Boursin Bacon Broccoli Gnocchi: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Boursin Bacon Broccoli Gnocchi: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple dish that will redefine your weeknight dinner routine! Imagine tender, pillowy gnocchi, perfectly crisp bacon, vibrant broccoli florets, all enveloped in a creamy, garlicky Boursin cheese sauce. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about it!

While gnocchi itself boasts a rich history, originating in Italy as a humble potato dumpling, this particular combination is a modern twist that elevates the classic comfort food to new heights. The addition of Boursin cheese, with its signature blend of herbs and garlic, adds a touch of French elegance, while the bacon and broccoli provide a delightful textural contrast and savory depth.

People adore this Boursin Bacon Broccoli Gnocchi for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious! The creamy, cheesy sauce is irresistible, and the combination of flavors is simply divine. Secondly, it’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, ditch the takeout menu and get ready to experience the magic of this delightful dish. You won’t regret it!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound gnocchi (shelf-stable or frozen)
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 (5.2 ounce) package Boursin cheese (garlic & fine herbs flavor recommended)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Broccoli and Bacon:

1. First, let’s get the broccoli ready. Wash the broccoli head thoroughly under cold water. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Try to make them roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Set the florets aside.
2. Now, for the bacon! Dice the bacon into small pieces. I like to use kitchen shears for this, it’s much faster and less messy than using a knife.
3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the bacon!
4. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet – this will add tons of flavor to the dish! If there’s more than a tablespoon, pour off the excess.
5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
6. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. If the broccoli starts to stick to the skillet, add a tablespoon or two of water and cover the skillet for a minute or two to steam it.
7. Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and set aside with the cooked bacon.

Cooking the Gnocchi:

1. While the broccoli and bacon are cooking, prepare the gnocchi according to the package directions. Most shelf-stable gnocchi can be cooked by simply dropping them into boiling salted water. Frozen gnocchi may require a slightly longer cooking time.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt is important, as it seasons the gnocchi from the inside out.
3. Carefully add the gnocchi to the boiling water. They will initially sink to the bottom, but as they cook, they will float to the surface.
4. Once the gnocchi float to the surface, cook them for another 1-2 minutes, or until they are tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
5. Drain the gnocchi in a colander and set aside.

Creating the Boursin Cheese Sauce:

1. Now, let’s make the creamy Boursin cheese sauce! In the same skillet you used to cook the bacon and broccoli (no need to wash it!), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the Boursin cheese to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula to help it melt more easily.
3. Pour in the heavy cream. Stir constantly until the Boursin cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This should only take a few minutes.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a nutty, salty flavor to the sauce and help to thicken it slightly.
5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon and Parmesan cheese are already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the Boursin cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi evenly in the sauce.
2. Add the cooked broccoli and bacon to the skillet. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
3. Cook for another minute or two, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

Serving:

1. Serve the Boursin Bacon Broccoli Gnocchi immediately.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
3. This dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, to the skillet along with the broccoli.
• Different Cheese: If you don’t have Boursin cheese, you can substitute it with another soft cheese, such as cream cheese or goat cheese. You may need to adjust the amount of heavy cream depending on the consistency of the cheese you use.
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add some cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp to the dish.
• Spice it Up: If you like a lot of heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the broccoli and bacon ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook the gnocchi and make the sauce.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Boursin Bacon Broccoli Gnocchi! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Boursin Bacon Broccoli Gnocchi isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The creamy, garlicky Boursin cheese melts into the perfectly cooked gnocchi, while the crispy bacon and tender broccoli add delightful textures and savory notes. It’s comfort food elevated, simple enough for a busy evening, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a regular in your rotation.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s all about the harmonious blend of flavors and the ease of preparation. The Boursin cheese does so much of the heavy lifting, infusing the entire dish with its signature herby, garlicky goodness. The bacon provides that irresistible smoky saltiness that complements the richness of the cheese, and the broccoli adds a touch of freshness and a welcome nutritional boost. Plus, the pillowy gnocchi are just plain fun to eat! It’s a complete meal in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing enjoyment.

Looking for serving suggestions? This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can easily customize it to your liking. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a touch of heat, while a squeeze of lemon juice will brighten the flavors. You could also top it with toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! If you’re not a fan of broccoli, try substituting it with asparagus, spinach, or even roasted Brussels sprouts. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and add some sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor. You could also swap the Boursin for a different flavored cream cheese, such as chive and onion or garden vegetable. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that this Boursin Bacon Broccoli Gnocchi is a winner. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and versatile. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again, tweaking it to suit your own tastes and preferences. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering with friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And when you do, please share your experience! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, and let’s spread the word about this amazing dish. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I can’t wait to see your creations! Don’t forget to rate the recipe after you try it! Your feedback helps others discover this delicious and easy meal. Enjoy!