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This creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi is a quick and easy one-pan meal that delivers comforting flavors in just 20 minutes. The dish features store-bought gnocchi cooked in a luscious garlic cream sauce with earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a mix of seasonings. It’s a perfect meatless meal that’s satisfying on its own or can be paired with your favorite protein.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

8 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought)
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
5 oz fresh spinach
¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
Coarsely ground black pepper (to taste)
Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Directions

Cook Mushrooms:
Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sliced mushrooms seasoned with salt and pepper for about 1-2 minutes until lightly browned and softened. Remove half of the mushrooms from the pan and set them aside.
Make Creamy Sauce and Cook Gnocchi:
To the same skillet, add the uncooked gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally as the sauce simmers and thickens.
Add Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir frequently, cooking until the spinach wilts, about 5 minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, cook a bit longer.
Assembly:
Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and additional smoked paprika, if desired. Top with the remaining half of the cooked mushrooms. Serve and enjoy!

Estimated Nutritional Value (Per Serving):

Calories: 445 kcal
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 68mg
Sodium: 686mg
Potassium: 461mg
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 9g
Vitamin A: 4326 IU
Vitamin C: 12 mg
Calcium: 110 mg
Iron: 6 mg

This creamy gnocchi is rich, comforting, and perfect for a quick dinner or lunch!

The Beauty of Store-Bought Gnocchi

One of the highlights of this recipe is the use of store-bought potato gnocchi, which makes the dish quick and accessible without compromising on flavor. Gnocchi are soft, pillowy dumplings that absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Cooking them directly in the pan with the creamy sauce not only eliminates the need for boiling separately but also allows the gnocchi to soak up all the delicious flavors of the garlic and seasonings. The result is a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare but feels indulgent.

Mushrooms: Earthy and Flavorful

Crimini mushrooms are a perfect choice for this dish, bringing an earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce and tender gnocchi. When sautéed with a bit of olive oil, the mushrooms caramelize slightly, intensifying their natural flavor and adding richness to the sauce. By removing half of the cooked mushrooms and setting them aside, you maintain some texture in the dish while using the other half to infuse the sauce. The mushrooms’ flavor melds beautifully with the garlic and cream, making every bite a satisfying blend of creamy and earthy goodness.

A Creamy Sauce: Simple Yet Flavorful

The garlic cream sauce is where the magic happens in this dish. Heavy cream provides the perfect base, giving the sauce a rich, velvety texture. The addition of chicken broth thins the cream slightly, creating a balanced sauce that coats the gnocchi without being overly heavy. Minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth, while Italian seasoning gives it a classic herby flavor that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms and spinach. Smoked paprika adds an optional depth, giving a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall dish, while red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat for those who enjoy a little spice.

Fresh Spinach: A Pop of Color and Nutrition

Fresh spinach not only adds vibrant green color to the dish but also brings a nutritious punch. The spinach wilts quickly in the creamy sauce, adding texture and freshness that perfectly balances out the richness of the cream. Packed with vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, spinach contributes to the overall healthiness of the dish while complementing the creamy sauce with its mild, slightly earthy flavor. The spinach also adds a delightful contrast in texture, giving each bite a satisfying crunch amidst the soft gnocchi and tender mushrooms.

A Quick and Easy Meal

What sets this recipe apart is how fast it comes together. In just 20 minutes, you can go from prep to serving with a hearty, satisfying meal. The one-pan nature of this recipe means minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful, comforting dinner without a lot of fuss. The gnocchi cooks directly in the skillet with the creamy sauce, and the mushrooms and spinach are quickly incorporated, making this meal both time-efficient and flavorful.

Customizing Your Dish

One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences. For instance, if you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you could substitute them with another vegetable like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also make this dish more protein-packed by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. For a slightly lighter version, you can swap out the heavy cream for a lighter cream or use half-and-half. The dish is highly adaptable, allowing you to play with different flavors and textures to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

While this creamy gnocchi dish is satisfying on its own, you can always pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a more filling meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the gnocchi. Additionally, a side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli would add even more flavor and texture to the meal.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can sprinkle more red pepper flakes on top of the dish when serving. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese would also elevate the flavor, adding a salty, savory finish that ties the entire dish together.

Conclusion: A Perfectly Comforting Meal

In conclusion, Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi is a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. The soft gnocchi, creamy garlic sauce, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach combine to create a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian dish or pair it with your favorite protein, this meal is sure to impress. Quick, flavorful, and nourishing, it’s the perfect solution for those days when you want something hearty yet simple.

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