Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the soft, delicate texture of gnocchi with the earthiness of mushrooms and the freshness of spinach in a decadent cream sauce. It’s a quick one-pan meal that feels indulgent without requiring complicated steps. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just love a creamy pasta dish, this gnocchi recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and fill you up.

Ingredients

1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp olive oil
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or your choice)
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
Sauté Mushrooms:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Spinach:
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Make the Cream Sauce:
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Combine with Gnocchi:
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet.
- Toss gently to coat the gnocchi evenly with the creamy sauce.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan on the side.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: Include cooked chicken, shrimp,for a heartier meal.
Vegan Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream and vegan cheese alternatives.
Herbs: Add fresh thyme or oregano for an herby flavor boost.
Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Cheese Swap: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, cook frozen gnocchi directly in boiling water; they may take a minute or two longer to float.

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?

Avoid boiling the cream; simmer gently and stir frequently.

Can I prepare this dish ahead?

Prepare components ahead and combine just before serving.

What mushrooms work best?

Cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms are all great choices.

Can I use spinach from frozen?

Fresh spinach is best, but thawed and drained frozen spinach can be used.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Gnocchi often contains wheat; look for gluten-free gnocchi to make it gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, zucchini, bell peppers, or peas complement this dish nicely.

How creamy is the sauce?

It’s rich and velvety but can be thinned with milk or broth if preferred.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of gnocchi and cream sauce can change.

How can I make the dish lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.

Conclusion

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi is a delightful, comforting dish that’s simple to prepare and full of rich, savory flavors. With tender gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a luscious cream sauce, it’s a perfect meal for any night of the week. Easy to customize and sure to please, this recipe will quickly become a favorite comfort food.