Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan Weeknight Comfort)
This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi is the kind of cozy meal you want on repeat. Pan-seared mushrooms, pillowy gnocchi, and wilted spinach all come together in a garlicky cream sauce spiced with Italian herbs and a hint of smoked paprika. It’s savory, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
No need for boiling water or extra pans—this is a true one-pot wonder. Like Instant Pot Lasagna or Dorito Casserole, this is a weeknight hero recipe that delivers flavor without the fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are few things as satisfying as creamy gnocchi straight from the skillet. This version checks all the boxes:
✅ Done in one pan
✅ Full of rich, herby flavor
✅ Hearty but vegetarian
✅ Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights
✅ Adaptable for your spice level
Whether you serve it with crusty bread or on its own, this dish feels indulgent without being heavy.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (35%)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (or more to taste)
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
- Ground black pepper and red pepper flakes, to taste
🍽️ Ingredient Notes
- Mushrooms: Cremini offer meaty flavor, but button or shiitake work great too.
- Gnocchi: No need to boil first—go straight into the pan.
- Cream: Use heavy (35%) for maximum silkiness. Sub half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Herbs: Italian seasoning keeps it classic, but you can swap in rosemary, thyme, or sage.
- Heat: Adjust paprika and red pepper flakes based on spice preference.
👨🍳 How to Make Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach & Mushrooms
1. Sauté the Mushrooms
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and softened. Remove half the mushrooms and set aside for topping.
2. Build the Sauce
To the remaining mushrooms in the skillet, add uncooked gnocchi, chicken broth, cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Simmer
Cover the pan and reduce to medium heat. Let simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add Spinach
Uncover, stir in fresh spinach, and cook for 3–5 minutes until wilted. The sauce will thicken further as the spinach cooks down.
5. Season & Finish
Add freshly ground pepper, more smoked paprika if desired, and red pepper flakes to taste. Top with the reserved mushrooms before serving.
🔥 Tips for Success
- Use a nonstick or enamel-coated skillet to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi — they should stay tender and slightly chewy.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
- Add grated Parmesan for even more umami.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for brightness.
🧡 Perfect Pairings
This creamy gnocchi is filling enough to be a main dish, but it also pairs well with:
- A crisp green salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette
- Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage for a Southern-style pairing
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo for a cozy, family-style dinner
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Tex-Mex twist
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing Not Recommended:
Because of the cream and gnocchi texture, this dish is best enjoyed fresh.
🥄 More One-Pot Recipes You’ll Love
- Dorito Casserole
- Instant Pot Lasagna
- Tomato Skillet with Okra
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
📝 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi recipe is proof that a few simple ingredients and one pan can lead to absolute dinner magic. It’s comforting, customizable, and deliciously satisfying—ideal for cozy nights in or impressing friends without breaking a sweat.
Tried it? Snap a pic and tag @Chefmaniac—we’d love to see your skillet in action!
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