Description
Indulge in Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi! This rich dish combines gnocchi, mushrooms, and spinach in a smoky garlic cream sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredient List (With Measurements)
This recipe uses a combination of fresh and pantry ingredients to create a creamy, flavor-packed dish.
Main Ingredients
- Gnocchi: 1 lb (fresh, dried, or frozen) – The tender base of the dish.
- Mushrooms: 2 cups (sliced; cremini or button mushrooms work well) – Adds earthy flavor and texture.
- Fresh Spinach: 3 cups (washed and roughly chopped) – A vibrant, nutrient-rich addition.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup – Forms the base of the luscious sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (grated) – Adds richness and a savory kick.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon – Infuses the dish with smoky warmth.
- Garlic: 4 cloves (minced) – A classic aromatic that enhances every ingredient.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons – For sautéing and enriching the sauce.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon – Prevents the butter from burning during cooking.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste – Essential for seasoning.
Optional Add-Ins and Toppings
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of heat.
- Fresh Basil: As a garnish for added freshness.
- Toasted Pine Nuts: For a nutty crunch.
- White Wine: 1/4 cup – Deglaze the pan for extra depth of flavor.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi
- Cook Gnocchi:
- If using dried or frozen gnocchi, boil according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. If using fresh gnocchi, skip this step, as it will cook in the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
- Heat Butter and Olive Oil:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil.
- Add Mushrooms:
- Sauté the mushrooms in the hot pan until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt to enhance their flavor.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it.
- Incorporate Paprika:
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and stir for 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Pour in Cream:
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Parmesan
- Add Spinach:
- Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Melt Parmesan:
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add Gnocchi:
- Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Season:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Plate and Garnish:
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan, fresh basil, or red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi
Achieving restaurant-quality results at home is easy with a few practical tips. These suggestions will ensure your dish is flavorful, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi
- Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly—often in just 2–3 minutes. Look for them to float to the surface, which signals they’re done. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy.
- Golden Mushrooms Are Key
- Cook mushrooms over medium-high heat in a single layer for a golden, caramelized exterior. Avoid crowding the pan to prevent steaming.
- Deglaze for Depth
- After sautéing the mushrooms and garlic, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or broth. This releases flavorful bits stuck to the pan, enriching the sauce.
- Toast the Paprika
- Add the smoked paprika early in the process and stir for 30 seconds. This toasting step enhances its smoky flavor.
- Control the Sauce Thickness
- If the sauce feels too thick, thin it with a splash of milk, broth, or reserved pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce.
- Serve Immediately
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the gnocchi can absorb the sauce and lose its texture if left sitting.