Creamy Mushroom & Gnocchi One-Pan Dinner

Ever have one of those nights where you need something deeply comforting, incredibly tasty, and miraculously simple to clean up after? You know the ones—where the thought of a sink full of pots and pans is enough to make you order takeout instead. What if I told you that this Creamy Mushroom & Gnocchi One-Pan Dinner is the answer to that exact problem? It’s a soulful, veggie-packed meal that comes together in a single skillet, delivering that rich, satisfying flavor you crave without the meat. It’s the kind of dish my grandma would have loved for its practicality and heart.

Top Reasons To Make It

This dish is a weeknight hero for so many reasons. First, it’s a true one-pan wonder, meaning you get a fantastic dinner with minimal cleanup. Second, it’s ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those busy evenings. Third, it’s naturally meatless and can easily be made vegan, fitting right into your rotation of plant based meals. And honestly? It’s just so, so good. The creamy sauce, the tender gnocchi, the earthy mushrooms—it’s a combination that feels indulgent but is actually pretty straightforward to pull off.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory base.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential aromatic punch.
• 16 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced: Provide a deep, earthy flavor and meaty texture.
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried): Lends a subtle, herbal note.
• 1 cup vegetable broth: Forms the base of our creamy sauce.
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity and depth instead of wine.
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy sauce.
• 1 lb shelf-stable potato gnocchi: The hearty, pillowy star of the dish.
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach: Wilts in perfectly for a pop of color and nutrients.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: For seasoning throughout.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sliced mushrooms and thyme. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their liquid and turned a beautiful golden brown.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the entire package of gnocchi directly to the skillet, stirring to submerge them in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. The gnocchi will become tender and pillowy.
7. Uncover and stir in the fresh spinach until it just wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat. Taste and season generously with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! For a protein boost, stir in a can of drained white beans or some shredded cooked chicken at the same time as the gnocchi. Not a fan of mushrooms? Try using sliced zucchini or bell peppers instead. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice works beautifully. To make it vegan, just stick with the coconut milk option—it creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that everyone will love. For a different herb profile, fresh parsley or sage are fantastic swaps for thyme.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This creamy gnocchi dinner is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also great with a simple side. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. For a bit of crunch, some garlic bread is never a bad idea. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple side of roasted asparagus or green beans. It’s the kind of versatile dish that works for a casual family dinner or when you’ve got friends coming over for a meatless meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will continue to absorb the sauce, so when you reheat it, you’ll want to do it gently. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to a skillet over low heat, add the leftovers, and stir until warmed through. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce can separate and the gnocchi can become mushy upon thawing.

Pro Tips For Perfect Gnocchi

• Don’t stir the gnocchi too much once you add them to the pan. A gentle stir to coat them is all you need to prevent them from breaking apart.
• Let the mushrooms really develop a deep brown color. This builds a ton of flavor into the dish, so be patient during this step.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for the best, richest texture if you’re going the vegan route. The light version can make the sauce a bit thin.
• No need to boil the gnocchi first if you’re using shelf-stable ones! They cook perfectly right in the sauce, which also helps thicken it.
• Taste and season right at the end. Creamy sauces often need a good pinch of salt at the finish to make all the flavors pop.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable? You absolutely can! Fresh gnocchi will cook even faster, so check for doneness after about 3-4 minutes.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Many shelf-stable gnocchi brands are made with wheat flour, so check the package. You can find gluten-free gnocchi made with potato or rice flour to make this dish work for you.
• What other veggies can I add? This is a great base recipe! Feel free to add in some sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or even broccoli florets for more veggie power.
• How can I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer an even thicker sauce, you can create a quick slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stirring it in during the last minute of cooking.

I hope this Creamy Mushroom & Gnocchi One-Pan Dinner becomes a new trusted favorite in your home. It’s proof that the best vegetarian dishes are both effortless and utterly delicious.