Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this Boursin Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi! This simple yet gourmet dish combines pillowy gnocchi with creamy Boursin cheese, crispy bacon, and vibrant broccoli, transforming an ordinary meal into a cozy feast the entire family will love!
Budget Information
The total cost for this recipe is approximately $15, which breaks down to about $3.75 per serving (for four servings). Here’s how that adds up:
- Chopped broccoli (3 cups): $2.00
- Diced streaky bacon (150g): $4.00
- Shallots (2): $0.70
- Low-salt chicken stock (180ml): $1.00
- Boursin cheese (garlic & herb, 150g): $4.50
- Potato gnocchi (800g): $3.00
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): $0.30
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): $0.20
Why This Recipe Works
This Boursin Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi is the gold medalist of comfort food, and it’s not hard to see why! The creamy Boursin cheese elevates the sauce to creamy greatness without weighing it down, while the crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch. The vibrant bits of broccoli not only bring color but also a pop of freshness. Essentially, it’s a dish that balances indulgence with healthiness, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or an impressive meal for friends on a casual night.
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups chopped broccoli (approximately 1 large head, $2.00)
- 150g diced streaky bacon ($4.00)
- 2 finely chopped shallots ($0.70)
- 180ml low-salt chicken stock (¾ cup, $1.00)
- 150g Boursin cheese (garlic & herb, $4.50)
- 800g potato gnocchi ($3.00)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter ($0.30)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ($0.20)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or as needed, optional)
Optional ingredients to enhance your dish:
- 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 Recipe Instructions
Let’s dive into the delicious process of making our Boursin Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi!
Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets, and diced your bacon into small pieces. Mince the shallots and gather all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Having everything ready means you can focus on perfecting your dish without unnecessary interruptions!
Step 2: In a large skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of unsalted butter, then heat them over medium heat. Once melted, toss in your chopped shallots and sauté them until they become soft and translucent, usually about 3-5 minutes. This step lays the flavor foundation for your gorgeous gnocchi dish!
Step 3: Stir in the diced bacon and cook until it’s crispy and well-rendered. You want that delicious, smoky flavor to infuse the dish! As the bacon crisps, it’ll also release its flavorful fat into the pan. This is golden magic!
Step 4: Add your parboiled gnocchi to the skillet—if you haven’t parboiled them yet, boil them in salted water for about 3 minutes before adding. Pour in the low-salt chicken stock and let everything simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring that your gnocchi soak in all those fantastic flavors from the chicken stock and bacon.
Step 5: Now, it’s time to make it creamy! Stir in the Boursin cheese and a splash of heavy cream, mixing until everything is beautifully combined and the sauce coats the gnocchi. Adjust the consistency with a bit of gnocchi cooking water if needed. This dreamy mix will have you wanting to dive right in!
Step 6: Finally, fold in the chopped broccoli, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Let it all cook for another couple of minutes until the broccoli is tender yet still bright green. The lovely colors mixed with the creamy sauce will make your kitchen smell divine!
Serve this delicious gnocchi immediately in charming bowls and watch it vanish before your eyes!
Nutritional Facts
Each serving of this delightful dish contains:
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Total Fats: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which may be hard to believe!), store the gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy texture. Microwaving is also an option, just make sure to heat it in short bursts to avoid uneven heating!
Serving Suggestions
This Boursin Bacon and Broccoli Gnocchi is truly a star on its own, but there are a few magic touches to elevate the experience! Serve it with a light side salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Consider adding a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc to your meal; it pairs exceptionally well with the richness of the dish. And for a gourmet finish, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving will add a lovely touch! You can also include some crusty bread—because who doesn’t love to scoop up those extra creamy bits?
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
When making this dish, remember that gnocchi acts like little sponges, soaking up flavors. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning based on your taste preferences! If you’re looking for additional texture, consider topping with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch. And for the vegetarians, the spinach could be swapped with tofu or chickpeas for added protein! Last but not least, cooking gnocchi quickly is essential; you want them to remain soft yet chewy—definitely avoid overcooking them! Happy cooking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh ones. You can cook them straight from frozen; just follow the package instructions.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You can enhance it with additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini!
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble everything right before serving. Just store the components in the fridge and combine when ready.
What if I don’t have Boursin cheese?
If Boursin isn’t available, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and herbs to mimic its flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but feel free to adjust to your liking. You can leave them out entirely if you prefer no spice!
