Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Gnocchi Recipe for Dinner

Crafting a comforting spinach and mushroom gnocchi promises a delightful culinary adventure that will surprise you.

Soft potato dumplings nestle perfectly among earthy mushrooms and vibrant green leaves.

Creamy sauce envelops each tender morsel with rich, velvety texture.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular solutions like this magical dish.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that feels both elegant and approachable.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Why Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Gnocchi Is a Comfort Food Favorite

• Craft a Comforting Meal: Dive into a restaurant-quality dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dinner without complex cooking techniques.
• Minimize Cleanup: Prepare this one-pan wonder that reduces kitchen mess and simplifies your cooking process with minimal dishes to wash afterward.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping spinach for other greens or adding protein like chicken or shrimp to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Deliver a satisfying meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families or individuals craving a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients in Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Gnocchi

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that serve as the hearty base of this comforting dish.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and flavorful fungi that add depth and richness to the sauce.
• Baby Spinach: Tender green leaves that provide a fresh and nutritious element to the recipe.

• Heavy Cream: Rich and luxurious liquid that creates a smooth and velvety sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds a delightful tang and helps thicken the sauce.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Fragrant base that builds a flavorful foundation for the dish.
• Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green garnish and subtle flavor to the finished dish.

Preparation Guide for Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Gnocchi

Step 1: Boil Delicious Gnocchi

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently drop the gnocchi into the water and cook until they float to the surface, indicating they’re perfectly done. Drain the gnocchi in a colander and set aside, keeping them warm.

Step 2: Sizzle Mushroom Magic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they transform into golden-brown delights, releasing their rich, earthy aroma.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet and stir quickly. Let the garlic dance and become wonderfully fragrant, releasing its intense flavor into the cooking pan.

Step 4: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Toss in the baby spinach leaves and watch them gracefully wilt and turn vibrant green. Stir gently to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor integration.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce Sensation

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and sprinkle smoked paprika. Blend everything together, creating a luxurious sauce that coats the vegetables with a smooth, rich texture.

Step 6: Combine Gnocchi with Sauce

Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Gently toss and coat each pillow-like dumpling with the creamy, flavorful sauce, ensuring every bite is deliciously covered.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese Perfection

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating an ultra-creamy sauce that hugs the gnocchi and vegetables.

Step 8: Season and Enhance

Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning to bring out the full depth of flavors in your creamy gnocchi creation.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top of the dish. Serve immediately while hot, presenting a beautiful, aromatic meal that promises to delight every taste bud.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Gnocchi

• Opt for store-bought or homemade gnocchi depending on time and preference.
• Choose fresh baby spinach for vibrant color and maximum nutrition.
• Select cremini or shiitake mushrooms for deeper, richer flavor profile.
• Toast smoked paprika briefly in the pan before adding cream to enhance its smoky essence.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for smoother melting and more intense taste.

Variations to Customize Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Gnocchi

• Spicy Chorizo Kick: Replace mushrooms with spicy chorizo sausage, add red pepper flakes for extra heat, and use smoked gouda instead of Parmesan for a bold flavor profile.
• Truffle Mushroom Elegance: Drizzle white truffle oil before serving, use wild mushroom blend like porcini and shiitake, and incorporate fresh thyme for an earthy gourmet experience.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap spinach for sun-dried tomatoes, add crumbled feta cheese, include kalamata olives, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegan Herbaceous Option: Use plant-based cream, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast, add roasted cashews for protein, and include fresh basil leaves for bright herbal notes.

Pairings That Complement Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Gnocchi

• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Pour a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the earthy mushroom notes.
• Match with Light Arugula Salad: Toss fresh arugula with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to provide a zesty, peppery contrast to the rich gnocchi.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Garlic Bread: Toast rustic sourdough bread with garlic butter to help soak up the delicious creamy sauce and add textural variety.

Storage Recommendations for Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Gnocchi

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the gnocchi in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs on Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Gnocchi

• Are gnocchi hard to cook?

Gnocchi are actually very easy to cook. Simply follow package instructions, which usually involve boiling them in salted water until they float to the surface, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.

• Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Absolutely! While this recipe works well with standard white or cremini mushrooms, you can experiment with shiitake, oyster, or portobello mushrooms for different flavor profiles.

• Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this gnocchi recipe is vegetarian. It contains no meat, using vegetables like spinach and mushrooms as the primary ingredients.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

You can add protein by incorporating pan-seared tofu, grilled chicken, or sautéed shrimp to complement the existing ingredients and boost the nutritional value.

Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Gnocchi Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky gnocchi dances with earthy mushrooms and tender spinach in this Italian-inspired comfort dish. Creamy sauce and delicate herbs blend perfectly, offering you a delightful culinary escape that feels like a warm embrace from the heart of Italy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) gnocchi
• 2 cups baby spinach, washed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Boil gnocchi in salted water for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes, allowing them to caramelize and develop a golden-brown exterior.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
5. Gently fold baby spinach into the mixture, cooking until leaves become soft and dramatically reduce in volume.
6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, sprinkling smoked paprika and creating a uniform, silky sauce.
7. Carefully incorporate cooked gnocchi, gently tossing to ensure each pillow is lavishly coated with the creamy mixture.
8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
9. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
10. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the top, adding a vibrant garnish before serving immediately.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality gnocchi for the best texture and flavor in this dish.
• Slice mushrooms evenly to ensure uniform cooking and golden-brown caramelization.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories.
• Keep gnocchi warm and prevent sticking by tossing gently in the sauce immediately after cooking.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 345 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg