This deeply-rich and creamy broccoli gnocchi recipe is particularly for the days when a salad, just won’t cut it. The broccoli and spinach are perfect nutritious compliments to the velvety, cheese sauce while the gnocchi adds a unique texture to the pasta dish. Coming together in about 20 minutes, this easy and delicious meal might just become your families new favorite comfort food (and not to mention a great way to get the kids to eat their broccoli).
Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli Gnocchi:
EVOO- Rather than using butter to sauté the vegetables, we’re using extra virgin olive oil, which is a more nutritious option.
Yellow Onion- This is going to add a base of flavor in the sauce. An optional addition to add with the onion, is fresh garlic to make an even more robust flavorful sauce.
Broccoli- The key to making this pasta nutrient-rich, is in the broccoli. The creamy, cheesy sauce, pairs perfectly with this vegetable, making this pasta an easy way to consume this healthy superfood.
Potato Gnocchi- A comforting twist on the traditional pasta, and depending on which one you buy, it’s often slightly more nutritious than the average pasta. Gnocchi is usually made with potatoes which offer more nutrients than pasta made with refined flour. Gnocchi can also be easier to digest, and often makes you feel fuller faster than regular pasta. It’s a win-win!
Half & Half Cream- To really make the sauce creamy we don’t want to skimp on the half & half. If making this vegan, a cashew cream can be made in it’s place. While I’m not an advocate for heavy cream like this for health purposes, every once in awhile, a creamy pasta just hits the spot. Everything in moderation, right?
Vegetable Broth- Using broth helps add to the flavor and thin out the sauce a little. You can omit this ingredient for a thicker sauce with a slightly different flavor if preferred.
Frozen Spinach- Adding some extra spinach amps up the vitamins and nutrients in this pasta, so we definitely don’t want to skip this ingredient. It’s an easy way to make this meal a bit more nutritious and camouflage that spinach for the haters.
Basil Leaves- This little herb gives big flavor in this recipe. Make sure to use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor.
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese- An absolute must for this recipe. This type of cheese is particularly high in fat making it quite high in calories, but again, for a pasta dish that really hits the spot every once in a while, it is quite worth it.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 Yellow Onion (medium, diced)
- 4 cups Broccoli (cut into florets)
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 1 1/8 lbs Potato Gnocchi
- 2/3 cup Cream, Half & Half
- 1 cup Vegetable Broth, Low Sodium
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1/3 cup Frozen Spinach (thawed, drained)
- 1/4 cup Basil Leaves (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (finely grated, divided)
Directions:
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about five minutes or until soft and translucent. Add the broccoli and cook for another five minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chili flakes, gnocchi, cream, and broth. Stir and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more broth if necessary.
- Remove the lid and stir in the spinach, basil, and half of the parmesan cheese. Cover the pan again and simmer for another five minutes.
- Remove from the heat. Add the remaining cheese and garnish with more basil leaves. Divide evenly between plates and enjoy!
Notes:
- Leftovers- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Serving Size- One serving is equal to approximately 1 1/3 cups.
- More Flavor- Add garlic and mushrooms.
Health Insights:
- Vitamins- This recipe is packed with a variety of vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, D, E, K and several B-vitamins. These vitamins play crucial roles in our body, including supporting immune function, aiding in cell growth and development, and promoting eye health.
- Fiber- The broccoli, spinach, and potatoes in this recipe contribute to its high fiber content. Dietary fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system and can help to maintain a healthy weight and lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
- Protein- The gnocchi and parmesan cheese provide a good amount of protein. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build and repair body tissues, supports muscle growth and boosts immune function.
