Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes)

If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug, then you’ve come to the right place! Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes) is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings comfort to your table. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet quick to whip up. It’s also a hit at family gatherings, bringing everyone together over a plate of creamy goodness.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. With just one pan and 20 minutes, you can create a delightful dish that combines soft gnocchi with fresh spinach and savory mushrooms, all enveloped in a luscious garlic cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that will have your loved ones asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for those hectic evenings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy with family.
• Vegetarian Delight: A satisfying meatless meal that even non-vegetarians will love.
• Creamy Goodness: The rich garlic cream sauce coats every bite, making it irresistibly delicious.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spices for a personal twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delicious meal! You likely have many of these on hand already, making it even easier to get started.

For the Gnocchi Dish

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz mushrooms (crimini)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 16 oz potato gnocchi
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs from Provence)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or more)
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
• Coarsely ground black pepper (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added color and flavor.
• Change the Greens: If spinach isn’t your favorite, try kale or Swiss chard instead!
• Make it Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Boost the Protein: Add cooked chickpeas or lentils for a heartier dish.

How to Make Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes)

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms

Start by heating the olive oil in your pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and season them with salt and pepper. Sauté until they’re golden brown and tender. This step enhances their earthy flavor, making sure they shine through in the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

Once the mushrooms are ready, add the potato gnocchi directly into the pan along with chicken broth. Stir gently and let everything simmer together for about 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi are cooked through. This allows them to absorb all those wonderful flavors!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Next, pour in the heavy cream along with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and additional salt if needed. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until all ingredients meld into a rich sauce. The garlic will infuse into the cream, creating an irresistible aroma!

Step 4: Add Spinach

Finally, fold in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted—this usually takes about a minute. The vibrant green color adds freshness to our creamy gnocchi while providing essential nutrients.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Once everything is combined beautifully in your pan, sprinkle with coarsely ground black pepper and red pepper flakes for an extra kick if desired. Serve hot right from the pan—this dish is best enjoyed fresh!

And there you have it! A comforting bowl of Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi ready in just 20 minutes. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes)

Making this creamy delight is a breeze, especially with a few helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mushrooms and spinach will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. They add brightness and depth that dried or frozen options might lack.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When sautéing the mushrooms, give them enough space in the pan to caramelize properly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, which diminishes their flavor.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes based on your preference. Tasting as you go ensures that the final dish is perfectly balanced.

• Add gnocchi directly from the package: There’s no need to boil store-bought gnocchi beforehand! Simply toss them into the pan when needed; they’ll cook beautifully in the sauce.

• Save some pasta water: If you want a creamier sauce, reserve a little pasta water before draining any excess liquid. This starchy water can help bind the sauce and make it even richer.

How to Serve Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes)

This delightful dish not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful on your dinner table! Here are some fun ways to present your creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or basil can add a pop of color and freshness. Sprinkle them right before serving for an aromatic finish.

• Parmesan cheese alternative: For a cheesy touch without using dairy, sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top! It gives a similar umami flavor that complements the dish perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! The crunchy buttery goodness of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich gnocchi. Consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado for extra crunch.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make for a colorful addition that brings sweetness and texture alongside your meal.

• Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet effective! Steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and a nutritious element to your plate while complementing the flavors of the gnocchi beautifully.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create an inviting meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite of this creamy goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily store the leftovers or even make it ahead of time for a busy weeknight dinner.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the gnocchi to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep some gnocchi separate from the sauce, store them in different containers to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure to label the containers with the date!
• For best results, consider freezing the sauce and gnocchi separately.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes) vegan?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream alternative. Just ensure that your gnocchi is also vegan-friendly!

What kind of mushrooms work best in Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes)?

Crimini mushrooms add a rich flavor, but you can also use button mushrooms or portobellos based on your preference. Each will bring its unique taste!

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale for added nutrition and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi is fantastic for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi as much as I do! It’s a delightful comfort dish that combines creamy goodness with nutritious veggies—all in just one pan. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or something special for friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!