Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a delightful dish that brings together the soft and chewy texture of gnocchi with the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach and the creamy saltiness of feta cheese. This dish is not just satisfying but also very easy to make. You can prepare it in a short time and enjoy it as a main dish or a side. Its combination of textures and tastes makes it a favorite for many.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are so many reasons why you will love this recipe:
- Quick to Make: The dish takes only about 20 minutes from start to finish. So, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Crispy and Flavorful: The gnocchi gets crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside. The garlic and spinach make it aromatic and fresh.
- Healthy Ingredients: Spinach adds nutrients, and feta gives a nice dose of calcium. Altogether, it’s a good choice for a wholesome meal.
- Versatile: This dish can be served by itself or as a side dish. You can enjoy it with grilled chicken, fish, or even a light salad.
- Customizable: You can modify it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins like chicken or shrimp.
With all these features, it’s easy to see why this dish is a hit among home cooks!
HOW TO MAKE Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta
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)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Boil the Gnocchi: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it is boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions. Generally, this takes about 2-3 minutes. You will know they’re ready when they rise to the top of the water. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them, and let them drain.
- Sear the Gnocchi: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the cooked gnocchi. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes. This helps them become golden and crispy on one side.
- Crisp Both Sides: Gently stir the gnocchi, allowing them to cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remember, you want them crispy on all sides.
- Add Garlic: Once the gnocchi are crispy, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Spinach: Next, add the fresh spinach to the pan. Stir it gently until it wilts. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Season: Now it’s time to season your dish! Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Mix everything well.
- Finish with Feta: Lastly, stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Let it combine with the other ingredients. Once everything is mixed, remove from heat.
- Serve Immediately: Plate your delicious crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta, and enjoy them hot!
HOW TO SERVE Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta
Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta can be served in various ways. Serve it hot on a plate as a main dish. You can also sprinkle some extra feta or red pepper flakes on top for an added touch. It pairs well with a fresh side salad or grilled vegetables. If you have leftovers, consider reheating them for lunch the next day. Just add a splash of olive oil in a pan to keep them from sticking.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within 2-3 days to enjoy their crispiness. When reheating, use a skillet on medium heat with a little olive oil. This will help restore some of that crispy texture.
You can also freeze the crispy gnocchi, but keep in mind that freezing may affect the texture. To freeze, place the cooled dish in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
There are many great ways to serve Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta:
- With Protein: Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for a filling meal.
- Salads: Pair it with a light salad, such as a Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.
- Sauces: You can also drizzle a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic reduction on the plate for a tangy twist.
- Extra Herbs: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor.
VARIATIONS
You can easily customize this dish to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Add More Veggies: Toss in other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini when you add the spinach.
- Different Cheese: Replace feta with goat cheese or Parmesan for a different taste.
- Protein Boost: For a heartier version, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy spicy food, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi, but check the package instructions for cooking time. Frozen gnocchi may take a little longer to cook.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free gnocchi, then yes, this dish can be gluten-free! Always check the label to be sure.
3. How do I know when the gnocchi are cooked?
Gnocchi are done when they rise to the top of the boiling water. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the gnocchi and sauté the vegetables, then combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and crispy.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta
To make your cooking process easier, you can prepare certain elements in advance:
- Prep the Gnocchi: You can cook the gnocchi a few hours before and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to toss them in a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Chop Ingredients: Chop the garlic and crumbled feta beforehand. You can also wash and dry the spinach early for a quick assembly later.
- Sauté Spinach in Advance: You can wash and sauté the spinach ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just combine everything in a skillet.
Following these steps will help you enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort! Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that is sure to impress anyone. Enjoy your cooking and digging in!

Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta
Ingredients
Method
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (about 2-3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and let drain.
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cooked gnocchi and cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy on one side.
- Gently stir the gnocchi and cook for another 2-3 minutes until crispy on all sides.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
- Add the fresh spinach, stirring gently until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and combine with other ingredients. Remove from heat.
- Plate the dish immediately and enjoy hot.