Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe

Introduction

Crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta is a quick and satisfying dish that combines tender potato gnocchi with vibrant greens and tangy cheese. It’s perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a flavorful side dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 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, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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, usually about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set them aside to drain.
2. Step 2: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cooked gnocchi and cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy on one side.
3. Step 3: Gently stir the gnocchi and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they get crispy on all sides.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Step 5: Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring gently until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove from heat.
7. Step 7: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to combine evenly with the gnocchi and spinach before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
• Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a different leafy green twist.
• Use vegan feta or omit the cheese to make this dish dairy-free.
• Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a pleasant crunch.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the gnocchi crispy, or warm in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just cook them according to package instructions until they float before pan-frying.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Adding garlic after reducing the heat to medium and cooking it briefly—about 1 minute—helps prevent burning. Stir continuously and watch closely for the garlic’s aroma.

Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe features perfectly pan-fried gnocchi that are golden and crispy on the outside, tender inside, tossed with fresh wilted spinach and tangy crumbled feta cheese. Flavored with garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes, this quick and easy stovetop dish makes a delicious vegetarian meal or side that comes together in under 30 minutes.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gnocchi

• 1 pound gnocchi
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables & Cheese

• 4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g)
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. 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, usually about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set them aside to drain.
2. Fry the gnocchi: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cooked gnocchi and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy on one side.
3. Crisp all sides: Gently stir the gnocchi and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they get crispy on all sides.
4. Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan and stir gently until it wilts, which will take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Season the dish: Season the gnocchi and spinach mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove the pan from the heat.
7. Add the feta cheese: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, mixing until combined and slightly warmed by the residual heat.

Notes

• Use store-bought gnocchi for convenience or make your own for a more homemade touch.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit to keep it mild.
• To make this dish vegan, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese option.
• Serve immediately for best crispiness, as gnocchi tends to soften as it sits.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: crispy gnocchi, spinach, feta cheese, pan-fried gnocchi, easy vegetarian dinner, quick Italian recipes