Spinach Mushroom Gnocchi One Pan: Easy Recipe & Quick Cleanup

Spinach mushroom gnocchi one pan – the name itself conjures images of a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal, doesn’t it? Imagine tender, pillowy gnocchi nestled amongst earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach, all bathed in a creamy, savory sauce, and cooked entirely in one pan. Sounds like a weeknight dinner dream come true, right?

Gnocchi, those delightful little potato dumplings, have a rich history rooted in Italian culinary tradition. While their exact origins are debated, they’ve been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, evolving from simple peasant fare to a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide. The beauty of gnocchi lies in its versatility; it can be paired with countless sauces and ingredients, making it a blank canvas for culinary creativity.

But what makes this spinach mushroom gnocchi one pan recipe so special? It’s the perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness. People adore this dish because it’s quick to prepare, minimizes cleanup (thanks to the one-pan method!), and delivers a satisfying and flavorful experience. The earthy mushrooms complement the mild spinach beautifully, while the gnocchi provides a delightful chewiness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. So, let’s dive in and discover how to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Gnocchi:
• 1 pound (450g) pre-made gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• For the Spinach Mushroom Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces (225g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 ounces (140g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Optional Garnishes:
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Toasted pine nuts
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Spinach Mushroom Gnocchi

1. Prepare the Mushrooms: Start by slicing your cremini mushrooms. I like to slice them about ¼ inch thick, but you can adjust the thickness to your preference. Remember, they will shrink a bit as they cook.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the mushrooms in batches to ensure they brown properly. Overcrowding will steam them instead of browning them.
3. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Incorporate the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts down, about 2-3 minutes. It will seem like a lot of spinach at first, but it will quickly reduce in volume.
5. Add the Gnocchi: Now, add the gnocchi directly to the skillet with the spinach and mushroom mixture. There’s no need to pre-cook the gnocchi if you’re using shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi.
6. Add Liquid and Seasoning: Pour in the vegetable broth and stir everything together to combine. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Adding the Finishing Touches

1. Stir in Cream and Cheese (Optional): If you’re using heavy cream, stir it into the skillet. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cream and cheese will create a richer, creamier sauce. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can skip the cream.
2. Add Butter (Optional): For an extra touch of richness and shine, stir in the butter until it’s melted and incorporated into the sauce.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gnocchi and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Serving the Spinach Mushroom Gnocchi

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the spinach mushroom gnocchi immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is creamy.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh parsley, toasted pine nuts, and extra Parmesan cheese. These garnishes add flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the dish.
3. Enjoy!: Enjoy your delicious and easy one-pan spinach mushroom gnocchi!

Tips and Variations:

• Type of Gnocchi: You can use shelf-stable, refrigerated, or even frozen gnocchi for this recipe. If using frozen gnocchi, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Type of Mushrooms: I prefer cremini mushrooms for their earthy flavor, but you can use other types of mushrooms, such as button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or a mix of different varieties.
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add protein to the gnocchi. Cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp would all be delicious additions.
• Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, omit the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. You can use a plant-based cream alternative and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the gnocchi, such as sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Spice it Up: If you like spicy food, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Bake it: For a cheesy, bubbly topping, transfer the gnocchi to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the spinach mushroom sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the gnocchi and simmer until heated through.
• Storage: Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Why This Recipe Works:

This one-pan spinach mushroom gnocchi recipe is a winner for several reasons:

• Ease of Preparation: It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and only one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash!
• Flavorful and Nutritious: The combination of earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and tender gnocchi creates a delicious and satisfying meal that’s also packed with nutrients.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs by adding different vegetables, proteins, or spices.
• Quick and Convenient: It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal that’s still healthy and delicious.
• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are relatively inexpensive and readily available, making it a budget-friendly option for families.

Troubleshooting:

• Gnocchi Sticking to the Pan: If the gnocchi is sticking to the pan, add a little more vegetable broth or water and stir frequently.
• Sauce Too Thick: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water to thin it out.
• Sauce Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes, uncovered, to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the sauce.
• Mushrooms Not Browning: Make sure the pan is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the mushrooms in batches if necessary.
• Garlic Burning: Add the garlic after the mushrooms have cooked for a few minutes to prevent it from burning.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This one-pan spinach mushroom gnocchi recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you just crave something comforting and delicious without the fuss. I genuinely believe this is a must-try because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. Who doesn’t love that? The creamy sauce, the earthy mushrooms, the tender gnocchi, and the vibrant spinach all come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly healthy.

Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s quick, easy, flavorful, and requires only one pan! It’s the perfect solution for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a home-cooked meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins.

Looking for serving suggestions? I love to serve this spinach mushroom gnocchi with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the gnocchi perfectly. You could also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. A crusty piece of bread is also a fantastic addition for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to swap out the spinach for kale or arugula. Add some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and tang. If you’re a meat-lover, consider adding some cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken. For a cheesier version, stir in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese at the end. You could even try using different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or oyster mushrooms, for a more complex flavor profile. If you are feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce while it simmers. It will add a depth of flavor that is simply divine.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking, right? It’s all about creating something that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this one-pan spinach mushroom gnocchi recipe that I urge you to give it a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.

Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavors? What did your family think? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this easy and delicious spinach mushroom gnocchi. Happy cooking!