Hello, friend! If you’re on the lookout for a cozy and delightful dish to whip up, I’ve got just the thing for you: Gnocchi with Broccoli & Ham in a Creamy Cheese Sauce! This recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl, combining soft, pillowy gnocchi with tender broccoli and savory ham all swimming in a dreamy cheese sauce. It’s quick to make and sure to impress your family or friends. Trust me, once you try it, you might just want to make it every week!
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also packed with surprisingly good-for-you ingredients! Broccoli is a fantastic source of vitamins C and K, and it adds a nice crunch to our creamy concoction. Ham brings in some protein which helps keep you full and satisfied. Plus, when you make cheese sauce at home, you can control how cheesy and creamy you want it to be. If you’re trying to cut back on calories, you can easily pick a lighter cheese or reduce the amount without sacrificing flavor!
Fun Variations to Make
- Vegetarian Twist: Ditch the ham and add more veggies instead! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach all work beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Gnocchi: If you need a gluten-free option, look for store-bought gluten-free gnocchi or make your own using alternate flours.
- Extra Cheese Lover’s Delight: Use different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor and gooey texture.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little heat that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the sauce!
Gnocchi with Broccoli & Ham in a Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced ham
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend works great)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions (usually around 2-3 minutes until they float to the top). While the gnocchi is cooking, prepare the broccoli.
- In another pot, bring a small amount of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the diced ham and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown a bit.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring gently. Gradually add in the shredded cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked gnocchi and broccoli into the skillet. Gently toss everything together to ensure the gnocchi and broccoli are well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious dish!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- If you make extra sauce, it can keep well in the fridge for a couple of days—just reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready!
- This dish is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You might need to add a splash of cream when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Want to make it ahead? You can prepare the sauce and store it separately from the gnocchi and veggies. Combine everything just before serving!
Equipment Needed
Here’s a quick list of the tools to make your cooking smooth:
- A large pot for boiling gnocchi
- A small pot for cooking broccoli
- A large skillet for the cheese sauce
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- A colander for draining the broccoli and gnocchi
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen gnocchi? Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well—just boil it according to the package instructions!
- Is there a substitute for heavy cream? You can use half-and-half instead if you’re looking for something lighter, or even milk, but keep in mind the sauce might be less creamy.
- What can I use instead of ham? If you’re not a ham person, feel free to swap it for cooked chicken, turkey, or simply leave it out for a vegetarian option.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes! You can prepare up to the step of mixing in the gnocchi and broccoli, then store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
- How spicy does this dish get? It’s all up to you! The recipe is mild as is, but you can control the spice level based on how much red pepper flakes you choose to add—or skip altogether!
Did you give this delightful gnocchi dish a try? I would love to hear how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it on Pinterest—I can’t wait to see your version of this creamy goodness!
