Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi in One Pan Recipe
Introduction
This creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi is a comforting one-pan dish ready in just 20 minutes. Tender potato gnocchi are cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz crimini mushrooms
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs from Provence)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or more, to taste)
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- Coarsely ground black pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they are lightly browned and softened. Remove half of the mushrooms to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2: To the same skillet with the remaining mushrooms, add the uncooked gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Step 3: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the gnocchi cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat, allowing the sauce to boil and thicken while the gnocchi cooks.
- Step 4: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring frequently for 5 minutes until the spinach has wilted to your preference. Cook longer if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Step 5: Season the dish with additional salt, coarsely ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika if desired. Top with the reserved cooked mushrooms before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese before serving for extra creaminess and flavor.
- If you like a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use baby spinach for a more tender texture or kale for a heartier green.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce becomes too thick upon reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, to make a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and make sure the gnocchi is egg-free.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi separately before adding it to the sauce?
No, the gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce as you simmer it covered, absorbing the flavors and saving time.
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Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi in One Pan Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy spinach and mushroom gnocchi is a quick and delicious one-pan meal ready in just 20 minutes. Featuring sautéed crimini mushrooms, tender potato gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful cream sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch and a boost of nutrients, making this recipe both hearty and wholesome.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 8 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Liquids
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dry & Spices
- 16 oz potato gnocchi (uncooked)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs from Provence)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus extra to taste)
- Coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Cook mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until they are lightly browned and softened. Remove half of the cooked mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Make creamy sauce: In the same skillet with the remaining mushrooms, add the uncooked potato gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook gnocchi: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid and let the gnocchi cook for about 5 minutes while the sauce simmers.
- Add spinach: Remove the lid and add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook on medium heat for an additional 5 minutes or until the spinach has wilted to your preferred texture. Continue cooking longer if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Season and assemble: Adjust seasoning by adding more salt, freshly ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, and extra smoked paprika if desired. Finally, top the gnocchi with the reserved sautéed mushrooms and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- You can add grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor if not vegan.
- Use fresh gnocchi if available, but frozen works well too—just adjust cooking time slightly.
- To thicken the sauce further, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes after adding spinach.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: gnocchi, creamy sauce, spinach, mushrooms, one-pan meal, quick dinner, Italian recipe

