why make this recipe

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a delightful dish that brings together comforting flavors and easy preparation. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner with friends or family. The creamy texture complements the soft gnocchi, while the spinach adds a nice touch of color and nutrition. Feta cheese brings a tangy, salty flavor that is simply irresistible. Overall, this dish combines simplicity with great taste, making it a winning choice for any home cook.

how to make Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Making Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to create your delicious meal.

Ingredients:

1 package of gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions:

Cook the Gnocchi
Start by cooking the gnocchi according to the package instructions. This usually involves boiling water, adding the gnocchi, and cooking until they float to the top. This indicates they are done. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and set them aside.
Heat Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. The oil needs to be hot enough to sauté the garlic but not smoking.
Sauté Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Cook Spinach
Add 2 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir the spinach into the garlic and oil. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. The spinach will cook quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Add Cream and Feta
Next, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Continue to cook this mixture, stirring gently, until it is warmed through. The cream will make a rich sauce, and the feta will melt slightly, adding flavor.
Combine Gnocchi
Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi into the skillet. Mix everything well to coat the gnocchi with the creamy sauce. You want each piece of gnocchi to be covered in the delicious sauce.
Season to Taste
Season your dish with salt and pepper according to your taste. Remember that feta cheese is already salty, so you may not need much salt.
Serve Hot
Serve the creamy gnocchi hot. If you like, top your dish with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This step is optional, but it adds a nice finishing touch.

how to serve Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is best served immediately while hot. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. Place the creamy gnocchi in bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you wish. This dish can also be garnished with a few fresh spinach leaves for a pop of color. Serve it alongside a light, crisp white wine or sparkling water for a complete meal.

how to store Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Storing leftover Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is easy. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in a skillet over low heat. You can add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

If you prefer, this dish can also be frozen. Place the cooled gnocchi in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the gnocchi in the refrigerator overnight before warming it up in a skillet.

tips to make Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach and good-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste.
Gnocchi Options: You can use store-bought gnocchi for ease, but homemade gnocchi will add a special touch if you’re up for the challenge.
Adjust Creaminess: If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It will still be creamy but lighter in texture.
Add Protein: Consider adding some cooked chicken or shrimp to make this a more filling meal. Just add it to the skillet after adding the spinach.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
Vegetarian Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but always check the labels on the gnocchi to ensure there are no meat products.

variation

There are numerous variations you can try with this recipe. Adding different vegetables is one way. For instance, you could include sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.

If you want to make it a complete meal, consider adding protein sources like grilled chicken or crispy bacon. You could also swap out the feta for another cheese like goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture.

For a fresh twist, you can add fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for an extra layer of flavor. Simply chop and mix in at the end before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to cook and serve the dish fresh. If you need to make it ahead, store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.

2. What should I do if I can’t find gnocchi?
If gnocchi is unavailable, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like orecchiette or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?
Most store-bought gnocchi contains wheat, making it not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free gnocchi made from potatoes or other gluten-free grains. Always check the packaging.

4. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess liquid before adding it to the skillet.

5. How do I make this dish spicier?
To add spice, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers when sautéing the garlic. Start small and adjust to your preferred heat level.

By following this recipe for Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta, you will create a simple yet flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this meal is sure to impress!

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta

Author: ethanmiller
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful dish that combines soft gnocchi with creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 package of gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, boiling until they float, then drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in heavy cream and add crumbled feta, cooking until warmed through.
Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi, coating well with the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust creaminess with half-and-half if desired. Add protein or different vegetables for variations.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: gnocchi, creamy pasta, spinach, vegetarian recipe, easy dinner