Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes) Recipe
This creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi is a quick and delicious one-pan meal ready in just 20 minutes. Sautéed crimini mushrooms and fresh spinach are combined with tender potato gnocchi in a rich, garlicky creamy sauce seasoned with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe balances hearty flavors with easy preparation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Gnocchi and Sauce
- 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, to taste)
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
- Coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced crimini mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and softened, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Cook Gnocchi: Pour in the potato gnocchi, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine everything evenly in the pan.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi floats to the top and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Spinach and Final Seasoning: Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt, coarsely ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Give everything a final stir to combine.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while creamy and warm.
Notes
- Potato gnocchi cooks quickly; overcooking may cause it to become mushy.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Fresh spinach can be swapped with baby kale or chard for variation.
- Use smoked paprika for depth; regular paprika can be used but will change the flavor slightly.
