Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi Recipe: Cozy Comfort Magic

Comfort meets elegance in this delectable spinach and mushroom gnocchi that promises a symphony of flavors.

Soft, pillowy gnocchi nestled in a luxurious creamy sauce creates a culinary experience worth savoring.

Earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach dance together, adding depth and nutrition to every forkful.

The recipe blends simple ingredients with sophisticated techniques, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering.

Each bite delivers a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.

Creamy and indulgent, this dish transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Why Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi Is a Favorite

• Simplify Your Cooking: Whip up this gnocchi dish with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with spinach and mushrooms, this recipe offers a healthy twist on comfort food, sneaking in extra vegetables for a wholesome dinner option.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a satisfying meal in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy families or individuals seeking a fast, flavorful solution to dinner dilemmas.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit personal preferences, creating a versatile dish that adapts to different taste buds and dietary needs.

What Goes Into Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi

• Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy Italian dumplings that serve as the hearty base of this creamy pasta dish.
• Mushrooms: Sliced and browned to add an earthy and rich flavor to the gnocchi.
• Spinach: Fresh leafy green that brings nutrition and vibrant color to the recipe.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that helps cook the gnocchi and creates depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, velvety sauce for the gnocchi.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: These spices and herbs combine to create a complex and well-balanced flavor profile for the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing mushrooms and preventing sticking in the skillet.

How to Cook Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Mushrooms

Step 1: Sizzle Mushrooms

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.

Toss sliced mushrooms with salt and pepper, cooking until they turn golden brown and become tender.

Transfer half the mushrooms to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Creamy Gnocchi Base

In the same skillet with remaining mushrooms, combine potato gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt.

Step 3: Simmer and Cook Gnocchi

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring thoroughly.

Cover the skillet and let gnocchi cook for approximately 5 minutes.

Step 4: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Add fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring frequently over medium heat.

Cook for 5 minutes until spinach wilts completely.

For a thicker sauce, extend cooking time slightly.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish

Enhance flavors by sprinkling additional salt, coarse black pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika.

Top the dish with remaining reserved mushrooms.

Serve hot and enjoy this luxurious, comforting gnocchi meal that combines earthy mushrooms, tender gnocchi, and vibrant spinach in a creamy sauce.

Insider Tips for Perfect Gnocchi

• Sear mushrooms on high heat for deep, caramelized edges that intensify their natural umami taste.
• Adjust cooking time to achieve desired sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding more broth.
• Stir frequently while cooking spinach to prevent overcooking and maintain a vibrant green color.
• Experiment with red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to create your perfect balance of heat and smokiness.
• Use chicken broth and cream to help gnocchi cook evenly and soak up delicious surrounding flavors.

Variations to Enhance Your Mushroom Gnocchi

• Vegan Spinach Mushroom Gnocchi: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use store-bought or homemade vegan gnocchi.
• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Option: Select gluten-free potato gnocchi or make your own using gluten-free flour blend, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Protein-Packed Gnocchi Bowl: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled plant-based protein to increase protein content while maintaining the creamy mushroom sauce base.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower gnocchi or cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the rich, savory flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Spinach Gnocchi

• Rustic Italian Night: Serve this gnocchi as the star of a cozy dinner with crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Match the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to complement the earthy mushroom flavors.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp on top for extra protein and a hearty meal that satisfies hunger.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil, parsley, or chives over the gnocchi to brighten the flavors and add a pop of green color.

How to Store Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
• Pour gnocchi into a skillet, add a little chicken broth or cream, reheat on medium-low heat while stirring gently to prevent sticking. Warm for 4-5 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?

Yes, you can substitute gnocchi with penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. The cooking time might slightly vary, so adjust accordingly.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Not exactly. The recipe uses chicken broth, which contains meat. To make it vegetarian, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has mild heat from red pepper flakes and smoked paprika. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less of these ingredients based on your preference.

• What kind of mushrooms work best for this recipe?

Button mushrooms, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms are excellent choices. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi delivers an Italian-inspired culinary journey through rich, velvety pasta pillows. Delicate herbs and earthy mushrooms blend seamlessly, inviting diners to savor each luxurious, perfectly balanced bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) potato gnocchi
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cremini mushrooms
• 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• red pepper flakes to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil over high heat for 1-2 minutes until golden and tender. Transfer half the mushrooms to a separate plate.
2. In the same skillet, combine uncooked gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt.
3. Increase heat to medium and bring the mixture to a rapid boil, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
4. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing gnocchi to cook and sauce to develop rich flavors.
5. Introduce fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring consistently over medium heat for 5 minutes until leaves wilt and sauce thickens.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, coarse black pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika according to preference.
7. Garnish the creamy gnocchi with reserved mushrooms, creating a visually appealing and flavorful final presentation.

Notes

• Quickly sauté mushrooms on high heat to develop a rich, caramelized flavor without overcrowding the pan, ensuring they brown instead of steam.
• Use store-bought or homemade gnocchi for flexibility, with potato varieties working best for this creamy sauce.
• Adjust sauce consistency by controlling cooking time – shorter for a thinner sauce, longer for a thicker, more reduced texture.
• Consider dietary modifications like using plant-based cream for a vegetarian version or gluten-free gnocchi for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 328 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg