The sizzle of crispy gnocchi meeting the sautéed aroma of garlic and fresh spinach is a sound that pulls at my heartstrings. Imagine a plate full of golden-brown gnocchi, nestled among vibrant green leaves, each bite bursting with flavor and nostalgia. It takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where the laughter mingled with the scents of home-cooked meals. Those were the days when dinner felt like a celebration, and this Easy Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta is a heartfelt reflection of those memories—a dish that warms both the tummy and the soul. Whether it’s a cheerful weeknight gathering or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe comes together quickly, making it the perfect addition to any dinner table. You’re going to love making this delightful meal!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta: A Childhood Memory In Flavor
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta

Easy Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta

This dish isn’t just about simplicity; it’s a fabulous blend of flavors that’s sure to impress anyone at your table. Let’s dig more into why this recipe is bound to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it a breeze to whip up on busy evenings.
Irresistible Flavor: The contrast of crispy, hearty gnocchi with fresh spinach and tangy feta creates a delightful explosion of taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes that brings an inviting charm to the dinner table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, as a side, or even a light meal, this dish fits any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to gluten-free gnocchi or even skipping the feta for a dairy-free version!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound gnocchi: Look for good-quality gnocchi easily found in the pasta aisle, or use homemade for a personal touch. If you prefer gluten-free, there are excellent alternatives available that still maintain that pillowy texture.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Choose a good extra virgin olive oil to add depth of flavor. Avocado oil can also work well, providing a nice, buttery taste.
4 cups fresh spinach (About 120 g): Fresh spinach is essential for that lovely pop of color and nutrients. You can substitute with kale or Swiss chard if you like.
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (About 115 g): The tangy creaminess of feta is what makes this recipe sing. If you don’t have feta, goat cheese is a nice alternative.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic and savory punch. If you’re short on fresh, garlic powder can be used, but fresh is always best.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning! Adjust to your taste, and feel free to experiment with other spices or herbs.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional): This adds a kick of heat, but you can easily leave it out if you’re sensitive to spice.

How to Make Easy Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta: A Childhood Memory In Flavor

Boil and Drain: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they rise to the surface! Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and let them drain thoroughly. This step is crucial for getting that perfect crispy texture later.

Heat the Pan: In a large frying pan, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This is the moment where patience pays off—make sure the oil is hot before adding the gnocchi for that perfect crunch. Carefully add the drained gnocchi, and let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on one side.

Stir for Crispiness: Gently stir the gnocchi and let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring they get that crispy texture on all sides. You can use a spatula to flip them easily, giving them some love as they golden up. The outside should be crispy, while the inside remains tender—it’s a contrast that keeps every bite interesting!

Add Garlic: Now it’s time for the aroma to fill your kitchen! Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it burn, as it can turn bitter in an instant!

Add Spinach: Toss the fresh spinach into the pan, gently stirring to combine. In a few short minutes, the spinach will wilt down and become beautifully vibrant. This step not only adds color but also packs in those health benefits we all love. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until it’s soft.

Season: Take a moment to season your creation with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you decided to add them for some heat. This is where you get to adjust the flavors to your liking—feel free to taste and iterate!

Stir in Feta: Finally, remove the pan from the heat and stir in your crumbled feta cheese. Here’s where the magic happens—the creamy, tangy feta melds beautifully with the other ingredients. Give it a gentle mix to allow the cheese to incorporate, and you’re ready to serve!

Storing & Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for a few hours or in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to store it longer, freeze it in a container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes, or until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, so you might want to add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil while reheating to refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your pot of water is adequately salted; it should taste a bit like the sea! This is essential for flavor.
If you enjoy extra texture, try pan-frying the gnocchi a bit longer until they’re a deep golden brown—they’ll be irresistibly crunchy!
Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Want to amp up the flavor? Add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to brighten everything up.
Experiment with additional veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers; they can add great flavor and color!

The Easy Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta is a dish that perfectly balances flavor and ease. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the joy of home cooking and makes for a delightful meal any night of the week. Don’t hesitate to play around with your favorite ingredients or spices! After all, cooking is a personal adventure. Gather around the table, enjoy this comforting dish, and create your own beautiful memories.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi is a great time-saver. Just toss them directly into boiling water without thawing. The cooking time will be roughly the same—once they float to the top, they’re done! Follow the same pan-frying steps for that crispy texture.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If feta isn’t your thing or you don’t have it on hand, crumbled goat cheese makes an excellent alternative. You could also try ricotta for a creamier texture, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that still gives a delicious, cheesy flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Yes! You can use vegan gnocchi (just check the ingredients) and replace the feta with a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it entirely. Adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy depth without dairy!

How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked correctly?

The gnocchi will float to the surface of the boiling water when they’re done, usually within 2-3 minutes. This floating action indicates the air pockets inside have expanded, making them light and fluffy. It’s easy to check; just take one out and give it a taste if you’re unsure!

More Dinner Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Easy Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-fried
Cuisine: Italian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta captures irresistible flavors in a quick dish. With its golden-brown gnocchi, fresh spinach, and creamy feta, this meal is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. Enjoy a taste of nostalgia with this straightforward, homemade recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

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 & black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface.
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add gnocchi and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side.
Gently stir the gnocchi and cook for another 2-3 minutes for crispy texture on all sides.
Add minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning.
Toss in fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste.
Remove from heat and stir in crumbled feta cheese until well combined.

Notes

Use good-quality gnocchi for the best flavor and texture. Gluten-free options are also available.
Feel free to swap feta with goat cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container refrigeration for up to 3 days.