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Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi

Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi

Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi is a creamy, savory dish that combines tender potato gnocchi with sautéed mushrooms and vibrant spinach in a luscious sauce. Ideal for a quick, easy, and indulgent weeknight dinner, this vegetarian-friendly recipe offers comforting textures and rich flavors, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 500g potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, washed
  • 200g cremini or button mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or cream alternative
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash the spinach thoroughly and slice the mushrooms thinly. Mince garlic finely to release its flavors during cooking. Having all ingredients ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
  2. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi in batches; they’re done when they float to the surface. Transfer the cooked gnocchi to a bowl, keeping them warm for later.
  3. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and turn golden brown. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Wilt the Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring gently until just wilted. This preserves the vibrant color and tender texture, adding freshness to the dish.
  5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously. Allow the cream to simmer and thicken slightly, coating the mushrooms and spinach with silky richness.
  6. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure each piece is coated with the creamy mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and integrated.
  7. Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Pick Quality Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi cooks better and tastes superior, but store-bought is a great shortcut too.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sauté mushrooms in batches to ensure they brown nicely instead of steaming.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Keep a splash of gnocchi cooking water to loosen sauce if needed for better consistency.
  • Use Fresh Spinach: Frozen spinach can become watery; fresh leaves maintain the right texture and color.
  • Low and Slow with Cream: Simmer the cream gently to avoid curdling and achieve a smooth sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spinach, Mushroom, Gnocchi, Creamy, Vegetarian, Quick Dinner, Easy Recipe, Italian