat to a simmer. Gradually add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt. The sauce will become smooth and thick. Seasoning the Dish Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If you like some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy broccoli gnocchi! Cooking Time for Gnocchi Gnocchi cooks quickly. In just 2-3 minutes, they turn golden. Keep an eye on them. Overcooking makes them mushy. Aim for a light golden color before adding other ingredients. Avoiding Overcooked Broccoli Broccoli should be bright green and tender, not mushy. Add it to the pot with the broth. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This time allows the broccoli to soften without losing its vibrant color. Recommended Seasonings Seasoning is key. Use salt and pepper to taste. For a little heat, add red pepper flakes. They bring a nice kick. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth. Suggested Cheeses for Variations Cheese makes this dish creamy and rich. Sharp cheddar is great, but feel free to mix. Try Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavors. You can even use a spicy cheese if you like. Each cheese adds its own twist to your meal. {{image_4}} Gluten-Free Options You can enjoy this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer this option made from potato or rice flour. Just check the label to ensure it meets your needs. Vegan Alternatives For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor. You can also find vegan gnocchi made from potatoes. Different Vegetables Feel free to change the broccoli. You can use spinach, kale, or even zucchini. Each vegetable brings its own taste and texture. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. Alternative Sauces If you want to mix things up, try adding different sauces. A light alfredo or pesto can add new flavors. You can also use a tomato-based sauce for a fun twist on this recipe. - How to Store Leftovers After enjoying your One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi, let it cool to room temperature. Place leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. - Recommended Storage Containers Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. They keep flavors in and prevent spills. If you plan to freeze, make sure the container is freezer-safe. This will help protect the dish from freezer burn. - Best Methods for Reheating When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, the best method is to reheat on the stove. Pour the gnocchi into a pot over low heat. Stir gently to warm it up evenly. You can also use a microwave. Just make sure to cover it and heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. - Keeping the Dish Creamy To keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating. This will help restore the rich texture. Stir slowly as it warms to blend everything back together. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! The total cooking time is about 25 minutes. You can easily whip this dish up on a busy night. The prep time is around 10 minutes, so you can start cooking right away. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. To meal prep, cook the gnocchi and broccoli as directed. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Add a little extra cream if needed to keep it creamy. This dish pairs well with simple side salads. A fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a cozy, hearty meal. Enjoying it with a glass of white wine can enhance your dining experience too. This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips to enhance flavor. We also discussed dietary modifications and proper storage methods. Overall, this dish is easy to make and customize. Enjoy cooking it and make it your own! You'll love how quick and satisfying it is. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi

Indulge in a creamy delight with this One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi recipe! Ready in just 25 minutes, it's packed with fresh broccoli, rich cheeses, and savory garlic, making dinner effortless and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish is sure to please everyone. Click through to discover how to whip up this comforting meal that will leave you wanting more!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound store-bought gnocchi

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions
 

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic, being careful not to let it burn.

    Next, add the gnocchi to the pot. Stir well to coat them in the oil and garlic, allowing them to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they develop a light golden color.

      Carefully pour in the vegetable broth and then introduce the fresh broccoli florets. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to combine.

        Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer together for about 5-7 minutes. This will help soften the gnocchi and the broccoli, ensuring that the broccoli remains bright green yet tender.

          Lower the heat to a simmer and gradually add both the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce reaches a rich, creamy consistency.

            Season the dish generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes according to your taste.

              Serve the cheesy broccoli gnocchi warm, garnished with an extra sprinkle of cheese or some fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color and freshness.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4