If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that bursts with flavor and texture, this Broccoli Sausage Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe is an absolute gem. Imagine pillowy gnocchi mingling with savory Italian sausage, tender broccoli, and tangy baked feta cheese, all crowned with juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil. Each bite feels like a warm hug, making this dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite on your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of wholesome ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether adding creaminess, spice, freshness, or that irresistible aroma.
- 1 pound (450g) gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the rich flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a silky base for browning the sausage and vegetables.
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed: Choose sweet or spicy depending on your mood; it delivers hearty richness and satisfying texture.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds freshness, crunch, and vibrant green hues to the dish.
- 8 ounces (225g) feta cheese, crumbled: Brings a tangy, creamy layer that bakes into golden perfection.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides deep, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savoriness and rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who love a bit of heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, herbaceous note that harmonizes the dish.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with sweetness and juiciness to brighten every bite.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): Adds refreshing, aromatic finish and lovely color contrast.
How to Make Broccoli Sausage Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the feta bakes beautifully, turning golden and slightly crispy on the edges while the tomatoes blister to perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions—usually 2 to 3 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain well and set aside. This quick boiling makes them tender and ready to soak up all the savory goodness.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, removing the casings, and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and fragrant. This step builds tons of flavor and a hearty base.
Step 4: Sauté the Broccoli
To that sizzling sausage, add the broccoli florets and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. The broccoli will soften slightly while keeping a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender gnocchi.
Step 5: Combine All the Ingredients
Mix the cooked gnocchi into the skillet with sausage and broccoli. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to spread the seasoning and bring all the flavors together.
Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Feta
Scatter the juicy halved cherry tomatoes evenly over the gnocchi mixture, then crumble the feta cheese on top. This layering lets the feta melt and brown while the tomatoes soften beautifully in the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the skillet or baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the feta takes on a lovely golden hue and the cherry tomatoes blister and release their natural sweetness. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to settle the flavors. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped basil to inject a bright herbal note that complements every bite.
How to Serve Broccoli Sausage Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the star garnish here, providing an inviting pop of green and a subtle peppery flavor. For an extra touch, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate this dish to restaurant level.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Sausage Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted garlic bread to soak up every last bit of cheesy goodness. A simple cucumber and tomato salad would also add a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this baked gnocchi straight from the skillet for a rustic, cozy vibe that encourages family-style sharing. Alternatively, plate it elegantly with a drizzle of basil-infused oil and a few extra sprigs of basil for a touch of sophistication. For a fun twist, stuff the mixture into baked bell peppers for a vibrant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, let your Broccoli Sausage Baked Feta Gnocchi cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and maintains its flavor and texture beautifully.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before baking and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking, or freeze after baking and reheat gently to preserve texture.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water or olive oil over the gnocchi to keep it moist, then warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the cheese from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works fine here—just thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
Italian sausage is preferred for its seasoning and texture, but feel free to experiment with spicy sausage for a bolder kick or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
While feta gives this dish its signature tang, you can try goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier but less tangy experience, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can omit the sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. Consider adding plant-based sausage alternatives to keep similar texture and flavor.
How can I make this healthier?
Opt for whole wheat gnocchi or sweet potato gnocchi, lean turkey sausage, and add extra veggies. Using less feta or a lower-fat cheese can also lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Sausage Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you feel instantly at home. It balances comforting textures with lively, fresh flavors in a way that’s both satisfying and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—it’s destined to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
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Broccoli Sausage Baked Feta Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 40m
- Total Time: 0h 55m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Broccoli Sausage Baked Feta Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, fresh broccoli, blistered cherry tomatoes, and creamy baked feta. Infused with garlic, onion powder, and oregano, it is finished with fresh basil for a vibrant touch, making it a perfect easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Gnocchi & Meat
- 1 pound (450g) gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or spicy)
Vegetables & Cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces (225g) feta cheese, crumbled
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
- Cook Gnocchi: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the top, approximately 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into chunks, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the skillet with the sausage and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli becomes just tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked gnocchi, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Add Tomatoes & Feta: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese evenly on top of the gnocchi mixture.
- Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the feta is golden and the tomatoes are blistered.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.
Notes
- Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage to adjust the heat level according to your preference.
- Make sure the skillet or dish used is oven-safe to prevent damage or accidents.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
