GNOCCHI MAC AND CHEESE

Gnocchi Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

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1 heaping cup broccoli florets
Kosher salt
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp white Cheddar
1 cup grated Gruyere (about 3 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 plum tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch dice
One 16-ounce package dried gnocchi

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Add the broccoli to boiling salted water and cook 2 minutes, then drain and plunge into a bowl of ice water. Remove and set aside.
Put the panko in a small bowl. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour 1 tablespoon of the butter over the panko and mix it well to coat; stir in 1 tablespoon Parmesan and set aside.
Stir the garlic into the saucepan and cook, 30 seconds. Add the flour and stir to incorporate. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer, then cook until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Take off the heat and add the Cheddar, Gruyere, the remaining 3 tablespoons Parmesan, then the nutmeg and cayenne, stirring until smooth. Stir in the broccoli and tomatoes and season with salt to taste.
Add the gnocchi to the sauce and stir to coat. Transfer to an 8-inch square baking dish and sprinkle with the panko. Bake until bubbling and golden brown in spots, 25 to 30 minutes.