Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta Recipe

If you’re searching for a weeknight meal that’s equal parts quick, comforting, and a little bit special, you have to try Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta. In just 25 minutes, pillowy gnocchi are transformed into golden-crisp bites, tossed with wilted spinach, and sprinkled generously with tangy feta. The contrasting textures and flavors make every bite exciting, and you’ll love how this vibrant Italian-inspired dinner comes together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. It’s just the kind of dish that hits the spot whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself to something heartwarming and bold.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on a few essential ingredients to do all the heavy lifting. Each one is selected for the way it enhances the finished dish—think crispiness, color, creaminess, and a hint of heat if you’re feeling bold.

• Gnocchi: These pillowy potato dumplings turn beautifully crisp when pan-fried, offering a delightful contrast to their soft interior.
• Olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil for that perfect golden, crispy finish on the gnocchi.
• Fresh spinach: Vibrant and mild, spinach wilts quickly and adds color and nutrients to every forkful.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta brings a welcome tang and creamy, salty bite that balances the richness.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the whole skillet with a savory aroma that makes this dish irresistible.
• Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the feta’s saltiness.
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds a little warmth and depth.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of heat, these wake up the flavor even more.

How to Make Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta

Step 1: Boil the Gnocchi

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil—think of this as the perfect bath to plump up your gnocchi. Drop in the gnocchi and cook just until they rise to the surface, usually within two or three minutes. That’s your cue they’re perfectly cooked! Gently scoop them out with a slotted spoon and let them drain to avoid excess water.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Gnocchi

In your largest frying pan, heat up the olive oil over medium-high. When it’s shimmering hot, add the gnocchi in a single layer. Don’t rush this step—let them sit without moving for a couple of minutes. This patience is what gives that signature crispy crust! After about 2 to 3 minutes, give them a gentle toss or stir, then let them crisp up on the other sides as well.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium, and add your minced garlic right into the crispy gnocchi. Stir everything together for just about a minute, savoring that fragrant aroma. Keep the garlic moving so it softens and infuses every bite without burning.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Add all that fresh spinach directly to the pan—it looks like a lot, but it will wilt down nicely in 2 to 3 minutes. Keep stirring gently until it’s just wilted and bright green, folding it through the gnocchi and garlic so each bite gets a taste of leafy goodness.

Step 5: Season the Dish

While the spinach finishes wilting, sprinkle your cooked gnocchi and spinach with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like things spicy. This is the perfect moment to taste and adjust so every bite is just right for you.

Step 6: Finish With Feta

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Let the feta soften and mingle with the warm ingredients—no need to let it fully melt. Serve up your Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta immediately, while it’s hot and inviting.

How to Serve Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra crumbled feta and a dusting of fresh cracked black pepper instantly elevates each plate. For added brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice or a handful of chopped fresh herbs—like parsley or basil—complements the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta pairs effortlessly with a simple green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or a bowl of roasted vegetables for more color and texture. Warm crusty bread is always a hit, especially for mopping up the flavorful bits left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

To serve this dish for a dinner party, try spooning it onto a large platter and topping it with roasted cherry tomatoes for an extra pop of sweetness and color. For something fun and casual, you can serve individual portions in small bowls as a hearty appetizer or shared snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors continue to meld, making tomorrow’s lunch even tastier. For best results, enjoy within one or two days to preserve the texture of the gnocchi.

Freezing

While Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta is best when fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Be aware that the texture of the gnocchi and spinach may change a bit upon reheating, but the flavor still shines.

Reheating

To recapture that freshly-cooked crispiness, reheat the gnocchi in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Give everything a quick stir until warmed through and crisp, or microwave gently if you’re in a hurry (though the pan method is best for texture).

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just cook frozen gnocchi straight from the freezer, following the package directions for boiling time, and then proceed with the recipe as written. They’ll crisp up beautifully in the pan.

Is there a good substitute for feta cheese?

If you prefer something milder, crumbled goat cheese or even ricotta salata works well in place of feta. You’ll get a similarly creamy, salty note with a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I make Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta vegan?

Yes! Choose plant-based gnocchi (free from eggs and dairy) and swap feta with your favorite vegan feta alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making this an easy meal to adapt.

What protein can I add to make this a more filling meal?

For a bit more heft, try tossing in some cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even canned chickpeas for a plant-based upgrade. All these pair nicely with the flavors in Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta.

Can I use other greens besides spinach?

Definitely! Kale, Swiss chard, or baby arugula all work well and add their unique flair. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for heartier greens so they wilt to the perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a comforting but lively dinner that won’t take hours in the kitchen, give Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta a try. With its irresistible crunch, vibrant color, and bold flavors, it’s bound to become a repeat favorite—easy enough for busy nights, delicious enough for a celebration. Grab your frying pan and treat yourself to something truly special tonight!

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