Introduction
Indulging in a creamy mushroom gnocchi dish is pure comfort food at its finest. The combination of tender gnocchi, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich, velvety sauce creates a meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at a dinner party. This recipe is not only simple to follow but also incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into the details of the ingredients and cooking process.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 16 ounces white button or baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (plus an additional 1/4 cup as needed)
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 3 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water
– 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Gnocchi:
– Two 16-ounce packages gnocchi, prepared according to package directions
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
This creamy mushroom gnocchi dish is sure to become a household favorite. With its luscious sauce and satisfying texture, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the mushrooms and garlic
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the thinly sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms until they are golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the mushrooms are golden, season them with 1/2 teaspoon of salt to help draw out moisture. Continue cooking the mushrooms until some of their water has evaporated and they are well-cooked. Add the thinly sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Make the sauce
Pour in 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth and 3/4 cup of heavy cream to the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Add the 3 sprigs of fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld. While the sauce is simmering, prepare the gnocchi according to the package directions. If your sauce is not thick enough after simmering, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce to thicken, stirring continuously.
Combine with gnocchi
After removing the thyme sprigs from the sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently stirring to combine everything. Taste the dish, and season with additional salt and pepper as necessary. If the sauce appears too thick, add extra chicken broth, a little at a time, to achieve your desired silky consistency.
Serve
Scoop the hot, steaming gnocchi into bowls. Top each serving with extra Parmesan cheese and season with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious creamy mushroom gnocchi!
Notes
Type of Mushrooms
You can use either white button mushrooms or baby bella mushrooms in this recipe. Baby bella mushrooms will add a richer flavor.
Adjusting Thickness
If you prefer a thicker sauce, feel free to add a bit more cornstarch slurry, but remember that over-thickening can affect the overall texture.
Using Fresh Herbs
Fresh thyme works well in this recipe, but you can also experiment with other herbs such as parsley or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Cook techniques
Sautéing Mushrooms
Melt butter over medium heat and sauté sliced mushrooms until golden. This process enhances their flavor and allows them to absorb the butter.
Seasoning to Release Water
Once mushrooms are golden, add salt to draw out moisture. This step helps achieve the desired texture and enhances the mushroom flavor.
Infusing Garlic Flavor
Add sliced garlic after the mushrooms have cooked down. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant to add depth to the sauce.
Creating a Creamy Sauce
Combine chicken broth, heavy cream, and thyme, then bring to a simmer. This helps to meld the flavors before thickening.
Thickening with Cornstarch
Dissolve cornstarch in cold water and add to the sauce. This will thicken the sauce to a creamy consistency without clumping.
Combining with Gnocchi
After removing the thyme sprigs, mix the Parmesan cheese into the sauce, then gently fold in the cooked gnocchi, ensuring even coating.
Finishing Touches
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and add additional broth if necessary to keep the sauce silky and at the desired consistency.
FAQ
Can I use other mushrooms for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with other types of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or even a mix for varied flavors.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, but the sauce may turn out slightly less rich.
How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?
Gnocchi is typically done when they float to the surface of the boiling water. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance, but it’s best to combine it with the gnocchi just before serving to maintain the texture.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Conclusion
The creamy mushroom sauce paired with gnocchi creates a delightful dish that is both comforting and satisfying. The combination of rich flavors from the sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and thyme, along with the creaminess of the sauce, elevates the gnocchi to a new level. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Gnocchi with Spinach and Ricotta
Combine cooked gnocchi with sautéed spinach and small dollops of ricotta cheese for a fresh and cheesy variation.
Gnocchi with Tomato Basil Sauce
Serve gnocchi with a vibrant tomato basil sauce, topped with fresh mozzarella for a classic Italian dish.
Gnocchi with Pesto
Toss cooked gnocchi with homemade or store-bought pesto, adding cherry tomatoes and pine nuts for a burst of flavor.
Gnocchi with Butternut Squash Sauce
Blend roasted butternut squash with cream and sage to create a sweet and savory sauce that pairs beautifully with gnocchi.
Gnocchi Alfredo with Chicken
Stir cooked chicken strips into a creamy Alfredo sauce and mix with gnocchi for a hearty meal loaded with flavor.
Gnocchi with Lemon Butter Sauce
Lighten up the dish with a lemon butter sauce, adding capers and parsley for a refreshing twist on gnocchi.
