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Mushroom Gnocchi in Creamy Parmesan Sauce (Without Cream!) Recipe

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4.1 from 38 reviews

This Mushroom Gnocchi in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that delivers a rich and creamy texture without using heavy cream. Sautéed mushrooms are caramelized and combined with crispy pan-seared gnocchi, all enveloped in a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce made creamy with milk and cornstarch. Fresh herbs, garlic, and optional baby spinach add vibrant notes, making this a perfect vegetarian main course that’s both indulgent and approachable.

Ingredients

Mushroom Mixture

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 large shallot, finely diced
  • 1 pound mushrooms, sliced or cut into wedges
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme and/or sage leaves, plus more to serve
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Gnocchi and Sauce

  • 1 (16- to 17.6-ounce) package shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach (optional)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1 1/2 ounces), plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Steam the mushrooms: Warm a large 12-inch skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the finely diced shallot and sauté, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes until translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms in an even layer, season with about 1/2 teaspoon each of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, cover the pan, and cook without stirring until the mushrooms release their liquid and begin to soften, approximately 3 minutes.
  2. Sear the mushrooms: Remove the lid and continue cooking until the mushroom liquid evaporates and mushrooms start to caramelize, which takes about 3 to 6 minutes depending on the mushroom variety and size. Stir, then spread the mushrooms into a single layer again and cook without stirring for another 3 minutes to achieve a nice sear and browning. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme or sage, stirring to combine, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze the pan: Reduce heat to medium. Add balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce (if using), and scrape the pan bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor. Transfer the mushroom mixture to a plate and set aside. If skipping the balsamic and Worcestershire sauce, simply transfer mushrooms to a plate without this step.
  4. Sizzle the gnocchi: Return the pan to medium heat, add the butter and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the potato gnocchi in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are golden brown and crisp in spots, about 4 minutes. Return the mushrooms and any collected juices back to the pan with the gnocchi.
  5. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together milk and cornstarch to make a smooth slurry. Pour this into the pan with gnocchi and mushrooms. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking until the sauce thickens to a velvety texture, about 2 minutes. Stir in the baby spinach and cover the pan for one minute to steam the greens just until bright green.
  6. Finish and serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if desired. Divide the gnocchi among serving bowls and garnish with extra fresh thyme and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a warm, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Using optional balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami to the mushrooms but can be omitted for a simpler flavor.
  • Baby spinach is optional but adds a fresh, vibrant element and nutritional boost.
  • If you prefer a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with plant milk and use vegan Parmesan alternatives.
  • The gnocchi can be pan-seared directly from refrigerated or shelf-stable packages; no need to boil first.
  • To enhance herb flavor, try combining thyme and sage or using fresh herbs that you enjoy.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/mushroom-gnocchi-in-creamy-parmesan-sauce-without-cream-recipe/