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This dish needs simple, fresh ingredients. Here is the full list of ingredients: - 1 pound store-bought gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The gnocchi adds a soft, pillowy texture. The spinach brings color and nutrition. Mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor. Onions and garlic give a nice base of taste. Heavy cream makes it creamy and indulgent. Olive oil helps sauté the veggies. Thyme and nutmeg enhance the overall flavor. Finally, Parmesan adds a salty finish. Gather these ingredients for an easy and tasty meal. You can find most items at your local grocery store. Fresh ingredients make the dish shine. Enjoy the process of cooking with these vibrant elements! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add salt to the water. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 pound of store-bought gnocchi. Cook the gnocchi until they float on the surface. This takes about 2 to 4 minutes. When they rise, they are done. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside. Next, take a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1 small finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens. Then, add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. You can use button or cremini mushrooms. Cook them for about 5 minutes until golden brown. They should release some moisture. After that, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute until it smells good. Now, lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the 2 cups of washed and roughly chopped spinach to the sauce. Let it wilt for a minute. Season the sauce with 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Then, gently mix in the cooked gnocchi. Toss them carefully to coat every piece. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This makes the sauce creamy and rich. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Serve hot, and finish with more Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your meal! To cook gnocchi well, always use a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil before adding the gnocchi. When they float, they are ready. This usually takes 2 to 4 minutes. Drain them gently to avoid breaking. Spices can boost the taste of your dish. I love using dried thyme and nutmeg. They add warmth and earthiness. You can also sprinkle a bit of red pepper flakes for heat. Don't forget to use salt and pepper to taste. To achieve a creamy texture, use heavy cream. Pour it in after cooking the garlic and mushrooms. Stir it gently to combine. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water. This will help balance the creaminess. Finally, mix in grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and richness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality mushrooms can enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Keep an eye on the gnocchi as they cook; once they float to the top, they are done. Overcooking can make them mushy. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth or milk for a less rich flavor. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. {{image_2}} You can swap gnocchi for other pasta types. Try using penne or fettuccine. If you want a lighter option, use zucchini noodles. For the mushrooms, cremini works well, but you can use shiitake or portobello for a different taste. If you dislike heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk. This keeps the dish creamy while changing the flavor. To make this dish vegan, choose plant-based gnocchi. Look for brands that use no eggs. Replace heavy cream with a blend of cashew cream or almond milk. Nutritional yeast can stand in for Parmesan cheese, giving a cheesy flavor without dairy. Add more herbs for extra taste. This way, you keep the dish rich and flavorful. If you want to add protein, chicken or shrimp works well. Cook them in the skillet before adding onions. For plant-based protein, try chickpeas or lentils. These add a nice texture and boost nutrition. Tofu is another great choice; just sauté it until golden before adding it to the sauce. Protein makes the meal heartier and even more satisfying. If you have leftover creamy mushroom spinach gnocchi, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down first. This helps keep the gnocchi soft and tasty. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to the pan. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out. Stir often until it warms up. You can also use a microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save some gnocchi for later, freezing is a great option. Place uncooked gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. You can store them for up to three months. When you are ready to cook them, boil them straight from the freezer. It is quick and easy! You can use store-bought gnocchi. It saves time and works well. Look for potato gnocchi for the best taste. Fresh gnocchi also adds a nice touch. If you want to make it from scratch, that's great too! Just ensure they are tender and soft. Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead. Just store it in the fridge. Cooked gnocchi can sit for a bit, but they taste best fresh. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and add the gnocchi. This keeps everything creamy and delicious. To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer. You can also add more cheese. Stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water if needed. Another option is to reduce the cream more before adding the spinach and gnocchi. This keeps the sauce rich and smooth. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad. A side of roasted vegetables also works great. For a heartier meal, serve with grilled chicken or shrimp. Garlic bread is another tasty option. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures on your plate! This blog post explored how to make creamy mushroom spinach gnocchi. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for the best results. Remember, you can customize the dish with different ingredients or spices. Always store leftovers properly and reheat to keep flavors fresh. Cooking can be fun and creative, so feel free to experiment. You now have the tools to create a delicious meal. Enjoy your gnocchi adventure!

Creamy Mushroom Spinach Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy dish featuring gnocchi, mushrooms, and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound store-bought gnocchi
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface. This usually takes 2-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they are golden brown and have released their moisture.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  • Reduce heat to low, and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Allow the cream to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
  • Slowly mix in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt, and season the sauce with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked gnocchi to the mushroom and spinach sauce. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi evenly.
  • Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  • Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve in deep plates or shallow bowls, and drizzle with extra cream if desired.
Keyword creamy, gnocchi, mushrooms, pasta, spinach