Description
Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi
Ingredients
1 lb potato gnocchi
2 tbsp butter
2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Red chili flakes (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Cook the gnocchi: Boil a pot of salted water and cook gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and tender. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Add spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to low, add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and stir until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Combine with gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Serve: Garnish with red chili flakes (if desired) and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 380 kcal per serving
#CreamyGnocchi #MushroomRecipes #ComfortFood #VegetarianMeals #QuickDinner #EasyRecipes
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped before you start cooking. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. While waiting, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms in a single layer if possible, allowing them to sear and brown without overcrowding, which takes 5-7 minutes. Only after they are golden, add the minced garlic for the final minute to prevent burning. When adding the spinach, it will seem like a lot, but stir continuously until it dramatically wilts down. When making the sauce, reduce the heat to low before adding the cream and Parmesan to prevent the dairy from separating. Stir constantly until a smooth, cohesive sauce forms.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy gnocchi is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition for soaking up any extra sauce. For wine pairings, choose a crisp white like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish comes together in three key stages: 1) Boil the gnocchi until it floats, then drain. 2) In a skillet, sauté mushrooms until browned, add garlic and spinach. 3) Create the sauce by stirring cream and Parmesan into the veggies, then toss with the cooked gnocchi. Garnish and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Absolutely. Cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms all work wonderfully and will add deeper, earthier flavors.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less thick. You can also use a light sprinkle of cornstarch to help thicken the lighter liquid.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Gnocchi is best served fresh. The sauce can be made ahead, but combine with freshly cooked gnocchi just before serving to prevent them from becoming gummy.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate and the gnocchi can become mushy upon reheating.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano offers a sharper, saltier flavor, while a good-quality Asiago or Fontina will provide a milder, creamier melt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Mushrooms: Cooking too many mushrooms at once steams them instead of browning them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Burning the Garlic: Add garlic only in the last minute of sautéing the mushrooms, as burnt garlic will make the entire sauce taste bitter.
- Boiling the Sauce: After adding the cream, keep the heat on low. A rapid boil can cause the sauce to curdle or become oily.
- Overcooking the Gnocchi: Cook gnocchi only until they float to the surface. Further cooking in the sauce is enough to heat them through without turning them to mush.
Conclusion
This Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi is the epitome of quick, satisfying comfort food. In under 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality vegetarian dish that feels indulgent yet is straightforward to prepare. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced meal with a luxurious sauce, tender gnocchi, and flavorful vegetables. It’s a versatile recipe sure to become a reliable favorite in your weekly dinner rotation.