Name: Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound gnocchi; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cups fresh spinach (About 120 g); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (About 115 g); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional, for heat)

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a dish that brings together irresistible textures and flavors, this Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta is exactly what you need. Picture pillowy gnocchi pan-fried to golden perfection, paired with vibrant, fresh spinach, and finished off with tangy, creamy feta cheese. It creates a delightful balance of crispiness, freshness, and a slight salty kick that feels both comforting and special all at once. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this recipe strikes the perfect chord every time.

Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, yet each one plays an essential role in building the delicious layers of flavor and texture in the Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta. From the tender gnocchi that crisps up beautifully to the fresh spinach that adds a burst of color and the feta that brings in that creamy tang, everything works harmoniously.

1 pound gnocchi: The star of the dish, offering a soft and pillowy base that crisps up beautifully when cooked right.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect golden crunch on the gnocchi and adds a lovely fruity aroma.
4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g): Provides a vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that brightens the dish.
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g): Adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the crispy gnocchi and fresh greens.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a subtle pungency and warmth that elevates the overall taste.
Salt (to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the ingredients.
Black pepper (to taste): Gives a gentle heat and complexity in the background.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick, adding depth and spiciness.

How to Make Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the top—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. Once they rise, it means they’re perfectly cooked and tender inside. Use a slotted spoon to fish them out and set them aside to drain. This step ensures your gnocchi are soft but not mushy before crisping them up.

Step 2: Crisp the Gnocchi

Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the cooked gnocchi in the pan in a single layer and resist the temptation to stir immediately. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes so that one side develops a luscious golden-brown crust. This is where the magic begins: soft meets crispy in every bite.

Step 3: Turn and Crisp More

Gently toss or stir the gnocchi to crisp the other sides evenly. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until every piece of gnocchi boasts that enticing crunch on all sides. Keeping the heat steady here is key—it helps build texture without burning.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir quickly to release its fragrant aroma, sautéing for about 1 minute. Be sure not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can turn bitter. This step layers in aromatic warmth that will mingle with the spinach and feta beautifully.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach directly to the pan and stir gently, allowing it to wilt in the residual heat and coating from the olive oil and garlic. This wilting process takes just 2 to 3 minutes and transforms the bright leafy greens into silky, tender perfection that blends wonderfully with the crispy gnocchi.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Season the concoction with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little extra spark. Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the crumbled feta cheese. The residual warmth will soften the feta slightly without melting it completely, creating pockets of creamy tanginess that elevate every mouthful.

How to Serve Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta

Garnishes

To make this dish even more inviting, top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh herbal note. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a luscious finish and shiny appearance. For a touch of crunchy contrast, some toasted pine nuts or walnuts can work wonders.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta pairs perfectly with a simple crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a light vegetable soup also make delightful companions. You could even serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a fuller meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant presentation, serve the crispy gnocchi and greens in warm shallow bowls, garnished with a few whole feta crumbles and a scattering of red pepper flakes for color. Alternatively, spoon it into small individual cast iron skillets for a rustic, cozy look that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the crispy texture may soften as the gnocchi absorbs moisture, but the flavors remain just as wonderful.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked gnocchi before crisping if needed. Flash freeze the cooked gnocchi on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. For best results, crisp them freshly from frozen in a hot pan before adding spinach and feta.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to restore some crispness, stirring occasionally. Avoid using the microwave if you want to preserve texture; the pan does a better job at reviving the delightful crunch of the original Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

While fresh spinach works best for its vibrant color and texture, you can use frozen spinach if needed. Be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to prevent a soggy dish.

What type of gnocchi is best for this recipe?

Store-bought potato gnocchi works wonderfully here and cooks quickly. If you have homemade gnocchi, just adjust the boiling time accordingly. The key is to cook them until they float before moving on to crisping.

Is feta cheese essential or can I substitute it?

Feta cheese truly adds a unique tang and creaminess that complements the dish beautifully, but if you prefer, goat cheese or ricotta salata can be good alternatives. Avoid very mild cheeses to keep the flavor punch.

How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warming heat, not overpowering spice. You can adjust the quantity or omit them entirely if you prefer mild flavors. The recipe is quite flexible in this regard.

Can I make this dish vegan?

To make a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based vegan feta alternative. Ensure your gnocchi does not contain dairy or eggs. The spinach and garlic base still offers plenty of flavor even without cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta has quickly become one of my absolute favorite go-to meals when I want something that feels both indulgent and wholesome. The combination of crispy edges, tender greens, and creamy cheese is simply unbeatable. I encourage you to try this recipe—it’s comforting, quick to prepare, and sure to bring a smile to your dinner table every time.

Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a quick and delicious dish featuring tender gnocchi pan-fried to a golden crisp, tossed with fresh sautéed spinach, garlic, and tangy feta cheese. Perfect as a comforting vegetarian meal that combines crispy texture with creamy and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi

1 pound gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Flavorings

4 cups fresh spinach (About 120 g)
2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Seasonings

4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (About 115 g)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional, for heat)

Instructions

Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, typically about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set aside to drain.
Fry the gnocchi: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cooked gnocchi and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the underside is golden brown and crispy.
Turn and crisp all sides: Gently stir and flip the gnocchi, cooking for another 2-3 minutes so they become crispy on all sides, ensuring an even golden crust.
Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the pan, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach, stirring gently until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. This will soften the greens while keeping their vibrant color.
Season the dish: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Remove the pan from heat.
Add the feta: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to warm slightly and combine with the other ingredients. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy gnocchi, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they fry evenly.
Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat; adjust to your spice preference.
You can substitute baby spinach with other greens like Swiss chard or kale if preferred.
To keep the dish vegetarian and gluten-free, choose gnocchi made from potatoes without added wheat flour.
Serve this dish immediately for the best texture, as the gnocchi can soften if left to sit.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Pan-frying, Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian