If you’re a fan of classic broccoli cheddar soup, this Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is about to become your new favorite comfort food! This creamy, cheesy, and hearty soup combines the best of both worlds—velvety broccoli cheddar soup and pillowy soft gnocchi, creating a rich and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Packed with flavorful cheddar cheese, tender gnocchi, and nutrient-rich broccoli, this soup is both indulgent and wholesome. The best part? It comes together in one pot in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. Serve it with crusty bread or a simple side salad, and you’ll have a meal everyone will love!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal!
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and rich with tender bites of gnocchi.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with broccoli, which is high in vitamins and fiber.
- Versatile & Customizable: Add protein or extra veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients:
- For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening, if needed)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Equipment Used:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Cheese grater
Directions & Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Broccoli & Broth: Add chopped broccoli florets and pour in the broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture.
- Add the Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Make It Creamy: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Dijon mustard and smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar and Parmesan, stirring constantly until melted and fully incorporated.
- Thicken if Needed: If you want a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup, letting it cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season & Serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Nutritional Information
Each serving (approx. 1.5 cups) contains:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fats: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
This hearty soup is rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins while still being indulgent and delicious.
Prep Time and Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations:
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken or crumbled sausage.
- Make It Vegan: Use dairy-free cheese, coconut milk, and plant-based gnocchi.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Extra Veggies: Add carrots, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes! Frozen broccoli works just as well; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Cream-based soups don’t freeze well, but you can make the base and add dairy when reheating.
Q: What’s the best type of gnocchi to use?
A: Shelf-stable or fresh potato gnocchi both work great in this soup.
Pro Tips By Lynda:
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: It cooks fast, so keep an eye on it!
- Adjust the Thickness: Add more broth if it gets too thick.
- Use a Dutch Oven: It helps distribute heat evenly for the perfect consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Side Salad: A light arugula or Caesar salad pairs beautifully.
- Topped with Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Extra Cheese on Top: Because more cheese is always a good idea!
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup : A Comforting One-Pot Meal
If you’re a fan of classic broccoli cheddar soup, this Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is about to become your new favorite comfort food
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Cheese grater
- For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (chopped)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening, if needed)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Broccoli & Broth: Add chopped broccoli florets and pour in the broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture.
- Add the Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Make It Creamy: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Dijon mustard and smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar and Parmesan, stirring constantly until melted and fully incorporated.
- Thicken if Needed: If you want a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup, letting it cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season & Serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: It cooks fast, so keep an eye on it!
Adjust the Thickness: Add more broth if it gets too thick.