Whip up this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi in one pan for a cozy, restaurant-quality meal that is perfect for busy weeknights and ready in under 20 minutes.
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add the crimini mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they are lightly browned and softened.
Remove half of the browned mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to use as a garnish later.
Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet with the remaining mushrooms, add the uncooked potato gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer Until Pillowy
Bring the liquid to a boil over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 5 minutes. The gnocchi will release starch to help thicken the cream into a silky sauce.
Finish with Greens and Garnishes
Uncover the pan and stir in the fresh spinach. Continue cooking over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is fully wilted and the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt if needed. Serve immediately topped with the reserved mushrooms, coarsely ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Notes
Mushroom Browning Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan when first searing the mushrooms. Giving them space allows them to brown beautifully instead of steaming in their own moisture.Sauce Adjustment: If your sauce becomes too thick while simmering, simply stir in a small splash of warm chicken broth or milk until it reaches a silky consistency.Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of liquid to restore the creamy texture of the sauce.Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.