Name: Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 12 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach; Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/3 cup dry white wine; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

If you’re craving a dish that’s comfort in every bite yet feels a little indulgent, you are going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of tender potato gnocchi swimming in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce loaded with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach. Every forkful boasts a rich creaminess, earthy mushrooms, and a vibrant pop of green that make it as delicious as it is satisfying. This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and glass measuring cups arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients. Starting from the top left, there is a bowl filled with light yellow gnocchi, and next to it on the right is a bowl with white rice. Below these, there are four small bowls: one with a smooth yellow mustard sauce, one with dark green pepper flakes, one with a light yellow oil, and one with some ginger pieces. On the bottom left, there is a white bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves, and to its right, a white bowl full of sliced white mushrooms. In the center, two glass measuring cups contain milk and cream, while two more bowls at the bottom hold breadcrumbs and white wine liquid. All bowls and cups are evenly spaced on the white marbled surface, creating a neat and colorful presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to create layers of taste, texture, and color. From the olive oil that starts the flavor base to the fresh baby spinach that adds brightness, every component plays a crucial role. Here’s what you’ll gather before the cooking fun begins:

Olive oil: Provides a lovely, fruity base to lightly sauté the onions and mushrooms without overpowering the dish.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when softened, perfectly balancing the sauce’s richness.
Cremini mushrooms: Bring an earthy, meaty texture that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Garlic: Offers a fragrant punch that elevates the whole dish with aromatic warmth.
Italian seasoning: A simple blend of herbs to infuse subtle Mediterranean notes into the sauce.
Dijon mustard: Adds an unexpected tang that brightens the creamy sauce just enough without stealing the spotlight.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth, helping to layer the flavors with a sophisticated touch.
Heavy cream: The heart of the dish’s lusciousness, creating that silky, dreamy sauce that coats each gnocchi perfectly.
Potato gnocchi: Pillowy and soft, these little dumplings absorb the sauce wonderfully and provide the perfect chewy bite.
Fresh baby spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a burst of nutrients, balancing the rich creaminess.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and contributes to the creamy texture when stirred in just right.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to tune the dish just to your liking.
Fresh parsley: A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds freshness and a hint of color on top.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Mushrooms

Start by warming olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and let it cook gently for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally and don’t worry if the onion gets a light golden color—that adds wonderful sweetness. Next, toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook these together for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms have softened and released their earthy aroma. This step builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters – Dijon and Wine

Now it’s time to stir in the Dijon mustard, which adds a subtle tangy layer, enhancing the creaminess that’s coming next. Pour in the dry white wine and let it bubble away for about a minute. This helps to lift the flavors and deglaze the skillet, bringing a slight acidity and complexity to your sauce that you’ll taste in every bite.

Step 3: Pour In Cream and Add Gnocchi

Gently add the heavy cream and uncooked potato gnocchi to your skillet. Let it return to a bubble, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. This step allows the gnocchi to cook right in the sauce, absorbing all those rich, creamy flavors. After about 3 minutes, the gnocchi should be tender and ready to mingle with the fresh greens.

Step 4: Incorporate the Spinach

Fold in the fresh baby spinach and cover the skillet again. Let the heat wilt those vibrant greens, which not only add beautiful color but a refreshingly light contrast to the dish’s richness. A quick 3 minutes here is perfect to keep the spinach tender but still lively.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan, Season, and Garnish

Time to stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, which melts into the sauce, adding saltiness and that irresistible cheesy goodness. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, then give it a final stir. If the gnocchi needs a few more minutes to reach pillowy perfection, simply keep cooking gently. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top for an inviting pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe

The image shows two white pots on a white marbled surface. The pot on the left is filled with creamy mushroom soup at the bottom layer, topped with a thick layer of fresh green spinach leaves covering the entire surface. The pot on the right shows the same creamy mushroom soup with visible slices of mushrooms and spinach mixed in, topped with a generous layer of light yellow grated cheese in the center. Both pots have metal handles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese right before serving takes this dish over the edge into pure comfort food territory. Fresh parsley or even a drizzle of good quality olive oil adds brightness and helps the presentation shine. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few red pepper flakes can add a lovely gentle heat to balance the cream.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe is fantastic on its own, but serving it alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness beautifully. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables also pair well, bringing texture and variety to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try plating the gnocchi on rustic warm bowls and topping with extra parmesan shavings and fresh herbs. Mini fondue forks or wooden serving spoons add a cozy vibe. You could even serve it as a hearty pasta course before a lighter main or as the star of a vegetarian feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce thickens as it cools, so before serving again, gently reheat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but because of the cream, the texture may slightly change upon thawing. If you want to freeze, do so within a day of cooking and use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating cautiously.

Reheating

Reheat the gnocchi gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little cream or broth to help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at very high heat to prevent curdling. Stir frequently for an even warm, creamy finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for the Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well and might just save you a step. Just cook according to package directions before adding to the sauce, ensuring they remain tender without becoming mushy.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew-based cream alternative, and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast. The flavor will shift slightly, but it remains deliciously creamy and comforting.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Roasted bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed zucchini make delightful additions. Just be mindful of cooking times so all veggies remain vibrant and well-textured.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a mild kick based on your preference.

What wine pairs well with Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe?

A crisp, unoaked white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully, balancing the creamy richness and complementing the mushroom’s earthy tones.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s cozy, approachable, and full of beautiful flavor layers that make every bite special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and savor the magic it brings to your table.

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need