This Creamy Mushroom Spinach Gnocchi is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Creamy Mushroom Spinach Gnocchi
Made with tender potato gnocchi, savory mushrooms, and flavorful spinach, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Not only is it delicious, but the addition of spinach, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, packs a nutritional punch.
Do you love Italian Dishes? Try this Gigi Hadid Pasta or this Balsamic Chicken and Spicy Rigatoni next.
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Why We Love Creamy Mushroom Spinach Gnocchi
💖 Rich and Flavorful - The creamy sauce melds beautifully with the earthy notes of mushrooms and the slight bitterness of spinach, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that lingers on the palate.
💖 Nutrient-Packed - With the addition of spinach, this gnocchi dish not only tastes great but also provides a boost of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for family dinners.
💖 Quick and Easy - Despite its gourmet presentation, this recipe is straightforward and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties.
Ingredients for Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi
- Olive oil – Perfect for sautéing the mushrooms and giving them a rich, savory flavor. You can also use avocado oil if you prefer a neutral taste or need a higher heat cooking option.
- Mushrooms – Cremini mushrooms are my go-to for their earthy richness, but you can swap them with white button mushrooms or even portobello if you're craving a meatier texture.
- Salt and pepper – These simple seasonings are key to bringing out all the flavors in your dish. Don’t be shy with them—taste as you go!
- Potato Gnocchi – The soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi really makes this dish special. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using cauliflower gnocchi.
- Chicken broth – Adds a savory depth to the sauce. If you prefer vegetarian, swap it for vegetable broth for the same flavor base.
- Heavy cream – This gives the sauce that dreamy, creamy consistency. For a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
- Garlic – A fragrant base for the sauce, and it really kicks things up a notch. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder works too, though fresh is always better.
- Italian seasoning – This blend of herbs makes everything smell amazing. You can easily make your own with basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary if you don’t have a pre-mixed jar on hand.
- Paprika – A subtle warmth that adds depth without being too spicy. If you want a little more kick, try smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Spinach – Fresh baby spinach brightens the dish with a pop of color and nutrition. If spinach isn't your thing, kale or arugula could work well as a substitute.
- Red pepper flakes – A sprinkle of heat that’s totally optional but adds a nice zing. If you're not a fan of spice, feel free to skip them or use a pinch of black pepper for a milder touch.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How to Prepare Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi
- Cook mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and saute for a couple of minutes. Then season with paprika, herbs, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
- Cook for about 13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly browned and tender. Set aside half of the cooked mushrooms on a plate to use later.
- Make creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add uncooked potato gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring everything to a boil over medium heat, stirring well to combine. Once boiling, cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook in the sauce. Stir occasionally.
- Add spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir frequently for about 4 minutes, until it wilts down to your liking.
- Assemble: Season with more salt, freshly ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika to taste.
- Top with the remaining mushrooms, and give it one last gentle stir before serving.
What Kind of Gnocchi to Use?
When it comes to gnocchi, there are lots of choices.
You can go with shelf-stable, store-bought gnocchi, which is easy and lasts a long time, or you can try making homemade gnocchi for a more special, personal touch.
Store-bought gnocchi is great when you need something quick. It's usually made from potato and flour, giving it a soft, fluffy texture. You can even find gluten-free options if you have dietary needs.
If you're up for a challenge, homemade fresh gnocchi is a fun and rewarding option. It’s super fresh and has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that goes perfectly with a creamy mushroom sauce.
Variations for Creamy Mushroom Spinach Gnocchi
- Vegetarian option - Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add protein - For extra heartiness, add grilled chicken or crispy bacon.
- Herb boost - Enhance the flavor profile with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Tips for Creamy Spinach Mushroom Gnocchi
- Mushroom preparation - Clean mushrooms with a damp cloth instead of running water to preserve their flavor.
- Gnocchi cooking - Avoid overcooking gnocchi to maintain that delightful pillowy texture.
- Cream sauce - If you like a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer or add a splash more cream.
Freezing and Storing Creamy Mushroom Spinach Gnocchi
- To Store - Keep your gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze - Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat - For best results, heat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth if needed to refresh the sauce's creamy texture.
Recommended Tools
- Medium or large skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
More Creamy Dinner Recipes
- Creamy Chicken Spinach Casserole
- Creamy Chanterelle Sauce with Chicken
- Creamy Potato Mushroom Soup
- Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
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Recipe Card
Creamy Mushroom Spinach Gnocchi
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INGREDIENTS
For Mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounce mushrooms cremini, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
For Gnocchi and Sauce
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- ½ cup chicken broth, or vegetable
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning , or Herbs from Provence
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika , or more
- 4 ounce fresh spinach
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- coarsely ground black pepper to taste
- red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1 tablespoon or more bacon, for serving, cooked and crumbled
INSTRUCTIONS
Cook the Mushrooms
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for a couple of minutes. Then season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cook for about 13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly browned and tender. Set aside half of the cooked mushrooms on a plate to use later.1 tablespoon olive oil, 8 ounce mushrooms cremini, salt and pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add uncooked potato gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream. Bring everything to a boil over medium heat, stirring well to combine. Once boiling, cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook in the sauce. Stir occasionally.16 ounces potato gnocchi, ½ cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, ¼ teaspoon salt
Add Spinach
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir frequently for about 4 minutes, until it wilts down to your liking.4 ounce fresh spinach
Assembly
- Season with more salt, freshly ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika to taste. Top with bacon. Top with the remaining mushrooms, and give it one last gentle stir before serving.coarsely ground black pepper to taste, red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon or more bacon, for serving
VIDEO
NOTES
- Experiment with Greens: Spinach is ideal, but kale or arugula can also be used for a different taste and nutrient profile.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the earthy mushroom flavors.
- Texture Variations: For added crunch, consider garnishing with toasted pine nuts or walnuts just before serving.
- To Store - Keep your gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat - For best results, heat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth if needed to refresh the sauce's creamy texture.
- To Freeze - Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Creamy Mushroom Spinach Gnocchi: FAQs
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms are recommended, you can swap them for button, portobello, or shiitake for a more intense flavor.
If you need to make this dish gluten-free, look for pre-made gluten-free gnocchi at your local grocery store.
You can also make your own using gluten-free flour and potatoes.
Certainly! Feel free to stir in some grated parmesan while the sauce simmers for extra richness.
This recipe has been inspired by Julia.
Sofia
Making this tonight! Looks delicious!