Description
This Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe features tender gnocchi enveloped in a rich, velvety mushroom sauce made with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, creamy heavy cream, and fresh thyme. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, this comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests.
Ingredients
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 (+ 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
Gnocchi
- 2 (16-ounce) packages gnocchi, prepared according to package directions (mini-size gnocchi recommended)
Instructions
- Cook the mushrooms and garlic: Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they turn golden brown. Sprinkle salt over the mushrooms to draw out moisture, then continue cooking until some of the water evaporates. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Make your sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and add the fresh thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors. Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually to thicken the sauce to a smooth, creamy consistency. This is a good time to start boiling the gnocchi according to the package instructions.
- Add your gnocchi: Remove the thyme sprigs from the sauce and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi, combining everything well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth to maintain a silky texture.
- Serve: Scoop the hot, saucy gnocchi into bowls, optionally garnish with extra Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use mini-size gnocchi for the best texture and saucy coating.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding broth gradually if needed.
- Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma, but you can substitute with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
