The Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi recipe is comfort food at its finest—a dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to whip up. As someone who enjoys meals that deliver on both flavor and simplicity, this recipe checks all the boxes for me. Let’s dive in!
1. Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Gnocchi
Ingredients
For the Mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Gnocchi & Spinach
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or more if you crave a smoky kick)
- 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
Sauté the Mushrooms
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced crimini mushrooms, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté until the mushrooms are golden brown and slightly softened. This step is key to bringing out their rich, earthy flavor. Set the mushrooms aside once cooked.
Cook the Gnocchi
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the gnocchi directly to the broth—no need to pre-boil them! The starch released by the gnocchi will help thicken the sauce later.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Once the gnocchi is tender (this takes just a few minutes), add the heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a touch more salt. Stir well, letting the flavors meld together. The aroma at this point is heavenly!
Add the Spinach and Mushrooms
Toss in the fresh spinach and sautéed mushrooms. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is coated in the luscious sauce. Adjust the seasoning with black pepper and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Serve and Enjoy
Plate this creamy gnocchi dish immediately, garnished with extra red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy.
2. Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
Use fresh gnocchi if possible. While shelf-stable gnocchi works fine, fresh gnocchi elevates the dish with its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Don’t overcrowd the mushrooms. When sautéing, make sure the mushrooms have enough space to brown properly instead of steaming.
Season as you go. Layering flavors at each step ensures the dish is well-balanced and deeply flavorful.
Adjust the sauce consistency. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for an extra couple of minutes to thicken.
3. What to Serve With it
This dish is indulgent and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make for a truly memorable meal. I recommend:
A crisp green salad. The light, tangy flavors of a vinaigrette-dressed salad provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cream sauce.
Garlic bread or crusty baguette. Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that decadent sauce.
Roasted vegetables. Try roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for an added earthy dimension.
When I make this for friends and family, I often serve it with a chilled glass of white wine—something crisp like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish stores well, and the flavors deepen over time.
To store: Transfer the gnocchi to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid overcooking.
I’ve made this dish countless times, and it never fails to impress. The smoky paprika adds a subtle depth that makes the sauce irresistibly addictive, while the spinach gives it a pop of freshness. The best part? It’s a one-pan recipe that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Every bite of this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi feels like a warm hug. It’s comfort food that’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight meal. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again.
So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a plate of this creamy, dreamy goodness. You deserve it!
