Meta Description: Learn how to make a comforting and delicious broccoli white cheddar gnocchi. This easy, one-pan recipe combines tender gnocchi with a rich and creamy cheese sauce, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
I’ll never forget the night I first made this dish. I was in a bit of a cooking rut, staring into my fridge, trying to find inspiration for a quick but satisfying dinner. I had a bag of gnocchi, some broccoli, and a block of white cheddar cheese that were all on their last leg. I thought about making a simple pasta dish, but the combination of these three ingredients felt like it could be so much more. My mind went to a classic broccoli cheddar soup, but what if I turned it into a pasta dish? I decided to cook the gnocchi and then toss it in a creamy sauce made with the white cheddar and broccoli.
The aroma that filled my kitchen was incredible—cheesy, savory, and with a hint of earthy broccoli. The first bite was a revelation. The tender, pillowy gnocchi was perfectly coated in a rich, velvety white cheddar sauce, and the tender broccoli florets added a welcome bit of texture and a healthy touch. It wasn’t just dinner; it was a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. It was everything I loved about broccoli cheddar soup but in a more substantial and satisfying form. This broccoli white cheddar gnocchi became an instant favorite and my go-to recipe for when I want something comforting, delicious, and easy.
This recipe is proof that you don’t need a lot of ingredients or a complicated process to create something truly spectacular. It takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a meal that is both healthy and deeply satisfying. It’s a dish that will not only get you out of your dinner rut but might just become a new staple in your kitchen.
🧀 The Secret to a Seriously Good Gnocchi Dish
Most people think of gnocchi as a fancy pasta that’s difficult to cook. But with a store-bought package, it’s one of the easiest and most versatile ingredients you can have in your pantry. The key to this dish is the combination of textures and flavors. You have the soft, pillowy gnocchi, a type of Italian dumpling made from potatoes, which soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
The star of the show, however, is the white cheddar cheese sauce. Unlike a traditional mac and cheese sauce, this one is made without a roux, which makes it faster and simpler to prepare. The sharp flavor of the white cheddar pairs perfectly with the earthy notes of the broccoli. The addition of a little garlic and onion powder adds a savory depth that makes the sauce rich and irresistible. Finally, the broccoli adds a pop of color and a healthy crunch that balances the richness of the sauce.
This dish is a fantastic one-pan meal that is both quick to make and easy to clean up. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you’re craving something comforting and delicious.
🌟 Pro Tips for Gnocchi Success
- Use the Right Cheese: A good quality, sharp white cheddar cheese is essential for this recipe. It has a robust flavor that can stand up to the other ingredients. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly and result in a grainy sauce.
- Cook Gnocchi Al Dente: Gnocchi cooks very quickly. You want to cook it just until it floats to the top of the water, which usually takes only 2-3 minutes. This will ensure that it’s tender but not mushy.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want the broccoli to be bright green and have a little bit of a crunch. It will continue to cook slightly in the sauce, so it’s a good idea to cook it for just a few minutes in the water with the gnocchi.
- Season in Layers: Seasoning at different stages of the cooking process will result in a more flavorful dish. Make sure to salt the water for the gnocchi and season the sauce and broccoli as you go.
- Keep the Sauce on Low Heat: When you’re melting the cheese into the sauce, make sure the heat is low. High heat can cause the sauce to break and become greasy. A gentle simmer is all you need to get a smooth, creamy result.
✅ Ingredients
- 1 lb shelf-stable gnocchi (or fresh)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and broccoli florets to the boiling water. Cook according to the gnocchi package directions, usually 2-3 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the top when it’s done. Drain the gnocchi and broccoli and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy cooking water.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pot you used for the gnocchi, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a low simmer. Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the shredded white cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked gnocchi and broccoli back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Gently toss everything together until the gnocchi and broccoli are evenly coated. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy. 😋
🍽️ Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This broccoli white cheddar gnocchi is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but you can certainly elevate it with a few simple additions. For a little crunch and a savory element, you could top it with some crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs. The crunch would provide a beautiful contrast to the creamy sauce and soft gnocchi.
For a protein boost, you could add some roasted chicken or a grilled salmon fillet on the side. The richness of the salmon would pair beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce. For a simple side, a light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette would be perfect. The acidity of the vinaigrette would cut through the richness of the gnocchi dish and provide a refreshing balance.
If you’re looking to make this a more family-friendly meal, you can serve it with a side of garlic bread. The soft, buttery bread would be perfect for sopping up all that delicious cheese sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top of the finished dish would add a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
💡 Common Questions and Recipe Variations
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can! While sharp white cheddar is my favorite for this recipe, you can also use other good melting cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or even a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and has a good flavor.
What if I don’t like gnocchi?
If you’re not a fan of gnocchi, you can easily substitute it with another type of pasta. Short pastas like rotini, penne, or even small shells would work beautifully. Just cook the pasta according to the package directions, and then toss it with the sauce as directed.
How can I make this dish heartier?
To make this a more substantial meal, you could add some cooked and crumbled sausage to the sauce. Spicy Italian sausage would add a wonderful kick that would pair well with the sharp cheddar cheese. You could also add some other vegetables, like sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, or roasted butternut squash.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately after it’s made, as the sauce can thicken and the gnocchi can lose its tender texture if it sits for too long. However, you can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the gnocchi and broccoli, and then warm the sauce gently on the stovetop before combining.
📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on exact ingredient amounts and brands used.
📝 A New Kind of Comfort Food
This broccoli white cheddar gnocchi is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create something truly special and comforting. It’s proof that a healthy and delicious meal can be on the table in minutes. The combination of tender gnocchi, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and fresh, crisp broccoli is a winning combination that you will absolutely love.
I hope this recipe brings a little bit of comfort and a lot of joy to your kitchen. It’s a simple process with a delicious result, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and let me know how it turned out for you. I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Happy cooking!
