Gnocchi Mac & Cheese

Gnocchi Mac&Cheese – A Holiday Delight

I invite you to discover a recipe that blends tradition with innovation, creating a dish that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of joy to festive meals. This Gnocchi Mac&Cheese recipe is perfect for enjoying with loved ones, whether it’s a celebration, a gathering with friends, or simply a relaxing evening at home. Here’s how to turn simple ingredients into the star of the evening!

Total preparation time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 300 g gnocchi pasta
- 300 g chicken breast
- 100 g grated cheddar cheese
- 100 g mozzarella, diced
- 150 g cherry tomatoes
- 100 g corn kernels
- 1 medium-sized broccoli
- 100 ml milk
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons of capers
- 1 tablespoon of pepper paste
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or basil) for garnish

Step 1: Preparing the chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then add it to a hot skillet with a little olive oil. Use low heat to fry it evenly until golden and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Once done, remove it from the skillet and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Set aside.

Ingredient tip:
For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken breast a few hours before cooking, using olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
In the same skillet, add the crushed garlic clove. Let it sauté for 30 seconds, then add the cherry tomatoes and pepper paste. Sauté everything for 1-2 minutes until the tomatoes release their juice. Then, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Boiling the broccoli
In a separate pot, add salted water and bring it to a boil. When the water boils, add the broccoli florets and let them boil over medium heat until tender but still crunchy (about 4-5 minutes). Remove them and quickly rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

Step 4: Boiling the pasta
In another pot, add salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the gnocchi pasta and boil for 8 minutes, or until soft. Once done, drain well.

Step 5: Mixing the ingredients
In a larger skillet, add a little olive oil, the chicken cubes, broccoli florets, corn, pasta, capers, garlic, and the tomatoes from the skillet. Add salt and pepper to taste. Heat everything through, stirring gently, then remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 6: Adding the cheese
While the mixture is hot, add half of the grated cheddar cheese and diced mozzarella. Stir gently to allow the cheeses to melt and integrate well into the mixture.

Step 7: Baking
Divide the pasta mixture into ceramic dishes or ramekins. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar cheese on top. Place the dishes in a larger baking tray and put the tray in the oven, preheated to 200°C, leaving them until the cheese melts and becomes golden (about 10-15 minutes).

Step 8: Serving
Once the Gnocchi Mac&Cheese are ready, serve them hot, directly from the dishes, garnished with fresh herbs for a touch of brightness.

Serving tip:
These Gnocchi Mac&Cheese are excellent alongside a simple salad with arugula and cherry tomatoes or a cold lemonade to contrast with the richness of the dish.

Nutritional benefits:
This dish is a rich source of protein due to the chicken breast, while also providing vitamins from the vegetables and carbohydrates from the pasta. Broccoli is known for its fiber and antioxidant content, and cheese adds a boost of calcium.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can replace gnocchi with traditional pasta types like macaroni, penne, or farfalle.
2. How can I make the recipe vegetarian?
A vegetarian version can be made using tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken, keeping the rest of the ingredients.

Possible variations:
- Add spices like smoked paprika or herbs de Provence for a more complex flavor.
- Experiment with other types of cheese, such as goat cheese or parmesan, for a different taste.

This Gnocchi Mac&Cheese recipe is not just a dish, but a story you share with loved ones. Whether you are an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will bring smiles and applause from everyone. Enjoy your meal!