If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting meal that comes together in a snap, you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta. Imagine pillowy gnocchi sautéed until golden and crisp, tossed with fresh spinach that wilts delicately and crowned with tangy, salty feta. This dish is a real weeknight hero, bursting with texture and flavor, and it’s just as perfect for a relaxing dinner for two as it is for impressing friends over the weekend. The best part? Everything comes together in under 30 minutes—proof that a restaurant-quality plate is well within your reach on even the busiest day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta lies in the simplicity and harmony of its ingredients. Each element brings something unique—be it hearty texture, a pop of color, or a tangy finish—that transforms a handful of pantry staples into an unforgettable meal.
- Gnocchi: These potato dumplings provide the soft, satisfying base; use store-bought for ease or homemade for a special touch.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of good olive oil ensures the gnocchi fry up golden and deliciously crispy.
- Fresh spinach: Four cups seem like a lot, but it wilts beautifully, adding color and a boost of nutrition.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta gives each bite a creamy, tangy pop and pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth—don’t skip it!
- Salt: Customizes seasoning and enhances the natural flavors—add to taste.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and warmth; freshly ground is best for maximum flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect if you love a gentle kick of heat; adjust to your preference.
How to Make Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta
Step 1: Boil the Gnocchi
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the gnocchi and let them cook according to the package’s directions—usually just a couple of minutes, until they float to the surface. This quick boiling ensures they keep their pillowy centers when you pan-fry them. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi to a plate and let them drain well; excess water can get in the way of your crisping efforts.
Step 2: Crisp Up the Gnocchi
Heat your olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the drained gnocchi in a single layer, making sure each piece gets a chance to brown. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and crispy on one side, then gently stir and continue cooking for another few minutes for an irresistible all-over crunch. This is what takes basic gnocchi and transforms them into the star of Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta!
Step 3: Add Garlic for Depth
Reduce the heat to medium and sprinkle in the minced garlic. Stir gently, sautéing for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. This little extra step infuses the oil and the gnocchi with so much flavor, making every bite even more delicious.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Toss the fresh spinach into the pan, stirring carefully to combine it with the gnocchi and garlic. It might look like a lot at first, but within a couple minutes, the spinach will wilt down into tender green ribbons, weaving extra life, color, and nutrients into your dish. Don’t forget to season with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold.
Step 5: Finish With Feta
Remove the pan from the heat and scatter the crumbled feta over everything. Give it a quick, gentle mix so the cheese gets warm and just starts to melt into the gnocchi and spinach, creating a tangy, creamy finish. Serve immediately—it’s at its most irresistible right now!
How to Serve Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta
Garnishes
For an extra-special presentation, top your Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta with some more crumbled feta, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A tiny drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds eye-catching shine and wonderful aroma.
Side Dishes
This recipe is truly a one-pan wonder, but if you want to round out the meal, pair it with a crisp side salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or serve alongside roasted cherry tomatoes. A slice of warm, crusty bread works perfectly to soak up the flavorful oil and feta crumbles left on your plate!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, individual shallow bowls with a swirl of whipped feta on the bottom make an elegant touch. You could also serve this dish as a hearty appetizer in small ramekins or family-style on a big platter for everyone to dig in. Don’t be afraid to play with presentation—Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta looks and tastes amazing however you plate it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (trust me, it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making for a delightful lunch the next day.
Freezing
While gnocchi freeze well before cooking, Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta is best enjoyed fresh. The thawing and reheating process tends to make the gnocchi lose their beloved crispiness and can cause the spinach to become too soft. If you want to freeze, do so before adding spinach and feta, then finish the recipe fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
To get your gnocchi crispy again, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. Give them a drizzle of olive oil and a couple of minutes in the pan—you’ll revive their crunch and have them tasting nearly as good as new!
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just add frozen gnocchi directly to your boiling water and cook until they float to the surface. You might need to add a minute to the cooking time, but they’ll still get lovely and crispy during pan-frying.
Is there a good substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese makes a creamy, tangy alternative, or try a handful of crumbled ricotta salata for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind, feta’s sharpness really balances out the dish beautifully.
What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or baby arugula all work well in this recipe. Just remember to chop heartier greens into bite-sized pieces and give them a few extra minutes to wilt.
Can I make Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free gnocchi, which are widely available. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy this dish.
How can I add more protein to this meal?
Grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or even some toasted chickpeas make fantastic additions if you’re looking to boost the protein content and make Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta even heartier.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a flavorful, feel-good meal that’s destined to become a weekly favorite, give Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta a try. It’s easy enough for busy nights, elegant enough for company, and always leaves everyone asking for seconds. Once you taste that crispy, cheesy, spinach-tangled gnocchi, you’ll want to make it again and 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: Pan-Frying, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy pan-fried gnocchi, vibrant spinach, and tangy feta cheese in this quick and flavorful recipe for Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta.
Ingredients
Gnocchi:
- 1 pound gnocchi
Spinach and Feta Mixture:
- 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, for heat)
Instructions
- Boil Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain.
- Crisp Gnocchi: Heat olive oil in a pan, add gnocchi, and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Stir and cook on all sides.
- Add Spinach and Feta: Reduce heat, add garlic, sauté, then add spinach. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Remove from heat.
- Combine and Serve: Stir in feta cheese and serve hot on plates.
Notes
- For a variation, consider adding cherry tomatoes or other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Ensure the pan is adequately hot before adding gnocchi for the perfect crispiness.
- You can swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat on a pan for maintained crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
