When it comes to quick, satisfying weeknight dinners, Boursin Bacon Broccoli Gnocchi hits every note — creamy, savory, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes. This one-pan meal combines pillowy potato gnocchi with crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and a luscious sauce made from creamy Boursin cheese. The result is a dish that feels rich and indulgent yet incredibly easy to make.
Each bite delivers the perfect balance of flavor: smoky bacon, bright green broccoli, and the herby, garlicky creaminess of melted Boursin cheese that coats every piece of gnocchi. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish feels restaurant-quality but comes together effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal: Easy cleanup, minimal prep, and maximum flavor.
- Ultra-creamy sauce: Boursin cheese melts perfectly into a velvety sauce.
- Comfort food made elegant: Gnocchi adds a luxurious texture without the heaviness of pasta.
- Quick and versatile: Ready in 25 minutes and easily customizable.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients for Boursin Bacon Broccoli Gnocchi
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, cut into small pieces)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs recommended)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan (discard any excess).
Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi directly to the hot skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and lightly crisped on the outside. This gives the gnocchi a delicious texture and helps prevent it from becoming mushy later. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and a splash of broth or water. Cover and steam for 3–4 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove the lid and add minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Boursin Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Boursin cheese, breaking it apart with a spoon as it melts. Once smooth, add the heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the crispy bacon and sautéed gnocchi to the skillet. Toss everything together until the gnocchi is well coated in the creamy sauce and the broccoli is evenly distributed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen it.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. Enjoy warm while the sauce is silky and luscious.
Flavor and Texture Profile
This Boursin Bacon Broccoli Gnocchi is the definition of comfort food elegance. The sauce is creamy and flavorful, infused with Boursin’s signature garlic and herb richness. The gnocchi adds a pillowy, chewy base that soaks up the sauce beautifully, while the crispy bacon provides a salty crunch and the broccoli adds a pop of freshness to balance the richness. Each bite is warm, cozy, and deeply satisfying — the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again.
Tips for Perfect Gnocchi
- Sauté, don’t boil: Cooking gnocchi directly in the pan gives them a crisp exterior and prevents sogginess.
- Choose the right Boursin flavor: Garlic & Fine Herbs is classic, but Shallot & Chive or Black Pepper also work beautifully.
- Use fresh broccoli: It keeps its color and texture better than frozen, though frozen works in a pinch.
- Don’t overheat the sauce: Keep the temperature low once the Boursin is added to avoid curdling.
- Balance the salt: Bacon and Boursin are both salty — taste before adding extra salt.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: You can cook the bacon and broccoli ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat everything together with the sauce before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended — cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Chicken Boursin Gnocchi: Add cooked, shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use a tablespoon of olive oil instead; add sun-dried tomatoes for richness.
- Spinach & Mushroom Version: Add sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach for more veggies and depth.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a bit of zest for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own but also pairs beautifully with sides:
- Crisp green salad with vinaigrette for freshness.
- Garlic bread or focaccia for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts for color and variety.
- A glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce.
Nutritional Snapshot
Each serving (based on 4 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
It’s rich, satisfying, and indulgent — perfect for a cozy dinner when you want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes! Homemade gnocchi makes this dish even more decadent. Just handle gently to avoid breaking the delicate pieces.
Can I substitute Boursin cheese?
If you can’t find Boursin, use 5 ounces of cream cheese mixed with 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon chopped herbs.
What type of pan should I use?
A large nonstick or stainless steel skillet works best for even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely. Asparagus, peas, or spinach make great substitutes for broccoli.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream for the sauce. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Expert Tips for Success
- Prep ingredients ahead: This dish comes together fast, so have everything ready before you start cooking.
- Crisp the gnocchi: Don’t skip sautéing — that golden crust adds incredible flavor.
- Save bacon fat wisely: It’s key to developing depth in the sauce.
- Add cheese last: Parmesan or Boursin can separate if overheated, so stir them in off the heat.
- Serve immediately: The sauce thickens as it cools, so enjoy it fresh from the pan.
Boursin Bacon Broccoli Gnocchi
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Measuring Cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, cut small)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.75 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 5.2 oz Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs recommended)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy (6–8 min). Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Leave about 1 tbsp bacon fat in skillet.
- Add gnocchi to the skillet with bacon fat. Sauté 3–4 minutes until golden and crisped. Remove and set aside.
- Add broccoli and splash of broth or water. Cover and steam 3–4 minutes. Uncover, add garlic, and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to simmer. Add Boursin cheese and stir until melted. Stir in cream and cook until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Return bacon and gnocchi to skillet. Stir to coat everything in the sauce. Add broth or cream if needed to thin.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and chopped parsley or chives.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Boursin Bacon Broccoli Gnocchi is everything a comforting meal should be — rich, creamy, quick, and full of flavor. The garlicky herb Boursin melts into a silky sauce that clings to every gnocchi, while the smoky bacon and tender broccoli make each bite perfectly balanced. It’s an easy one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-level satisfaction with minimal effort.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this dish proves that gourmet flavor doesn’t require complicated steps — just good ingredients, a little time, and one delicious pan. Cozy, creamy, and completely irresistible, it’s bound to become one of your go-to comfort food favorites.
