Mushroom Gnocchi Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi with Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Creamy mushroom gnocchi with parmesan sauce delivers a luxurious Italian-inspired comfort meal that melts in your mouth.

Soft potato dumplings swimming in a rich, velvety cream embrace every savory bite.

Earthy mushrooms add depth and complexity to this elegant dish.

parmesan cheese brings a sharp, salty note that perfectly balances the silky sauce.

Home cooks adore this restaurant-quality recipe for its simplicity and incredible flavor profile.

Weekend dinner plans just got seriously delicious.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this decadent plate of pure culinary bliss.

Mushroom Gnocchi with Parmesan Cream for Cozy Nights

  • Savor Quick Comfort: This recipe offers a speedy, delicious meal perfect for satisfying sudden hunger with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Transform Weeknight Cooking: Elevate ordinary dinner routines with restaurant-quality flavors that require surprisingly simple techniques and basic ingredients.
  • Customize Your Dish: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping mushroom varieties or adding extra proteins like chicken or shrimp to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Master Creamy Perfection: Learn how to create a luxuriously smooth Parmesan cream sauce that turns basic ingredients into a gourmet experience without advanced culinary skills.

Ingredient Guide for Mushroom Gnocchi Cream Sauce

Primary Ingredients:
  • Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the hearty base of this comforting dish.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy and flavorful fungi that add depth and richness to the recipe.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that creates a creamy, luxurious sauce.
Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Broth: Create a smooth and velvety base for the Parmesan sauce.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps build the sauce's creamy texture.
  • Garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory undertone to the dish.
Seasonings and Garnish:
  • Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing mushrooms and creating a golden color.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the gnocchi.

Directions for Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Preparation

Step 1: Sizzle Golden Mushrooms

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.

Toss in sliced mushrooms and let them dance and caramelize until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, releasing their rich, earthy aroma.

Step 2: Enhance With Garlic And Butter

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet and add a pat of butter.

Let the ingredients mingle and sizzle for a couple of minutes, creating a fragrant base.

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Transfer the mushrooms to a separate plate.

Step 3: Cook Pillowy Gnocchi

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Gently drop the gnocchi into the water and cook until they float to the surface, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.

Drain the tender pasta and set aside.

Step 4: Create Sauce Foundation

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and let it become wonderfully aromatic, stirring for about a minute.

Step 5: Build Creamy Liquid Base

Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Step 6: Transform Into Silky Sauce

Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Add a whisper of nutmeg for depth.

Season with salt and pepper to perfect the flavor.

Step 7: Marry All Components

Combine the cooked gnocchi and sauteed mushrooms with the velvety Parmesan cream sauce.

Toss everything together, allowing the ingredients to warm and meld for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Present And Garnish

Plate the gnocchi immediately, scattering fresh chopped parsley on top and sprinkling extra Parmesan cheese for a final touch of elegance.

Helpful Hints for Silky Parmesan Cream Gnocchi

  • Choose firm, unblemished mushrooms like cremini or porcini for the best flavor and texture in your dish.
  • Rinse gnocchi with cold water immediately after boiling to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
  • Add pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick, helping create a silky, smooth texture that coats the gnocchi perfectly.
  • Sprinkle a small amount of dried porcini powder or a dash of truffle oil to intensify the mushroom's rich, earthy taste.
  • Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based Parmesan for a completely vegetarian version of this comforting meal.

Mushroom Gnocchi Options for Flavorful Customization

  • Gluten-Free Gnocchi Option: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Vegan Mushroom Pasta: Swap heavy cream and Parmesan with cashew cream and nutritional yeast for a plant-based alternative that maintains rich, creamy texture.
  • Lighter Herb-Infused Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, add fresh thyme and rosemary for a lighter, more herbaceous flavor profile.
  • Protein-Packed Adaptation: Incorporate crispy pancetta or grilled chicken to increase protein content and add extra savory depth to the dish.

Presenting Mushroom Gnocchi with Parmesan to Guests

  • Rustic Dinner Plate Presentation: Arrange gnocchi in a shallow bowl with mushrooms peeking through the creamy sauce, creating an inviting visual feast that highlights the dish's rich textures.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the earthy mushroom and creamy sauce with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Herbal Garnish Upgrade: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or chives on top for a burst of color and a subtle aromatic finish that elevates the dish's flavor profile.
  • Side Dish Companion: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to balance the richness of the gnocchi and provide a refreshing contrast.

Storing Mushroom Gnocchi with Parmesan Sauce Properly

  • Store leftover mushroom gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of cream or broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

  • What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?

Cremini, shiitake, or a mix of wild mushrooms provide the most robust flavor and texture for this gnocchi dish.

  • Can I use store-bought or homemade gnocchi?

Both work perfectly. Store-bought gnocchi is convenient, while homemade offers a more authentic touch. Just ensure they’re fresh and of good quality.

  • Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use less butter. You can also add more vegetables to increase nutritional value without compromising taste.

  • How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

The recipe is already vegetarian. Simply ensure your Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet if you want a strict vegetarian version.

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Mushroom Gnocchi Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

Mushroom Gnocchi Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe


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4.5 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Silky parmesan mushroom gnocchi brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Creamy sauce, tender potato dumplings, and earthy mushrooms create a luxurious dinner experience you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) potato gnocchi
  • 1 lb (454 grams) mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or oyster), sliced

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, introducing sliced mushrooms and sautéing for 5-7 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown caramelization.
  2. Incorporate minced garlic and butter into the skillet, allowing them to meld together for 1-2 minutes while seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer the mushrooms to a separate plate.
  3. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil, carefully dropping gnocchi and cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain and reserve.
  4. Create the sauce foundation by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and allowing it to become aromatic.
  5. Gently introduce heavy cream and broth into the saucepan, bringing the mixture to a delicate simmer while stirring intermittently.
  6. Gradually integrate grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce transforms into a velvety consistency. Optional nutmeg can enhance depth, with salt and pepper adjusting the final flavor profile.
  7. Reunite the cooked gnocchi and sautéed mushrooms with the luxurious Parmesan cream sauce, ensuring thorough coating and heating for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Present the dish immediately, adorned with fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Choose firm, fresh mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for intense flavor and better texture when sautéing.
  • Pat mushrooms dry before cooking to ensure they brown perfectly and develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
  • Create a gluten-free option by using gluten-free gnocchi and verifying all sauce ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 555 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 340 mg
  • Fat: 41 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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