Creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to prepare in just one pan. The combination of tender potato gnocchi, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce made with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of smoked paprika creates a mouthwatering meal that is sure to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. With a few basic ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create a decadent dish that’s creamy and flavorful, yet light enough to enjoy as a vegetarian main course. Plus, it’s made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. You can easily customize it by adjusting the seasonings or adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, making it a dish that can evolve based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder

This creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi is made in one pan, making it easy to prepare and clean up afterward.

2. Quick and Easy

With only a few steps and simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes.

3. Versatile and Customizable

You can easily make this dish dairy-free, vegetarian, or even add protein, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences.

4. Rich and Flavorful

The creamy sauce, combined with garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning, makes this dish rich and satisfying.

5. Perfectly Balanced

The earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach complement the soft gnocchi, creating a comforting and balanced meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Mushrooms (crimini or white button), sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Potato gnocchi
Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
Heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
Garlic, minced
Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
Smoked paprika
Fresh spinach
Salt
Coarsely ground black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Variations

Vegan Option: Use coconut milk and vegetable broth to make this recipe completely vegan.
Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage to make it a heartier dish.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas for added texture and flavor.
Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and browned. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, remove the gnocchi from the pan and set them aside with the mushrooms.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

Return the cooked gnocchi and mushrooms to the skillet and stir everything together. Allow the gnocchi to soak up some of the sauce for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is combined and heated through, serve the creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi immediately. Garnish with additional red pepper flakes or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Gnocchi Tips: If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking. Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly, so be sure not to overcook it.
Mushroom Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the mushrooms. If necessary, cook the mushrooms in batches to ensure they get a nice brown color.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or coconut milk to thin it out.
Extra Creamy: For an even creamier sauce, add a spoonful of cream cheese or a handful of grated parmesan to the sauce before combining with the gnocchi.

How to Serve

Creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi is a delicious stand-alone dish, but you can pair it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a more complete meal. It also works well with roasted vegetables or a light soup as a starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish may thicken as it cools, so you can add a bit of broth or milk when reheating to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

Freezing

This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce, which may separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked gnocchi separately and make the sauce fresh when ready to eat.

Reheating

To reheat, place the gnocchi and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a little broth or milk to restore the creamy texture. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe. Be sure to cook it according to the package instructions.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a dairy-free version.

3. Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, you can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for added protein.

4. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach in place of fresh spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the sauce.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the spice level.

6. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth or any other type of broth that you prefer.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

8. Can I use different mushrooms?

Yes, you can use any type of mushrooms you like, such as shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms.

9. Can I use a non-dairy cream alternative?

Yes, coconut cream or any non-dairy cream alternative can be used in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

10. How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting too soft?

Avoid overcooking the gnocchi. Once it floats to the surface of the boiling water, it’s done, so be sure to remove it promptly.

Conclusion

Creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender gnocchi, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients. The recipe is customizable to suit your dietary preferences, and it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special gathering, this one-pan meal is both delicious and simple to make.