Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes)

Simple Introduction

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes) is the kind of recipe that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. In just one skillet and less than half an hour, you get pillowy potato gnocchi coated in a silky, garlicky cream sauce, packed with earthy mushrooms and tender spinach. It’s rich without being heavy, cozy without being fussy, and impressive enough to serve guests—yet easy enough for a busy weeknight.

This dish hits that sweet spot between American comfort food and Italian-inspired simplicity. The gnocchi cook directly in the sauce, soaking up flavor as they soften, which means fewer dishes and deeper taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick vegetarian dinner, a satisfying meatless Monday meal, or a creamy side dish to pair with protein, this recipe delivers every single time.

Best of all, it’s endlessly adaptable. You can keep it vegetarian, add cheese, boost it with protein, or adjust the creaminess to your liking—all without losing the magic of that one-pan, 20-minute promise.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes)

There are countless reasons this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

1. Ready in Just 20 Minutes

From prep to plate, this dish is lightning-fast. Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi cook in minutes, and everything happens in one pan—no boiling water, no draining, no extra pots.

2. One-Pan Wonder

Cooking the gnocchi directly in the sauce not only saves time and cleanup, but also creates a richer, more flavorful result. The starch from the gnocchi naturally thickens the sauce, giving it a restaurant-quality texture.

3. Creamy Without Being Overwhelming

Heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious feel, but mushrooms and spinach balance it out with earthiness and freshness. The result is indulgent yet surprisingly well-rounded.

4. Meatless but Satisfying

Even without meat, this dish feels hearty and filling. Mushrooms provide a savory, umami depth that makes you forget anything is missing.

5. Flexible and Customizable

Add cheese, protein, extra veggies, or herbs—this recipe adapts beautifully to what you have on hand.

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Ingredients Breakdown + Tips

Understanding each ingredient helps you get the best possible results from your Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes).

Mushrooms

• Crimini mushrooms are ideal for this recipe. They have a deeper flavor than white button mushrooms and hold their texture well in creamy sauces.

• Slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.

• Cooking them over high heat ensures browning instead of steaming—this is key for flavor.

Tip: If you love mushrooms, feel free to increase the amount to 10–12 oz.

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Gnocchi

• Potato gnocchi are soft, pillowy dumplings traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and egg.

• Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi both work perfectly here.

• No need to pre-cook—the gnocchi soften beautifully as they simmer in the sauce.

Tip: Avoid frozen gnocchi for this method unless fully thawed, as they can release excess moisture.

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Cream & Broth

• Heavy cream provides richness and body.

• Chicken broth adds depth and savory balance. Vegetable broth works just as well for a vegetarian version.

• The combination allows the sauce to be creamy without tasting flat or overly heavy.

Tip: If you want a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or use ¾ cup cream + ¼ cup milk.

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Garlic & Seasonings

• Fresh garlic is essential—don’t skip it.

• Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence adds subtle herbal notes.

• Smoked paprika brings warmth and a gentle smokiness that complements the mushrooms beautifully.

• Red pepper flakes are optional but recommended for a slight kick.

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Spinach

• Fresh spinach wilts quickly and adds color, freshness, and nutrients.

• Baby spinach is ideal, but regular spinach works too—just chop it roughly.

Tip: Add spinach at the end to keep it vibrant and tender, not mushy.

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Step-by-Step Instructions (One-Pan Method)

Step 1: Cook the Mushrooms

Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes.

Let them sit undisturbed for a moment to develop color. Once lightly browned and softened, remove half of the mushrooms to a plate and set aside.

Why this matters: Reserving some mushrooms ensures you get those beautiful browned pieces on top when serving, adding texture and visual appeal.

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Step 2: Build the Creamy Gnocchi Sauce

In the same skillet (do not clean it—those browned bits are flavor!), add:

• Uncooked gnocchi

• Chicken or vegetable broth

• Heavy cream

• Minced garlic

• Italian seasoning

• Smoked paprika

• Salt

Stir everything well and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the gnocchi are tender.

Tip: Keep the boil gentle—too aggressive and the sauce may reduce too quickly.

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Step 3: Add the Spinach

Uncover the skillet and add the fresh spinach. Stir frequently as it wilts, about 5 minutes.

As the sauce simmers uncovered, it will naturally thicken to a creamy, velvety consistency.

Sauce control:

• Too thick? Add a splash of broth or milk.

• Too thin? Simmer uncovered for another minute or two.

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Step 4: Finish & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes.

Top with the reserved mushrooms and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes)

• Use a wide skillet: This allows liquid to reduce properly and mushrooms to brown.

• Season in layers: A little salt at each step builds balanced flavor.

• Don’t overcook gnocchi: They should be tender, not mushy.

• Serve immediately: Like most cream sauces, this dish is best fresh.

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Variations & Customizations

This recipe is a blank canvas. Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

Add Cheese

• Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano at the end.

• Add a small amount of cream cheese for extra silkiness.

Make It Vegan

• Use vegetable broth.

• Swap heavy cream for cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk.

• Finish with nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

Add Protein

• Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.

• Crispy tofu or white beans work beautifully for a vegetarian boost.

Extra Veggies

• Sun-dried tomatoes for tang.

• Peas for sweetness.

• Zucchini or asparagus for seasonal freshness.

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Serving Suggestions

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes) is incredibly versatile:

• Serve as a meatless main dish with crusty bread.

• Pair with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp.

• Add a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette for balance.

• Serve smaller portions as a luxurious side dish.

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Storage & Reheating

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.

• Add a splash of broth, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce.

• Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

Note: The sauce will thicken as it sits—this is normal.

Print

Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: ~445 kcal

• Fat: 26 g

• Saturated Fat: 15 g

• Carbohydrates: 46 g

• Protein: Moderate (higher with added protein)

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20 Minutes) is proof that incredible comfort food doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a sink full of dishes. This recipe delivers everything we crave in a cozy meal: rich creaminess, deep savory flavor, soft pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant greens—all with minimal effort.

What makes this dish truly special is its balance. The mushrooms bring earthiness, the spinach adds freshness, and the cream ties everything together in a way that feels indulgent but not overwhelming. Cooking the gnocchi directly in the sauce is a game-changer, creating depth of flavor you simply don’t get from boiling them separately.

This is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again—on busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want something comforting without committing to a long cook time. It’s easy enough for beginners, flexible enough for creative cooks, and satisfying enough to please even the most devoted comfort-food lovers.