Name: Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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 (+ 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 (cornstarch slurry); 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; 2 (16-ounce) packages gnocchi, prepared according to package directions (mini-size gnocchi recommended)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Tender, pillowy gnocchi combined with a rich, velvety mushroom sauce makes for a meal that’s satisfyingly comforting yet elegant enough to serve on any night of the week. The magic lies in the buttery mushrooms and garlic that build a deep flavor, enhanced by fresh thyme and Parmesan, all coming together in a luscious cream sauce that coats every bite perfectly. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your kitchen favorites too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a grey pan filled with many thin, brown cooked mushroom slices with some soft, white garlic pieces on top. A dark wooden spoon rests inside the pan, partly touching the garlic and mushrooms, with the handle stretching out of the pan toward the right side. The mushrooms have a slightly shiny texture from cooking, and some brown bits show where they touched the pan. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make this dish so special. From the fresh herbs to the creamy cheese, every element is essential in bringing your Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe to life.

Butter: Provides a rich, silky base for sautéing the mushrooms and garlic.
White button or baby bella mushrooms: Sliced thin to ensure they cook down beautifully, adding earthiness and texture.
Salt: Enhances the mushroom flavors and helps draw out moisture.
Garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic warmth that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
Chicken broth: Brings depth and savory notes to the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce that clings to the gnocchi.
Fresh thyme: Infuses subtle herbal brightness that balances the dish.
Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency without heaviness.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that melts into the sauce brilliantly.
Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully; mini-size works wonderfully for even saucing.

How to Make Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic

Start by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add your thinly sliced mushrooms and let them sauté until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color. This browning not only adds flavor but also intensifies the natural earthiness of the mushrooms. Sprinkle in the salt during this process to help pull moisture from the mushrooms and concentrate their taste. Next, toss in the garlic slices and let them cook just until fragrant—about 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it should enhance, not overpower.

Step 2: Make Your Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Once your mushrooms and garlic are perfectly sautéed, it’s time to build your sauce. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and toss in the fresh thyme sprigs. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle and the liquid to reduce slightly. This simmering step takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually to thicken the sauce to a silky texture. This is a perfect moment to boil your gnocchi if you’re cooking it fresh—having everything come together simultaneously is key!

Step 3: Bring It All Together

After the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the thyme sprigs and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Its salty, nutty richness transforms the sauce into something truly special. Now, add your cooked gnocchi and gently fold them into the sauce to ensure every piece is luxuriously coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and if the sauce feels too thick, splash in a little more chicken broth to keep it smooth and luscious. Your Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is now ready for serving!

How to Serve Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe

Inside a grey pan, there is a creamy mushroom sauce layer with visible brown mushroom pieces, topped with a heap of pale yellow gnocchi laying on the sauce. A dark wooden spoon is partially in the sauce and gnocchi, resting slightly on the right edge of the pan. The pan is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your dish even further, try adding a sprinkle of freshly minced parsley or extra grated Parmesan on top. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of cracked black pepper adds a hint of freshness and texture contrast that keeps each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This comforting meal pairs beautifully with crisp, vibrant side salads, such as arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. The freshness of the sides balances the creaminess of the sauce perfectly, rounding out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your gnocchi in rustic bowls drawn from the oven to keep everything nice and warm. For a bit of flair, use edible flowers or microgreens as garnishes—something unexpected but delightful. If you’re serving guests, mini individual portions make for charming presentations, allowing everyone to savor their own perfect bowl of this creamy goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and you should hope to!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce may thicken, so be sure to stir in a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring back that perfect silky texture.

Freezing

While gnocchi freezes well on its own, the creamy mushroom sauce is best enjoyed fresh. If you want to freeze leftovers, keep gnocchi and sauce separate, freezing gnocchi in a single layer to avoid clumping. Thaw gently before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your gnocchi gently on the stove over low heat. Add a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms, stirring often to prevent sticking. Microwaving works too—just do it in short bursts and stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’ll have a fantastic vegetarian version of the Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe that’s just as flavorful.

What type of gnocchi is best for this dish?

While fresh potato gnocchi works beautifully, store-bought gnocchi is a great shortcut—mini-size gnocchi especially helps the sauce cling better, making every bite deliciously creamy.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch slurry gradually. For a lighter sauce, thin it with extra chicken broth or cream, keeping that smooth, comforting texture you love.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?

Dried thyme can work in a pinch, but fresh thyme really shines here, providing a bright, fragrant lift that dried herbs can’t quite match.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Most gnocchi contain wheat, so this dish isn’t naturally gluten-free unless you use gluten-free gnocchi. Check your gnocchi packaging to be sure, or seek out specialty gluten-free options.

Final Thoughts

This Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a treat but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients and easy steps. It’s perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or impressive weekend gatherings where you want to wow without hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you serve this up, it will quickly become one of your beloved go-to recipes for coaxing smiles around the dining table. Dive in and enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!

Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need