Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi is your new go-to weeknight dinner! This one-pan, 20-minute dish is a comfort food dream—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, yet quick and easy to prepare. With tender potato gnocchi swimming in a luscious garlic cream sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh spinach, it’s a cozy, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a comforting solo dinner, this gnocchi recipe will win your heart and tastebuds in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi
There are endless reasons to adore this creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi! It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers maximum flavor in minimal time. The soft, pillowy gnocchi pairs perfectly with savory mushrooms and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce. Each bite is full of satisfying texture and bold, comforting taste that makes this dish feel indulgent yet incredibly easy to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (add more to taste)
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi
- Sear the Mushrooms: In a large, deep skillet, warm olive oil over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes until they’re golden and tender. Remove half and set aside for topping.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, stir in the uncooked gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Simmer Gently: Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to become tender while the sauce thickens.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stir, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted to your preference and the sauce is luxuriously thick.
- Finish and Serve: Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, or extra smoked paprika. Top with the reserved mushrooms before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use pre-sliced mushrooms to streamline prep.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan so mushrooms brown evenly.
- For thicker sauce, remove lid and cook a bit longer.
- Stir frequently after adding spinach to avoid burning.
- Add grated Parmesan or a touch of mozzarella for cheesy richness.
Substitutions And Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- Vegan: Use plant-based cream and vegan gnocchi.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or crispy tofu.
- Extra Cheesy: Stir in shredded mozzarella or a spoonful of cream cheese.
- More Veggies: Try adding cherry tomatoes, peas, or zucchini.
Storage Instructions
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 445 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 68mg
- Sodium: 686mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 4326 IU
- Vitamin C: 12mg
- Calcium: 110mg
- Iron: 6mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve your creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi with a warm slice of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Pair with a glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a light, refreshing contrast. For added flair, top with Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Absolutely. Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding to the pan.
Can this dish be prepared in advance? While best fresh, you can make it a few hours ahead and reheat gently to enjoy later.
Is this recipe gluten-free? It can be! Use certified gluten-free gnocchi and check that all other ingredients are GF-friendly.
How do I make it spicier? Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a touch of cayenne pepper to amp up the heat.
Which mushrooms should I use? Crimini are great, but feel free to try button, shiitake, or a mix of wild mushrooms for a twist.
Conclusion
Thanks so much for joining me today! This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl—rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare in just 20 minutes. I hope it becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just as it is in mine. Here’s to more delicious dinners and happy memories. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of our food-loving community!
Print
Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal made with tender gnocchi, mushrooms, and spinach in a luscious cream sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
8 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
16 oz potato gnocchi
½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup heavy cream
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
½ tsp smoked paprika (adjust to taste)
5 oz fresh spinach
¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Mushrooms: In a large, deep skillet, warm olive oil over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes until they’re golden and tender. Remove half and set aside for topping.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, stir in the uncooked gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Simmer Gently: Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to become tender while the sauce thickens.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stir, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted to your preference and the sauce is luxuriously thick.
- Finish and Serve: Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, or extra smoked paprika. Top with the reserved mushrooms before serving.
Notes
Use pre-sliced mushrooms to save prep time.
Add more cream for a looser sauce or simmer uncovered for a thicker finish.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 9g