Easy Ricotta Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s as delicious as it is simple, look no further than Easy Ricotta Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Imagine soft, pillowy gnocchi floating in a rich, velvety sauce that’s loaded with earthy mushrooms. It’s like the best of both worlds: a decadent dish that’s surprisingly easy to pull together, making it perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress a few friends. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with store-bought gnocchi!

This dish has all the comfort you could crave—smooth ricotta gnocchi, a luxuriously creamy sauce, and the earthy bite of sautéed mushrooms. It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors, and you’re going to love how quickly it all comes together. Whether you’re a gnocchi novice or a pasta pro, this recipe will feel like a little victory in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the magic of making fresh gnocchi without all the fuss!

Why You’ll Love Easy Ricotta Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Quick and Easy

Homemade gnocchi may seem intimidating, but this recipe takes out all the hard work! With just ricotta, flour, and egg, you’ll have soft, pillowy gnocchi in no time. Plus, the creamy mushroom sauce comes together quickly, so you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!

Comforting and Creamy

There’s something so satisfying about the creamy mushroom sauce. It’s rich and indulgent without feeling too heavy. The mushrooms add depth and earthiness to the sauce, while the gnocchi are the perfect vehicle for soaking up every drop.

Customizable

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to your taste. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can swap them for spinach, zucchini, or broccoli. Want to make it a bit more decadent? Stir in some parmesan cheese or a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce for an extra creamy texture.

Great for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a date night at home, this dish feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. You get all the love of homemade gnocchi with the ease of a simple recipe.

Ingredients

Ricotta Cheese

The base of the gnocchi is ricotta cheese, which gives the dumplings a soft and pillowy texture. Make sure to use well-drained ricotta for the best results!

All-Purpose Flour

Flour helps bind the gnocchi dough together and gives it structure. You don’t need a lot—just enough to bring everything together without making the gnocchi too dense.

Egg

Egg helps hold the gnocchi together and gives them a smooth texture.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese adds flavor to the gnocchi dough, making them extra savory and delicious. You can also sprinkle some on top of the finished dish for a cheesy finish.

Mushrooms

For the sauce, mushrooms are a must! They bring an earthy, umami flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce beautifully.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is key to creating a rich and velvety sauce. It helps bind the sauce together and gives it a smooth, luscious texture.

Garlic

A little bit of garlic adds flavor and aroma to the sauce, giving it that irresistible depth.

Butter and Olive Oil

For sautéing, a combination of butter and olive oil creates the perfect balance of flavor. The butter adds richness, while the olive oil helps cook the mushrooms evenly.

Fresh Herbs

A handful of fresh parsley or thyme gives the sauce a fresh, herbal note that elevates the whole dish.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper to taste are the simple but essential seasonings that tie everything together.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Gnocchi Dough

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add in flour, stirring until the mixture forms a soft, slightly sticky dough. Don’t overwork the dough—just enough to bring everything together.

Step 2: Shape the Gnocchi

Dust a clean surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Roll the dough into a long log, then cut it into small pieces, about 1-inch long. To make them look more authentic, use a fork to gently press each piece, creating little ridges. These ridges help the sauce cling to the gnocchi.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in batches. Once they rise to the surface (usually within 2-3 minutes), remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they’ve softened and released their moisture. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in some fresh parsley or thyme for an herbaceous kick.

Step 6: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Stir carefully to coat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your ricotta gnocchi hot, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. You can pair this with a simple salad and some crusty bread to round out the meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 15g
Vitamin D: 10% DV
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 10% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Easy Ricotta Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Fresh Salad

Pair the gnocchi with a light green salad, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with a side of garlic bread to soak up that creamy mushroom sauce. It adds a little crunch and flavor to every bite.

Roasted Vegetables

If you want to add some extra veggies to the mix, serve the gnocchi with roasted carrots, broccoli, or spinach. They’ll complement the creamy sauce and add a nice pop of color to your plate.

Additional Tips

Make it Vegetarian

If you want to make this dish vegetarian, just stick with the mushrooms for the sauce. You can also add other veggies like spinach or zucchini for more texture.

Add More Cheese

If you love cheesy dishes, feel free to stir in some more parmesan into the sauce or sprinkle it on top before serving.

Gluten-Free Option

To make this dish gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the texture of the dough and adjust as needed.

Leftovers

This dish is perfect for leftovers! Store any remaining gnocchi and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I freeze ricotta gnocchi?

A1: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked gnocchi. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen by boiling for a few extra minutes.

Q2: Can I make the gnocchi ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can prepare the gnocchi ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day before cooking. Just be sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.

Q3: Can I use a different type of mushroom?

A3: Absolutely! You can use cremini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or portobello mushrooms in place of white mushrooms for a different flavor.

Q4: Can I add protein to this dish?

A4: Yes! Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for extra protein. You can also serve it with a side of roast chicken or pork chops.

Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?

A5: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or stir in some chili paste for an extra kick.

Q6: Can I use a different kind of cheese in the gnocchi dough?

A6: Yes! You can swap parmesan with asiago or pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.

Q7: Can I make the creamy mushroom sauce without cream?

A7: Yes, you can use milk or half-and-half for a lighter sauce. The texture may be slightly thinner, but it’ll still be delicious.

Q8: How do I make the gnocchi lighter and fluffier?

A8: Be careful not to overwork the dough, and only add enough flour to bring it together. Too much flour can make the gnocchi dense.

Q9: Can I add spinach to the sauce?

A9: Yes! Stir in some fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking the sauce for added color and nutrition.

Q10: How can I store leftovers?

A10: Store leftover gnocchi and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream.

Conclusion

This Easy Ricotta Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a dreamy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night you want something comforting, delicious, and impressive. With homemade gnocchi and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, this meal is a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every bite!

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