If you’re craving a dish that combines light, pillowy gnocchi with the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach and the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, you have to try this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of textures with the crispy exterior of the gnocchi and the tender, flavorful greens, all tied together with savory garlic and a hint of spice. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and so easy to whip up any night of the week, making it one of those go-to meals you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a crucial role in making this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe a standout. From the soft gnocchi that crisps up beautifully to the feta that adds a briny tang, every element brings something delicious to the table.
- 1 pound gnocchi: The soft potato dumplings form the base and get that irresistible crispy crust when pan-fried.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds the perfect richness for sautéing and crisping the gnocchi without overpowering the other flavors.
- 4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g): Offers a fresh, earthy component that wilts down nicely to balance the richness.
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g): Brings a salty creaminess that enhances every bite.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the entire dish with aromatic depth and warmth.
- Salt, to taste: Necessary to season and brighten all the flavors.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat to contrast the creamy feta.
How to Make Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Gnocchi
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook just until they float to the surface, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This gentle cooking softens them thoroughly while keeping their shape intact. Once they float, drain them carefully—this step ensures perfectly tender gnocchi ready for that all-important crisping in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this is the little flavor boost that carries through the whole dish. Then toss in the fresh spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully wilted, about 3 to 4 minutes. Be sure to season with salt and pepper here to build layers of taste early on.
Step 3: Add the Gnocchi
Now the magic really begins. Add the boiled gnocchi to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Toss everything together so the flavors meld, then let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes. This gives the gnocchi time to develop their signature crispy, golden crust while locking in those tasty flavors—resist the urge to stir too soon!
Step 4: Incorporate the Feta
Once the gnocchi edges start to crisp beautifully, sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the top. Gently fold the mixture to combine and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the feta warms slightly without melting completely. This step ensures every bite gets that delightful burst of tangy, creamy feta cheese.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe into serving bowls. For an added pop, sprinkle extra feta or red pepper flakes on top if you like a little extra zing. Now dig in while it’s warm and enjoy that satisfying contrast of textures and vibrant flavors!
How to Serve Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil can brighten the dish beautifully. Adding a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving will also elevate the flavors and freshness of the gnocchi.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad for a light, refreshing contrast or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover flavors from the skillet. If you prefer something heartier, a side of roasted vegetables or a simple tomato salad can complement the tangy feta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets to keep it warm at the table and add a rustic charm. You could also layer it as a base in a vegetable bowl with a poached egg on top for an added indulgence and extra protein.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the gnocchi can lose some of its crispness, you might want to reheat it in a skillet to bring back some of that satisfying texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze cooked gnocchi separately before adding the spinach and feta. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, pop the gnocchi in a hot skillet with a little olive oil to restore that crispy exterior, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Microwave reheating tends to soften the gnocchi too much, so stovetop warming is preferable for maintaining texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach, but make sure to thoroughly thaw and squeeze out excess water first to avoid sogginess. Fresh spinach is preferred for its bright flavor and texture in this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe.
What type of gnocchi works best here?
Fresh or store-bought potato gnocchi both work well. Just be sure to cook them according to package directions or until they float as described for the best results in crisping up when pan-fried.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, skip the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also enhance flavor with nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for that cheesy, savory touch.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spiciness depends on your addition of red pepper flakes, which are optional. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely to control the heat level for your taste buds.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to heat the olive oil well before adding the gnocchi and avoid overcrowding the pan. Let the gnocchi cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a crust before stirring to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It’s simple, quick, and so full of flavor, proving that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something truly memorable. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to meals that you’ll happily share with loved ones time and time again.
Print
Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish combining pillowy gnocchi that’s boiled then pan-fried to a crispy golden texture. Fresh spinach is sautéed with garlic for a vibrant, healthy touch, and crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy, creamy finish. Perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g)
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi well and set aside.
- Sauté the Spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the Gnocchi: Add the boiled gnocchi to the skillet with the spinach. Toss to combine and spread the gnocchi evenly. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to become crispy and golden on the bottom.
- Incorporate the Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the gnocchi and spinach mixture. Gently fold the feta into the skillet and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm the cheese slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta to serving bowls. Garnish with extra crumbled feta or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid stirring the gnocchi too often during frying.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with baby kale or Swiss chard for different flavor profiles.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the dish’s spiciness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet for best texture.
