If you’ve ever wondered how to turn simple gnocchi into an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth dinner, this Creamy Boursin Gnocchi Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Combining pillowy potato gnocchi with the bold, herby richness of Boursin cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce, this dish feels like a warm, delicious hug on a plate. It’s incredibly straightforward but delivers that wow factor every time, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dish when friends come over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and all the magic of this dish. Each element plays a vital role, from the tender gnocchi to the herby cheese that fills the sauce with character, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the veggies without overpowering the dish.
- Butter: Brings richness and a silky mouthfeel to the sauce, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Offers sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
- Cremini mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): Earthy notes and meaty texture that pair wonderfully with creamy sauces.
- Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced): A punch of aromatic zing that elevates every bite.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (3/4 cup): Adds savory depth and helps thin the sauce before it thickens.
- Heavy/whipping cream (1/2 cup): Creates the luscious, velvety base for our creamy sauce.
- Potato gnocchi (1 pound, uncooked): The star of the show—light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up that incredible sauce.
- Boursin cheese (5.2 oz/150g, softened): Loads the sauce with herb-infused, garlicky creaminess.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, bright garnish that adds a lovely pop of color and herbaceousness.
How to Make Creamy Boursin Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by warming olive oil and butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. As soon as the butter melts and starts shimmering, toss in the chopped onions. Sauté them for about 4 minutes until they turn translucent and gently sweet. This little step builds a flavorful foundation for the whole dish, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
Next, add the sliced cremini mushrooms. Mushrooms will release their juices and absorb the buttery-onion goodness. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring every now and then until they’re tender and slightly browned. This adds rich earthiness that’s essential to complement the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Infuse with Garlic
Turn the heat down to medium and add in the minced garlic. Sauté just for 30 seconds until fragrant—garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it. It’s the aromatic kick that brings the whole dish to life.
Step 4: Add Broth, Cream, and Gnocchi
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the heavy cream, then add the uncooked gnocchi. Give everything a thorough stir to combine. Once the mixture starts bubbling gently, let it cook uncovered, stirring frequently for about 7 minutes. The gnocchi will soften as they soak up the sauce, and the sauce will thicken to the perfect creamy consistency. If it gets too vigorous, just lower the heat to keep it controlled.
Step 5: Stir in Boursin and Season
Finally, fold in the softened Boursin cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Remove the pan from heat and taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as you see fit. If you like, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a fresh, colorful finish. This is what makes the Creamy Boursin Gnocchi Recipe truly special—the luxurious creaminess with bursts of herbaceous flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Boursin Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant pop of green but also brings a subtle brightness to cut through the richness of the sauce. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a few shavings of Parmesan can elevate the dish further.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the star, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlicky roasted vegetables adds texture and freshness to your meal. A simple arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil perfectly balances the richness of the gnocchi. Crusty bread is also fantastic for mopping up every last drop of the cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Creamy Boursin Gnocchi Recipe into a dinner party favorite by serving it in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprig of thyme or basil. Or layer it in a small gratin dish and give it a quick broil with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a bubbly golden crust that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy Boursin gnocchi should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal to enjoy later in the week without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
This recipe doesn’t freeze as well due to the cream sauce and gnocchi texture changing after thawing, so I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated instead. If you must freeze, try freezing the components separately and combining them upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can heat unevenly and alter the delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin provides a unique herby, garlic creaminess, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs or goat cheese for a different but equally delicious flavor.
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! Just make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian without losing any richness.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap out butter for a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream, and choose a vegan gnocchi and cream cheese substitute. The flavor profile will change but can still be delicious!
What type of gnocchi works best?
Potato gnocchi work beautifully here because they are tender and perfect for soaking up the sauce. Fresh or store-bought gnocchi both work well, though fresh offers a softer texture.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy and luscious enough to coat each piece of gnocchi without being too runny. Aim for a thick, velvety texture that clings to every bite.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Creamy Boursin Gnocchi Recipe highly enough if you’re craving a dish that feels indulgent but comes together with ease. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, its comforting creaminess and flavorful depth will leave everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try—you might just have a new favorite on your recipe list!
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Creamy Boursin Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Boursin gnocchi dish combines tender potato gnocchi with a rich and flavorful sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, cream, and soft Boursin cheese. Perfectly seasoned and garnished with fresh parsley, it delivers a comforting and indulgent Italian-inspired meal that can be prepared quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 5.2 oz (150g) Boursin cheese, softened
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the olive oil and butter to a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Cook Garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Simmer with Broth, Cream & Gnocchi: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, and add the uncooked gnocchi. Stir well and allow the mixture to come to a gentle bubble. Let it cook uncovered for about 7 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce thickens. Adjust heat as needed to maintain gentle bubbling.
- Add Boursin Cheese & Season: Stir in the softened Boursin cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Remove the skillet from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken broth for a richer flavor, or vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- Ensure the gnocchi is fresh or properly thawed if frozen for even cooking.
- Keep stirring during simmering to avoid gnocchi sticking to the pan.
- You can substitute Boursin cheese with cream cheese mixed with herbs if unavailable.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
