Cheesy Baked Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe

When you’re craving something warm, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Cheesy Baked Broccoli Gnocchi is the perfect answer. It’s a comforting one-pan dinner that brings together pillowy gnocchi, tender broccoli, a rich cheese sauce, and plenty of bubbly mozzarella in one delicious skillet.

Ready in about 35 minutes, this easy baked gnocchi recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or those evenings when you simply want a satisfying bowl of comfort food. Everything comes together with minimal fuss, and baking it in a cast iron skillet gives the top a beautifully golden, bubbly finish.

Best of all, this vegetarian-friendly gnocchi bake is simple enough for a weeknight while still feeling special enough to serve when friends or family are gathered around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 35 minutes: A quick and comforting dinner without complicated preparation.
• One-pan convenience: Make the cheese sauce and bake the gnocchi in the same oven-safe skillet.
• Creamy and cheesy: Cream cheese and mozzarella create an irresistibly rich, bubbly sauce.
• Vegetarian-friendly: A satisfying meatless main dish the whole family can enjoy.
• Perfect comfort food: Tender gnocchi, broccoli, and golden melted cheese make every bite cozy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound gnocchi: Soft, pillowy gnocchi provides the hearty base for this comforting baked dish.
• 3 cups broccoli florets: Adds tender-crisp texture, freshness, and a boost of vegetables.
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Creates the liquid base for the creamy cheese sauce. Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory garlic flavor throughout the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness and extra depth.
• 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick; adjust according to your preferred spice level.
• Salt and pepper: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed: Melts into the broth to create a rich, creamy sauce.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Gives the dish its gooey, cheesy texture and golden baked topping.

How to Make CHEESY BAKED BROCCOLI GNOCCHI

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. If you’re using a cast iron skillet, make sure it is properly oven-safe before beginning.

Cook the Broccoli and Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and gnocchi and simmer for about 3 minutes.

Drain well and set both aside.

Don’t overcook the gnocchi at this stage. It will continue cooking in the oven, so a short simmer helps keep it tender without becoming mushy.

Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Place a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add the broth. Bring the broth to a simmer.

Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until it is mostly melted and incorporated into the broth. A few small pieces of cream cheese are perfectly fine at this point because they will melt further in the oven.

Add 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes mostly smooth. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Combine the Gnocchi and Broccoli

Add the drained gnocchi and broccoli directly to the cheese sauce.

Gently fold everything together, making sure the creamy sauce coats the gnocchi and broccoli without breaking up the gnocchi.

Spread everything into an even layer, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella over the top.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden on top.

For an extra pop of heat, sprinkle a little additional red pepper flakes over the finished dish.

Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving—the sauce will be wonderfully creamy and the gnocchi will be piping hot.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Three minutes in the boiling water is enough because the gnocchi finishes cooking in the oven.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella: It melts beautifully and gives the dish an especially gooey topping.
• Keep the broccoli slightly firm: A short simmer prevents it from becoming overly soft during baking.
• Adjust the spice: Use 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for mild heat or closer to 1/2 teaspoon for a more noticeable kick.
• Don’t worry about tiny cream cheese pieces: They will continue melting as the casserole bakes.
• Use an oven-safe skillet: A cast iron skillet makes this a true one-pan meal and gives the cheese plenty of surface area to brown.

Equipment Needed

• Large pot: For boiling the broccoli and gnocchi.
• Colander: For draining the cooked gnocchi and broccoli.
• Large oven-safe skillet: Ideally a cast iron skillet for making the sauce and baking everything together.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and gently folding the ingredients.
• Baking dish: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, prepare the sauce in another pan and transfer everything to a baking dish before adding the final mozzarella topping.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Broccoli Gnocchi

Turn up the heat by using 1/2 teaspoon or more of red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra-spicy cheesy bake.

Extra-Vegetable Gnocchi Bake

Add more vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté vegetables that need more cooking time before adding them to the cheese sauce.

Three-Cheese Gnocchi

For an even richer version, replace part of the mozzarella with Parmesan or sharp cheddar. The combination creates a deeper, more complex cheesy flavor.

Creamy Garlic Gnocchi

Increase the garlic powder or add fresh minced garlic to the sauce for a stronger garlic flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top also pairs beautifully with the garlic and broccoli.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Baked Broccoli Gnocchi is hearty enough to serve as a complete vegetarian dinner, but it also pairs nicely with a few simple sides.

Serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables are also excellent choices.

For presentation, serve the gnocchi directly from the skillet while the mozzarella is still warm and bubbly. Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, freshly cracked black pepper, or a little grated Parmesan.

A piece of crusty bread is also perfect for scooping up every last bit of the creamy cheese sauce.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Baked Broccoli Gnocchi ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dish up to a day ahead. Assemble the cheesy sauce, gnocchi, and broccoli in your skillet or baking dish, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Frozen broccoli can work well in this recipe. Thaw and drain it first, then add it to the dish. Be careful not to overcook it so the broccoli retains some texture.

Can I use a baking dish instead of a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, prepare the cheese sauce separately, then transfer it to a baking dish along with the cooked gnocchi and broccoli. Add the remaining mozzarella and bake as directed.

How do I store leftovers?

Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for 4–5 days.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The recipe is already vegetarian-friendly when prepared with vegetable broth.

Can I make this gnocchi bake spicier?

Definitely. Increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste. Start with a small amount and add more before baking or as a garnish when serving.

Final Thoughts

This easy Cheesy Baked Broccoli Gnocchi is the kind of comforting dinner that makes a busy evening feel a little more special. With pillowy gnocchi, tender broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden blanket of melted mozzarella, it delivers plenty of cozy flavor with surprisingly little effort.

Whether you make it in a cast iron skillet for a simple one-pan meal or prepare it ahead for an easy dinner later, this homemade gnocchi bake is sure to become a family favorite.

Give it a try, make it your own with your favorite vegetables or cheeses, and enjoy every warm, cheesy bite!

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