Did you know Americans eat about 15.5 pounds of pasta yearly? Pasta dishes like Boursin Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi are favorites. This recipe is both gourmet and easy to make.
The mix of garlic and herb Boursin cheese, crispy bacon, and broccoli makes it special. It turns a simple gnocchi dish into a cozy meal for dinner.
Sharing my experience making this creamy bacon and broccoli gnocchi is fun. It’s not just about tasty flavors. It’s about making your mealtime warm and joyful.
This recipe makes four servings and is quick to prepare. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make. Try it and see why it might become a favorite in your kitchen!
Introduction to Boursin Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi
Boursin Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi is a tasty choice for easy gnocchi recipes. It mixes creamy gnocchi with Boursin cheese, crispy bacon, and broccoli. This dish is both comforting and a feast for the senses.
Preparing this dish, the Boursin cheese makes the gnocchi velvety. The bacon adds saltiness, and broccoli brings color and health. It’s simple to make, even on a busy night, and impresses guests.
This recipe is quick, taking about 30 minutes, and serves up to six. It has 540 calories per serving, making it indulgent yet comforting. Each bite makes any evening special.
Why Boursin Cheese Makes the Perfect Sauce
Boursin cheese is key to a great boursin cheese dish. It’s creamy and rich, making the gnocchi taste better. It’s lighter than heavy cream but just as creamy.
The garlic and herbs in Boursin make the dish taste amazing. They mix well with bacon and broccoli. Every bite is a mix of flavors that feels cozy and fancy.
Boursin is loved in many recipes because it’s so versatile. It makes any dish special, whether it’s pasta or veggies. Using Boursin means your food will be full of flavor and character.
Ingredients Needed for Boursin Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi
Getting the right ingredients is key for Boursin Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi. This dish is tasty and quick to make. I’ll list the must-haves and some extras to make it even better.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
The main ingredients for this recipe include:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chopped broccoli | 3 cups (approximately 1 large head) |
| Diced streaky bacon | 150g |
| Shallots | 2, finely chopped |
| Low-salt chicken stock | 180ml (¾ cup) |
| Boursin cheese (garlic & herb) | 150g |
| Potato gnocchi | 800g |
| Unsalted butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ teaspoon (or as needed) |
Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor
Want to spice up your broccoli gnocchi? Try these optional ingredients:
- Smoked bacon for a richer flavor
- Parmesan cheese instead of half the mozzarella for added depth
- Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for a refreshing touch
- Vegetable stock instead of chicken for a vegetarian version
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Boursin Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi
Making Boursin Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi is fun. It mixes simple ingredients into a tasty dish. This guide will help you make it easily. You can use a homemade gnocchi recipe or store-bought gnocchi. Cooking gnocchi is rewarding and fun.
Preparation Steps
First, get all your ingredients ready. This makes cooking easier. Here’s what to do:
- Chop 1/2 medium onion and mince 2-3 cloves of garlic.
- Slice 8 ounces of cremini mushrooms and gather 3 cups of broccoli florets, which is about one large head of broccoli.
- Measure out 1 pound of gnocchi and 5.2 ounces of softened Boursin cheese.
- Have 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil ready.
Parboil the gnocchi in salted water for about 3 minutes. This makes them perfect and removes excess starch.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s start cooking:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are tender.
- Add the parboiled gnocchi to the skillet and pour in 3/4 cup of broth. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the softened Boursin cheese and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is creamy and coats the gnocchi.
- Add the broccoli and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Put the mixture in a baking dish, top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Follow these steps to make gnocchi that’s tender yet firm. The creamy sauce makes every bite better. Enjoy your homemade dish, perfect for sharing or saving for later!
Roasting Broccoli for Maximum Flavor
Roasting broccoli makes it taste amazing. It’s way better than boiling or steaming. To get the best flavor, preheat your oven to 400°F.
Chop the broccoli into small pieces. Then, drizzle olive oil over it. Add a bit of salt and pepper too.
The Maillard reaction makes broccoli sweet and charred. Roast it for 15-18 minutes. This makes it crisp and perfect with gnocchi.
Roasting broccoli adds flavor and beauty to your meal. It makes broccoli and cheese gnocchi even better. Every bite is full of taste.
Using Bacon in Your Gnocchi
Adding bacon to my gnocchi makes it even better. I choose streaky bacon for its rich fat. This fat makes the bacon gnocchi taste deeper.
The sauce and gnocchi mix well with bacon. It makes every bite special.
Smoked bacon gives a strong taste. It goes well with the creamy Boursin sauce. Unsalted bacon lets me control the saltiness. It’s good for a lighter taste.
Bacon adds a great texture. When it’s crispy, it’s crunchy. This contrasts with the soft gnocchi.
It makes each bite fun. Bacon also makes the dish versatile. I can use the fat to cook other ingredients or drizzle it on the gnocchi.
Using six slices of bacon makes the dish richer. It’s quick to make and delicious. It’s perfect for busy nights.
Cooking Gnocchi: Tips for the Perfect Texture
Getting the right texture for gnocchi is key. Start by gently parboiling them. Cook as the package says, but cut two minutes off. This keeps them chewy.
Use a slotted spoon to add some cooking water to the sauce. This makes the sauce creamy. Cook the gnocchi in the sauce for three to five minutes. This lets them soak up flavors and get the right texture.
Choosing the right gnocchi is important. Shelf-stable gnocchi is best for a tender bite. The right mix of sauce and gnocchi makes a dish everyone loves. Follow my tips for a meal that’s unforgettable!
Creating a Creamy Sauce with Boursin
To make a creamy sauce with Boursin, start by getting your ingredients. You’ll need Boursin cheese, chicken stock, and heavy cream. These add to a rich, tasty sauce that makes the dish better.
Here’s how I create this creamy masterpiece:
- In a saucepan, warm 180 ml of chicken stock over medium heat.
- Add 150 g of Boursin cheese to the chicken stock, stirring until the cheese melts and combines with the broth.
- Pour in 60 ml of heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce achieves a smooth consistency.
- To adjust the thickness, I utilize gnocchi cooking water, adding small amounts as needed, ensuring the sauce doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors of the gnocchi.
The goal is a perfectly balanced creamy sauce. Every time I prepare this creamy sauce with Boursin, it complements the gnocchi while keeping it deliciously light. Feel free to add salt and pepper to taste, making the flavors even better.
Wondering about nutritional benefits? Each serving of this boursin cheese dish contains approximately 534 kcal. It’s a hearty yet harmonious meal option. Enjoy the satisfaction of a rich, homemade sauce that will make your dining experience truly special.
Serving Suggestions for Boursin Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi
To make my Boursin Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi special, I focus on how it looks and tastes. I add freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on top. This makes the dish look and taste even better.
I like to serve it with a light salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a zesty dressing is great. It balances the rich gnocchi and broccoli nicely.
Pairing it with a chilled glass of white wine is also a good idea. Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice. It adds to the meal without overpowering it. With these tips, you can make this meal a special treat for any time!
