Effortless Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi Recipe

Dreamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi Recipe That Sparkles

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delightful spinach and mushroom gnocchi that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Soft, pillowy gnocchi nestled in a rich, creamy sauce creates an irresistible Italian-inspired meal.

Earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach dance together, infusing each bite with deep, satisfying flavors.

The velvety sauce coats each tender potato dumpling, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet elegant dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese add the perfect finishing touch to this comforting classic.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let your senses be your guide.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 498 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi Ingredient List

For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing and adds depth to the dish's overall taste.
  • Salt: Elevates and balances the flavors of other ingredients, bringing out their natural essence.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and aromatic warmth to the creamy gnocchi.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a zesty, spicy kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
For Main Components:
  • Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, choose fresh, firm mushrooms with no dark spots or sliminess.
  • Potato Gnocchi: Pillowy soft pasta that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully; look for fresh or vacuum-sealed options.
  • Spinach: Vibrant and nutrient-packed, select crisp, bright green leaves without wilting or yellowing.
For Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a savory liquid base that adds richness and depth to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Ensures a luxuriously smooth and velvety texture for the gnocchi.
  • Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a classic Mediterranean touch.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky complexity and beautiful color to the dish.

Tools for Making Creamy Spinach Mushroom Gnocchi

  • Skillet (Large, High-Sided, Heavy-Bottomed): Essential for cooking mushrooms and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing mushrooms and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise mushroom and ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and salt.
  • Lid: Covers skillet while cooking gnocchi and creating sauce.
  • Plate: Used for setting aside cooked mushrooms.

Instructions to Cook Creamy Gnocchi with Mushrooms

  • Mushroom Magic

Sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil until they turn golden and tender. Set aside half the batch for a flavor boost later.

  • Creamy Canvas

Combine gnocchi, broth, cream, garlic, and seasonings in the same skillet. Let everything simmer and mingle, creating a rich sauce that hugs each pillow-like potato dumpling.

  • Green Goodness

Toss fresh spinach into the bubbling mixture, watching it transform from crisp leaves to silky ribbons. The greens will soften and intertwine with the creamy sauce.

  • Final Flourish

Sprinkle extra seasonings to elevate the dish’s flavor profile. Crown the gnocchi with the reserved mushrooms for a rustic, restaurant-worthy presentation. Serve hot and enjoy the harmonious blend of earthy, creamy, and vibrant flavors.

Flavor Upgrades for Spinach & Mushroom Gnocchi

  • Slice mushrooms uniformly for even cooking and faster browning. Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent steaming instead of caramelizing.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding extra chicken broth. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
  • Enhance the dish by adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp for extra protein and depth of flavor.
  • Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan, pecorino, or crumbled goat cheese on top for a rich, tangy finish that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for different nutrient profiles and subtle flavor variations.

Serving Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce Comfort-Style

  • Flavor Pairing Paradise: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or parmesan on top for a tangy, creamy boost that complements the earthy mushrooms and spinach.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy pancetta pieces to transform this dish into a heartier meal that satisfies larger appetites.
  • Wine Companion Delight: Pair with a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or a light-bodied chardonnay to enhance the delicate flavors of the gnocchi and mushroom sauce.
  • Herbal Freshness Finale: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley right before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile.

How to Store Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi

  • Quick Meal Prep: Chop mushrooms and mince garlic in advance to reduce cooking time during busy weeknights. Store prepped ingredients in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover gnocchi to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might thicken, so gently reheat with a splash of chicken broth to restore its original consistency.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: This dish can be frozen without spinach for maximum quality. Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stovetop.
  • Portion Control Hack: Divide the recipe into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Perfect for meal planning and maintaining balanced nutrition throughout the week.
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Effortless Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi Recipe

Effortless Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi delivers comfort with Italian-inspired elegance. Silky potato dumplings nestled in rich sauce promise delightful dining for hungry souls.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (454 g) potato gnocchi
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 8 oz (226 g) crimini mushrooms, sliced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 5 oz (142 g) fresh spinach
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp italian seasoning or herbs from Provence
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Coarsely ground black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Sauté Mushrooms: Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sizzle mushrooms until they turn golden-brown, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove half the mushrooms and set aside.
  2. Create Sauce Base: In the same skillet, combine chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and smoky paprika. Introduce gnocchi to this fragrant liquid, allowing it to simmer and absorb the creamy essence.
  3. Integrate Greens: Gently fold fresh spinach into the bubbling mixture, stirring until the leaves wilt completely and meld with the velvety sauce. Let the gnocchi become tender and infused with the rich flavors.
  4. Final Touches: Refine the dish’s taste by adjusting seasonings with additional salt, cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a hint of smoked paprika. Sprinkle the reserved caramelized mushrooms on top, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed finale.

Notes

  • Sear Mushrooms Perfectly: Brown mushrooms over medium-high heat, ensuring they develop a golden crust without overcrowding the pan for maximum flavor development.
  • Control Gnocchi Moisture: Use chicken broth and cream to create a silky sauce that prevents gnocchi from becoming soggy while enhancing its delicate texture.
  • Balance Seasoning Carefully: Layer flavors progressively with garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes to build depth without overwhelming the dish.
  • Preserve Mushroom Texture: Set aside half the caramelized mushrooms as a garnish to maintain their crisp edges and provide a delightful textural contrast in the final presentation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 498
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 430 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 82 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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