Crispy Gnocchi Spinach Feta

This crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that comes together quickly for a delightful meal. It makes a great weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying and flavorful without a lot of fuss. The crispy pan-fried gnocchi contrasts beautifully with the tender spinach and creamy feta, making every bite interesting.

I first made this when my go-to pasta dish was out of reach and now it’s one of my favorites for a fast but impressive dinner. My family loves the crispy gnocchi and the punch the feta adds

Gather Your Ingredients

• One pound gnocchi: The star ingredient providing a soft pillowy texture inside with a crispy exterior when fried
• Two tablespoons olive oil: For frying the gnocchi, opt for extra virgin for the best flavor
• Four cups fresh spinach: About 120 grams Adds freshness and nutritional value choose vibrant, tender leaves with no wilting
• Four ounces feta cheese, crumbled: Around 115 grams Brings a tangy, creamy contrast look for high-quality feta packed in brine for maximum flavor
• Two cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives an aromatic depth to the dish fresh is best rather than pre-minced
• Salt: To taste Enhances all the flavors
• Black pepper: To taste Adds subtle heat and complexity
• One teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional Spices things up if you like a bit of heat in the dish

How to Make It

Sauté the Aromatics and Prepare Gnocchi:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions until they float, usually around two to three minutes Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and let them drain well

Crisp the Gnocchi:

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking Add the cooked gnocchi in a single layer and leave them undisturbed for about two to three minutes until the bottom side turns golden and crispy

Turn and Crisp All Sides:

Gently toss or stir the gnocchi to turn them over Continue cooking for another two to three minutes so all sides develop a crunchy, golden crust

Add Garlic and Wilt Spinach:

Reduce the heat to medium Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about one minute until fragrant Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter Add the fresh spinach to the pan and stir gently until it wilts, about two to three minutes

Season and Finish:

Season the pan with salt, black pepper, and if you like a little kick, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes Remove the pan from heat Finally, stir in the crumbled feta cheese so it warms slightly and blends into the mixture Serve immediately on plates

Feta cheese is my favorite ingredient in this dish. Its tangy and creamy personality balances the crispy gnocchi perfectly. The first time I made this recipe I had a memorable family dinner where everyone kept reaching for seconds, raving about the contrast of crispy bites with soft, melty cheese. It has since become a staple whenever I want to impress with minimal effort.

Flavor Boosters

Serve with a light side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top just before serving brightens the flavors beautifully. You might add toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch that compliments the softness of the gnocchi.

Serving Suggestions

In the warmer months, try adding cherry tomatoes or fresh basil to make it lighter and fresher. During fall and winter, swap the spinach with hearty greens like kale and sprinkle in some toasted walnuts for an earthy flavor.

Creative Twists

Friends have told me this recipe is a hit for busy weeknights and dinner parties because it feels both homemade and somewhat indulgent. One friend said it reminded her of restaurant-quality gnocchi, but easier and faster to prepare.

I recommend cooking the gnocchi and spinach mixture fresh as the spinach wilts and feta softens best freshly combined However, you can freeze cooked gnocchi separately and pan-fry from frozen later for a quick meal.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ How do I achieve crispy gnocchi?

Boil gnocchi until they float, then pan-fry them in hot olive oil without stirring initially to form a golden crust.

→ Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Yes, kale, Swiss chard, or other tender leafy greens work well as alternatives to spinach.

→ What type of cheese pairs well with gnocchi?

Crumbled feta adds tangy creaminess that complements the crispy texture and fresh greens nicely.

→ Should garlic be cooked before adding spinach?

Yes, sauté minced garlic until fragrant before adding spinach to infuse the dish with rich aromatic flavor.

→ Can I add heat to this dish?

Yes, sprinkling red pepper flakes during cooking adds a subtle touch of spice without overpowering flavors.