Description
A comforting and flavorful baked dish combining tender gnocchi and roasted broccoli in a creamy cheesy sauce, topped with Parmesan and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 300 g Broccoli (cut into very small pieces)
- 1 Onion (peeled and chopped)
Base & Sauce
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided)
- 500 g Gnocchi (dried)
- 25 g Cornflour
- 300 ml Milk
- 300 ml Crème fraîche
Cheese & Seasoning
- 75 g Parmesan cheese (grated, divided)
- 1 tsp Wholegrain mustard
- 1 tsp Garlic granules
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200℃/400℉ fan, 220℃/425℉ conventional, or Gas Mark 7 to prepare for roasting.
- Roast the vegetables: Place the broccoli, chopped onion, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a shallow roasting tin. Generously season with salt and pepper, then stir to coat everything evenly with oil. Roast for 10 minutes to soften and enhance flavors.
- Add gnocchi and roast more: Remove the tin, add the dried gnocchi and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to mix and coat. Return the tin to the oven for another 10 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook and start crisping up.
- Prepare the sauce: While roasting, combine cornflour with a small amount of milk in a bowl to create a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the crème fraîche until smooth. Add the remaining milk and whisk again until the sauce is silky and well combined.
- Flavor the sauce: Stir two thirds of the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce along with the wholegrain mustard, garlic granules, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly for a flavorful cheesy sauce.
- Combine and bake final dish: Remove the roasting tin from the oven, pour the crème fraîche mixture over the roasted gnocchi and vegetables. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan evenly on top. Bake for a final 10 minutes to thicken the sauce and develop a golden cheesy crust.
Notes
- Cornflour is used to thicken the creamy sauce; ensure it is mixed into a smooth paste before adding to avoid lumps.
- You can substitute dried gnocchi with fresh if preferred, but adjust roasting time accordingly as fresh gnocchi cooks faster.
- Use a shallow roasting tin to ensure even roasting and cooking.
- This dish can be customized by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- For a sharper flavor, try mixing in some aged Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
