Creamy Spinach Mushroom Gnocchi

September 17, 2018
gnocchi on a plate with spinach, sweet potato, and parmesan

THE EASIEST WEEKNIGHT PASTA DISH

We’ve been making this one-skillet Creamy Mushroom Spinach Gnocchi on repeat for literally the last year. Soft, pillowy, gnocchi is what pasta dreams are made of. Everyone in the family loves gnocchi and I can now swing by my Trader Joe’s and pick up the ingredients for this dish with my eyes closed. This gnocchi is swimming in a light cream sauce that’s slightly tangy and just rich enough with the addition of mushrooms and spinach. I like to deglaze the caramelized onions with white wine, but you can easily substitute broth if you’d rather.

TIPS FOR COOKING PERFECT PASTA ON A WEEKNIGHT

Whether you’re making my favorite pasta dish (this Creamy Mushroom + Spinach Gnocchi) or any other pasta on a weeknight, here are a few tips I swear by for getting perfect al dente results every time:

  • Use a large roomy pot, because this gives the pasta space to move and cook evenly so that nothing is stuck together when you drain it. Also, don’t forget to make sure you’re using enough water to fully submerge the pasta.
  • Don’t skimp on the salt! Salt the water, salt the water, salt the water. I swear this is the one thing that will make the biggest difference in the taste of your pasta, so I aim for using a tablespoon each time I cook pasta.
  • Boil & Stir. Bring your water to a full boil before you add your pasta and don’t forget to stir frequently to avoid clumping.
  • Don’t overcook your pasta. Pay attention to the time suggestions on the box, but I like to check my pasta a minute or so before it’s supposed to be done because I prefer al dente pasta with just a bit of bite. In my opinion, you’re better off undercooking pasta than overcooking it — and I think legitimate Italians would agree with me.

TOOLS FOR COOKING WEEKNIGHT PASTA DISHES

If I’m making a pasta dish in a skillet start to finish, this is my go-to tool. But if I’m boiling pasta the old fashioned way, this is an awesome pasta pot to have on hand.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Gnocchi


  • Author: kelseynixon

Description

Soft pillowy gnocchi is what pasta dreams are made of. Everyone in the family loves gnocchi and I can now swing by my Trader Joe’s and pick up the ingredients for this dish with my eyes closed.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 10 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
  • Kosher salt & cracked black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound gnocchi (uncooked)
  • 2 cups (about 4 ounces) baby spinach
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil and sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant.

Add the garlic and mushrooms and season to taste with salt and pepper. Whisk in the mustard and white wine (or chicken broth) and cook until liquid has reduced to a tablespoon or so.

Add the cream and gnocchi and bring to a simmer. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low – cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Stir in the spinach, cover and cook for another minute.

Stir in the parmesan and season with salt & pepper. Garnish with extra parmesan, if desired.

Looking for more simple weeknight recipes? Check out Recipe Club.

Learn More