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With ready-made gnocchi this broccoli, pasta and cheese dish is a perfect midweek supper.
Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi is a quick and easy Food To Glow favourite!
Even for a quick, summery midweek meal, this couldn’t be easier. Or faster. Sauté packaged gnocchi with garlic and broccolini, adding in plenty of intense, authentic Parmigiano Reggiano for a memorable one-pan family meal.
Parmesan – a staple ingredient
Parmigiano Reggiano is my go-to for adding instant, deep flavour to so many dishes. Whether it is in a vegetable side dish (my Creamed Kale is a favourite), Parmesan crisps, in soups, pastas (obvs) or elevating deeply comforting vegetable gratins and bean bakes, Parmigiano Reggiano is a no-brainer of a flavour enhancer. And with zero additives – just three ingredients treated very well – it easily fits into a whole food diet.
For this recipe, although you add the Parmigiano Reggiano right at the end, it really pulls all the other players into focus. The umami and subtle mineral twang finish this gnocchi dish like no other ingredient. It will create that culinary magic on pretty much anything that you add it to.
And, as a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) product, quality is assured. I really recommend using only authentic Parmigiano Reggiano for this dish. Its distinct flavour means that a little goes a long way. I can’t say that for other parm-alikes where you need loads to try and achieve the taste your brain expects. ‘Try’ being the operative word.
Parmigiano Reggiano really is a staple ingredient for me.

Almost done. Just the cheese to add!
What’s in this Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi dish?
Extra virgin olive oil. Your favourite one, not the one you just sauté veg in.
Gnocchi. I like firm gnocchi so that I can saute it rather than boil it, but it’s your call. Potato gnocchi are probably best for sautéing, but ricotta is lovely too. A homemade ricotta and Parmigiano Reggiano one – oh man, that would be good. But…if you don’t fancy gnocchi (some people find it a bit heavy) use your favourite pasta shape, cooking it al dente.
Garlic. Just one clove to subtly flavour, not ward off vampires.
Broccoli. Thin spears of Tenderstem or broccolini are my favourite choice, but any broccoli will do. Just keep the thickness the same to ensure even cooking. And you know already that the tender sweet stems are the best bit!
Hazelnuts. Toasted and chopped, we love the crunch and toasty taste. Pine nuts are a posher option.
Lemon. Balance and welcome acidity. And I really can’t help but put it into pretty much everything.
Parmigiano Reggiano – of course.
Changing it up
Add more veg. Of course I would say that. I’ve deliberately kept this recipe quick and simple, but feel free to freestyle. Charred sweetcorn, chunks of steamed or roasted eggplant, marinated artichoke hearts in the summer. Roasted squash, red onions and nutty celeriac during the colder months.
Different pasta Instead of gnocchi, why not boil up your favourite pasta shape? Something like a trofie would be good.
A flavoured oil – garlic, lemon or basil – to finish would be gorgeous. A tiny drizzle of (UK Amazon affiliate link) smoked olive oil is bliss.
Taste and adjust. That should be your prerogative for any dish, but especially for one that is so simple. Add more lemon, a pinch of chillli flakes, sprinkle over some soft fresh thyme leaves. Whatever you think will appeal to your own taste.
How to eat Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi
With a fork! 🙂
Seriously, this crazy-easy midweek kind of supper comes together in no time. It is full of fresh ingredients, and packs a flavourful punch. It is also my go-to summer dish for a quick and nutritious family meal. For a casual dinner party why not scale it up and serve with roasted peppers, a pillowy, olive-studded focaccia and a crisp, flinty white wine?
*Want more gnocchi inspo? Check out this round-up of 29 gnocchi and gnudi recipes over on Epicurious.com.
*For nutrition information on Parmesan cheese, read this article over on nutritionadvance.com.
*For further information, please go to Parmigiano Reggiano.
*To keep up with the latest recipes and Parm chat, follow @ParmesanUK on Twitter, @parmigianoreggiano on Instagram and Parmigiano Reggiano on Facebook.

Nutty Broccoli Gnocchi with Parmigiano Reggiano
With ready-made gnocchi this broccoli, pasta and parm dish is a perfect midweek supper.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more to drizzle
- 500 g gnocchi I like Rana brand
- 1 clove garlic minced or grated
- 200 g Tenderstem broccoli or broccolini thicker pieces vertically sliced
- 1 small lemon plus the zest
- 2 tbsp chopped hazelnuts, toasted or pine nuts, toasted
- 20 g Parmigiano Reggiano grated; more to taste
- black pepper and salt to taste
Instructions
-
Heat the oil in a wide skillet and saute the gnocchi for two minutes, turning to brown slightly. Now add the garlic and broccoli, tossing to coat in the oil. Pop on a lid and cook for three minutes, or until the broccoli is just cooked. Spritz on half the lemon and add the zest, hazelnuts and the Parmigiano Reggiano. Add the remaining lemon if that suits your palate.
Recipe Notes
If you don't fancy gnocchi, use another pasta.
You can boil the pasta, but we really like it sauted. If boiling, follow your packet directions if not homemade.
Add in other vegetables if you wish. For winter eating, roasted or steamed butternut squash would be fab. And I can always squeeze eggplant into a pasta dish!
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oh, yummmm
Another clever recipe! I’m definitely making this. Love the pictures!
Let me know if you do, Julie. Get real Parmesan for it too x
Deeeelicious
A super recipe, this will be ever so useful, thank you!
This looks delish!!
Mmmmm
Made this tonight for the family who have always hated gnocchi and they ate the lot! I am delighted. I added in baby sweetcorn and peas for extra veg. My son said “that was really, really good”. He NEVER compliments my cooking unless it’s burgers or pizza!! The only pronlem was my gnocchi stuck to the casserole a lot so it was s bit stressful to cook. Maybe use different gnocchi next time? (I used Tesco’s). But the compliments and clean plates made it worthwhile. Will definitely make again. Thank you.